Not many parshiyot are named after individuals. What was so unique about Yitro that he merited to have a parasha referred to by his name? Moreover, there is debate among the Rishonim as to whether this parasha transpired prior to or following Matan Torah. According to the opinion of “Ein mukdam u’meuchar b’Torah—that Yitro is not in chronological order,” why is this episode of Yitro’s arrival purposely placed to precede Matan Torah?
Rav Wolbe in his Shiurei Chumash, derives an important lesson from Yitro’s actions. Imagine someone reading the New York Times and coming across an article about Kriyat Yam Suf. They may be amazed at learning of the miraculous event, yet they proceed to turn the page and continue on to the next article. They may be impressed—even amazed—but are not at all affected by what they just learned.
What was Yitro’s reaction? He hears about the miracles that transpired at Yetziat Mitzrayim, and it permeates his very being. He immediately reacts by leaving his home and traveling with his daughter and grandsons to meet up with his son-in-law.
The Torah declares: “Vayishma Yitro—Yitro hears.” One can “hear” but not “listen.” Onkelos translates the word “nishma” in the famous phrase “naaseh v’nishma” as “nekabel—we will accept.” It is a hearing that triggers a reaction—an acceptance.
Shlomo HaMelech requests of HaKadosh Baruch Hu, “V’natata l’avdecha lev l’shmoah—Provide for your servant, a heart that can hear,” (Melachim Aleph, 3:9). What exactly is Shlomo requesting? Sound enters through the ears not the heart. However, if one is affected by what he hears, then it will enter one’s heart and trigger a reaction. Pharaoh heard and even witnessed God’s strength, yet, “kaved lev Pharaoh”—his heart was hard and nothing was able to pierce it. Essentially, each makkah went in one ear and out the other, having no lasting effect on him.
Perhaps, Yitro’s arrival is purposely placed prior to Matan Torah, to teach us how to listen! God is about to speak to us and transmit the Torah to us. It is not enough to just hear what God says, but we have to listen, accept and internalize all of those commandments. Our response needs to be like that of Yitro—who immediately took what he heard and acted upon it. We, too, must learn this lesson from Yitro. When we are inspired, we need to internalize and act upon it.
It is not only crucial to be a “good” listener—when we refer to mitzvot bein adam laMakom. Unfortunately, at times when we are with friends and family, we don’t grant them the proper attention. They speak to us, but we are not listening attentively. We may check our messages or be distracted by our phones. We need to not hear them, but rather to listen to them as well. To try to understand what they are communicating; whether it is requesting our opinion and assistance, or providing us with advice and constructive criticism. Moshe was very busy, but he took time to greet his father-in-law and to entertain and implement Yitro’s suggestions.
May we be good listeners—in both the spiritual and social realms—so that we internalize what we hear and properly react so we can maximize our potential.
Rabbi Shalom Rosner is rosh beit midrash of the Machon Lev English speaking program and rabbi of the Nofei HaShemesh community. He is also the tzurba maggid shiur, giving a weekly shiur on Tzurba Hilchot Shabbat. He is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).
