Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

In this week's Parsha, after the family of Moses is reunited, Moses' father-in-law, Yitro, observes his son in law at work. The Torah states, " Moses sat as magistrate among the people, while the people stood about Moses from morning until evening. But when Moses' father-in-law saw how much he had to do for the people, he said, 'What is this thing that you are doing to the people? Why do you act alone?  . . . (Exodus 18:13-14).'"

Ultimately, Yitro advises Moses to set up a judicial structure to handle all the minor disputes, lest Moses burn out. A father-in-law advises his son in law that no one person can do everything. One must learn to delegate, which is a form of leadership not weakness.

One might wonder - who is Yitro to advise the famed Moses? Perhaps Yitro is indeed the one to offer sage council. He is family; he understands Moses' loneliness as a person. Now that wife and children have appeared, Moses is told to find meaningful time for his immediate family.

All of us need to be reminded of Yitro's message to Moses. Who offers us the "Yitro voice" that we need to hear?

After this scene, Yitro departs. He has fulfilled his parental role. A father (in law) is proud of his son (in law).

To whom can we turn for real understanding? At the appropriate time, are we ready to let go? These are messages, questions, and lessons from the Yitro - Moses encounter.

Sincerely,

Rabbi Howard Morrison