* Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
Everyone read about it in the paper. Everyone spoke about it day and night. But only one person got up and did something. Our Torah portion begins with these words: "Now Moshe’s father-in-law, Yitro, the tribe leader of Midian, heard all that God had done for Moshe and for Israel, His people.”
Yitro was the spiritual leader of another nation. Yet when Yitro hears about the Exodus from slavery to freedom, about the miracles that God performed for the nation of Israel, and absorbed the uplifting spiritual message that accompanied these events, he does not stay aloof, but is propelled into action. He hears, internalizes the message, and is inspired to act : “And Yitro, Moshe’s father-in-law, came… to Moshe". Yitro leaves his home and joins the nation of Israel.
Notice the Torah relates that many nations heard about the children of Israel leaving Egypt. They were amazed and shocked and shaken to the core. But did this awaken to change? To do something? No. Only Yitro pondered the deeper meaning of the Exodus. He alone not only heard - but was transformed.
And what about us? We see many Jews for whom the events of the past two years have had a major impact, causing them to move forward, to open their minds and hearts, to return to their identity.
Yitro’s story raises an important question for each and every one of us: What do I do, after everything I hear?
