Parshas Yisro

Parshas Yisro is the fifth parsha in Sefer Shemos (from Chapter 18, verse 1 until Chapter 20, verse 22).

First Aliyah edit

Yisro, who was Moshe's father-in-law (father of his wife - Tzipporah), after hearing about all the miracles and wonders that Hashem did for Moshe and Bnei Yisroel, comes to the desert with Moshe's wife and two sons. Moshe Rabbeinu and all the leaders of the nation meet Yisro. Moshe tells his father-in-law about their exodus from Mitzrayim, about Krias Yam Suf, about the mon falling from heaven, the water from Miriam's well, and about their war against Amalek. Yisro responds with amazement about Hashem's greatness.

Second Aliyah edit

Yisro sees that Moshe sits before thousands of people from morning until evening and serves as a judge in their disputes. He tells them Hashem's laws regarding their specific cases. Yisro suggests a system that would delegate some of Moshe's authority, where he would appoint leaders of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, with the primary requirement being that they fear Elokim. These appointed leaders would judge the people in most cases, with only the most complicated cases reaching Moshe Rabbeinu (according to Rashi, this event actually took place after Matan Torah).

Third Aliyah edit

Moshe implements Yisro's advice and establishes a hierarchical-Jewish system. Yisro returns to his land (Rashi notes that he returned to convert his family members).

Fourth Aliyah edit

The Torah returns to tell about the events when Bnei Yisroel stood at the foot of Har Sinai. They arrived at this place in the third month after leaving Mitzrayim. The Torah uses the words "on this day" and Rashi notes that this expression teaches us that we should see the Torah every day as if it was given to us today from Sinai. Moshe Rabbeinu ascends Har Sinai alone to speak with Hashem. Hashem tells Moshe to tell Bnei Yisroel that they saw what He did to Mitzrayim, and how He carried them out "on eagles' wings," and that they should remember that as long as they keep the covenant with Hashem, they will be Hashem's treasure and an am segula.

Fifth Aliyah edit

Hashem tells Moshe to tell Bnei Yisroel to sanctify themselves. They must immerse in a mikvah, and husband and wife must separate for three days. Additionally, barriers must be placed around Har Sinai, and it is forbidden for any person or animal to cross these barriers and ascend the mountain. On the third day (on the 6th of Sivan) in the morning, thunder and lightning began, and a heavy cloud appeared. The shofar sound grew increasingly stronger. Har Sinai was completely covered in smoke.

Sixth Aliyah edit

Hashem commands the Aseres Hadibros. Hashem reveals Himself to the entire world, and in every direction that Bnei Yisroel look, they literally see Elokus. With each dibur that came from Hashem, their souls departed, and Hashem returned them with tal techiya (the same dew with which He will raise the dead from their graves in techiyas hameisim). The Aseres Hadibros are: to believe in one G-d, not to worship avodah zarah, not to swear falsely in Hashem's name, to keep Shabbos, to honor parents, not to murder, not to commit adultery, not to steal, not to bear false witness, not to covet what belongs to your fellow (the custom is to stand when reading the Aseres Hadibros in shul on Shabbos).

Seventh Aliyah edit

Bnei Yisroel trembled with fear from the lights, shofar sound, and the smoking mountain. They were also afraid because their souls departed during the first two dibros as they couldn't contain the wonderful revelation. As a result, they asked Moshe to stand between them and Hashem and receive the remaining dibros. Moshe indeed did so and received all the remaining 611 mitzvos that were given at Sinai. The Torah then details the prohibition of avodah zarah.

Yisro's Acknowledgment edit

The Torah relates that after Moshe told Yisro about all the miracles that Hakadosh Baruch Hu did for Bnei Yisroel, Yisro said:

"Now I know that Hashem is greater than all gods" - Shemos 18:11

The Zohar explains that the giving of the Torah was through the power of Yisro's acknowledgment. Chassidus explains that this is because Yisro was a great scholar in external wisdoms, and through their refinement and transformation to kedusha, there was an advantage and addition to holy wisdom. The essence of the addition made through Yisro's acknowledgment is that the Torah itself is only a drawing down from above that isn't connected to human service, and through the giving of the Torah being through the power of Yisro's acknowledgment - the essence that is above the definition of higher and lower was drawn into the Torah, and through this came the power to innovate in Torah.

The Rebbe's Talk on the Parsha: Introduction - Parshas Yisro tells about Yisro's arrival to the desert, his return home, and Matan Torah.

Question - How can it be that such an elevated parsha, which speaks about Matan Torah, where open miracles occurred including techiyas hameisim, all the sick were healed, etc., couldn't be called for example "Matan Toraseinu"? Why?

Answer - The Torah reveals something wonderful to us. Yisro could have easily remained a priest for avodah zarah, he had honor, wealth, etc. But Yisro, the moment he discovered it wasn't true, immediately left everything!

We need to learn from Yisro, and know that even when it's not comfortable, we should still make an effort, to help someone put on tefillin, to distribute Neshek to someone, and thus we will bring the geulah very soon. Amen. L'chaim l'chaim. Good Shabbos.