Yitro
Many parts of the Torah offer clear instructions on how to perform Mitzvot, other sections seem to be merely recounting our history. In truth, however, each verse of the Torah, at its core, is there to offer a lesson to us.
This week's Parsha begins with the story of Yitro, Moshe's father in law, whose wise advice is recorded and told to us.
After seeing Moshe swamped with questions for guidance from all the people, he suggests to set up a team of people to help Moshe in administering judgments to the Jewish People.
The Tzror Hamor, Rabbi Avraham Sabba, comments on the Torah's choice for placement of this story.
Last week's Parsha concludes with the battle with Amalek, the Jewish People's arch nemeses, who attacked the Jewish People after they left Egypt. Amalek's main ambition, says the Tzror Hamor, was to impede the journey to Israel, and to prevent the building of the Temple, the Beit Hamikdash.
By placing the story of Yitro immediately after the story of Amalek, the Torah is teaching us a lesson. By contrasting Yitro with Amalek, the Torah is highlighting to us the depth and importance of his ideas.
If Amalek's aim was to delay the arrival in Israel and the building of the Temple, Yitro's advice is the key to to the establishment of these very goals.
Yitro's advice to Moshe, helped to establish a system of justice and truth among the Jewish People. By implementing a society of Justice and Truth, says the Tzror Hamor, Yitro laid the foundation for the Beit Hamikdash, the Temple to be built.
The verse tells us "Tzion shall be redeemed through justice and her penitent through righteousness." (Yashayah 1:27) Now as then the Torah's message holds true, through honesty and justice we create an environment worthy of having the Beit Hamikdash, may it be rebuilt very soon.
Shabbat Shalom!
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the translation.