Tara Linker – Year 11

This week’s parashah begins with Yitro, Moshe’s father-in-law, coming with his whole family to see Moshe. What he sees upon arrival is Moshe overworking himself, trying to answer all of the questions that the people have and give judgements to the Israelites.

Day after day, Moshe tries to decide; Who should get this lamb? Who was responsible for this slave’s injury? How shall we split this portion of wheat? Moshe has been chosen to undertake the difficult task of providing judgements. Yitro, (like all grandfathers!) would like to see Moshe spending a bit more time with his family – and sees two ways to try to make this happen:

1. To lecture Moshe on all of the reasons why he should be spending more time with his family and less time at work (definitely the easier option)

OR 

2. Considering that Yitro knows that the people need someone to help them make decisions, he might suggest to Moshe to set up a system of judges and courts (he goes with this option).

Yitro tells Moshe that men (he should have suggested women too) should be trained to help make the decisions and settle arguments. Moshe agrees with Yitro’s suggestion and appoints judges to settle disputes. This allows Moshe to  spend more time with his family and share the responsibility of judging in the community. 

This portion reminds us to not just pay attention to the Aseret HaDibrot, the Ten Commandments, but to look for feasible solutions before going to a friend and complaining about their behaviour. Remember, Yitro didn’t complain to Moshe, he offered a pretty helpful solution!

So, think about the times when you wish people would do something in a different way. Do you complain? Or do you offer them a solution? Basically, this parasha tells us that we have a responsibility to offer others our suggestions, rather than just complaints. 

Moral of the story? Let’s all learn to be a little more like Yitro (and to spend more time with family, of course!).