Parashat Yitro: Lessons of Emunah, Leadership, and Torah

Good morning, everyone.

I want to begin this message with a heartfelt Leiluy Nishmat (elevation of the soul) for my dear husband, Rav Shloim Yitzchok, and also for a special person from the Antwerp community who passed away this week, Rav Chaim Avrom Ben Tovi Eliezer Zeusman, a beloved and respected member of the community.

Despite the many challenges he faced in life, he always showed incredible emunah (faith) and ahava (love). One of his grandsons shared a beautiful note—that Rav Chaim never missed learning the Daf Yomi for the past 50 years. May his neshama have an aliyah, and may Hashem comfort the entire family during this Shabbos.

The Significance of Parashat Yitro

This week’s Parasha, Yitro, introduces us to a pivotal moment: Yitro’s reaction to the miracles of Kriyat Yam Suf (Splitting of the Red Sea) and the victory over Amalek. The Torah says "Va'Yishma Yitro" — Yitro heard — but what exactly did he hear?

The Rashbam explains that Yitro heard of the great miracles Hashem performed for the Jewish people, yet he chose to act and join Am Yisrael despite not witnessing these events firsthand. This teaches us the power of listening, internalizing, and responding to Hashem’s messages in our own lives.

Listening and Reacting: A Lesson for Us

As we say in our morning prayers before Kriyat Shema, we ask Hashem for the power to truly listen and respond: "Give us the ability to listen and learn, to be productive and grow spiritually." Yitro’s example shows us that it’s not enough to just hear the news or witness miracles—true growth comes from acting upon what we learn.

The Battle Against Amalek: Spiritual Warfare

After the miracle at Yam Suf, Amalek attacked the Jewish people with sorcery and witchcraft, aiming to desecrate Hashem’s name. Yitro understood that Hashem alone is the source of truth and victory. His decision to leave Midian and join Am Yisrael symbolizes the importance of sanctifying Hashem’s name through action, not just belief.

The Torah’s Timeless Message

Am Yisrael’s journey to Har Sinai marks the moment of receiving the Torah, but it also teaches us about the ongoing spiritual journey in our lives. The phrase “Bayom Haze” (“on this day”) emphasizes that every day is an opportunity to renew our commitment to Torah and mitzvot.

The Midrash teaches us that we must feel as if we are receiving the Torah today, every day, and that every moment is precious.

Valuing Time and Spiritual Growth

The Vilna Gaon famously kept a record of every minute of his life, showing how valuable time is. We should strive to use our time meaningfully, studying Torah and performing mitzvot to elevate our souls. The Torah teaches that spiritual transformation is possible through consistent, intentional effort.

Moshe Rabbeinu’s Dialogue with the Angels

Before Matan Torah, Moshe had a symbolic conversation with angels, highlighting that Torah is meant for humans who face challenges, temptations, and the yetzer hara (evil inclination). The Torah is our tool for overcoming difficulties and connecting to Hashem.

Limits and Faith

While we seek understanding, the Torah reminds us that some answers remain beyond our grasp until the coming of Moshiach. True emunah means trusting Hashem even when we don’t have all the answers.

From Fleeting Inspiration to Lasting Commitment

At Matan Torah, the presence of thunder and lightning symbolized intense, fleeting spiritual experiences. Our challenge is to transform these moments into lasting Torah lights (lapidim) that guide us throughout life.

Conclusion: Embrace Yitro’s Example

As we read Parashat Yitro this year, may we all be inspired to listen deeply, act courageously, and commit wholeheartedly to Torah and mitzvot. Let us sanctify Hashem’s name through our deeds, just as Yitro did.

Shabbat Shalom and a meaningful Parashat Yitro to all!