Parashat Yitro- Our Eternal Commitment to Torah

The Power of Daily Remembrance

As we reflect on our daily lives, we're commanded to remember six fundamental things. The second is to recall what we witnessed at Har Sinai (Mount Sinai). As the verse states: "Remember what you saw with your own eyes at Har Sinai... lest you forget what you saw with your own eyes, the day you stood before Hashem, your God, at Mount Horeb."

Parashat Yitro beautifully articulates our eternal connection to Torah and our unwavering commitment. This isn't just history; it's a daily reminder of our acceptance of the Torah, a commitment we must never forget.

Historically, the Prophet Yechezkel rebuked Jews who tried to reject this commitment. He reminded them this commitment is indelible. Our souls were all present at Har Sinai, every generation represented. The Torah says "Asher Rahu Enecha" (you yourself saw) literally; we were all there, we all committed.

So, why is remembering Har Sinai so important? What are the specific lessons we must never forget? Let's explore them.

Six Key Lessons from Har Sinai

1. Torah: The World's Stability

When Hashem created the world, it says: "Vayehi Erev Vayehi Voker Yom Hashishi" – "And there was evening, and there was morning, the sixth day." Why does Friday specifically mention "Hashishi" (the sixth) unlike other days?

The Midrash, brought by the Vilna Gaon, explains that Hashem made a profound condition:

• There would be another sixth day – the sixth of Sivan, Shavuot.

• Hashem would offer His Torah to the Jewish nation.

• If accepted, all would be well; if not, the world would return to chaos.

To emphasize this, the world constantly trembled until the Torah was given. This teaches us that true stability doesn't come from power, wealth, or wars. Only the power of Torah brings genuine stability and meaning, imbuing the world with its intended values.

2. Unity: A Real Possibility

At Matan Torah, despite 600,000 men and millions more, they were "Keish Echad Belev Echad" – as one person with one heart. They shared the same ambition, desire, faith, and commitment.

Is such unity possible today? Yes! Upon reaching Har Sinai, after being divided in battle, they became unified. They became one, sharing ambition and caring for each other. Unity is not an impossible dream; it's attainable if we desire and work for it.

3. Naseh V'Nishma: Angelic Acceptance

In Parashat Yitro, Am Yisrael declared "Na'aseh" (we will accept). Later, they added "Naseh V'Nishma" (we will do and we will hear/understand). This signifies total, blind acceptance, with no questioning.

The Chazal teach this is an angelic attitude. Angels simply go where sent, without hesitation. Am Yisrael, at Har Sinai, completely subordinated themselves to Hashem's will, proclaiming, "Hashem, we are so sure, so convinced, Naseh V'Nishma!"

The Midrash explains their enslavement in Mitzrayim (Egypt) prepared them. A slave has no will of his own. While physical enslavement limits, spiritual enslavement—choosing to serve Hashem—grants total freedom. They understood true submission, preparing them for this ultimate spiritual commitment. This "Naseh V'Nishma" remains our attitude throughout history.

4. Benenu Arevim: Guaranteeing the Future

When Hashem offered the Torah, He asked for a guarantee it would be kept. They offered their forefathers, but Hashem said no. Then they declared: "Benenu Arevim" – our children will be our guarantors.

This reveals a profound truth: our commitment to Torah isn't just personal; it's a commitment to transmit the Torah to future generations. Whether to our children, students, or those unfamiliar with its beauty, Hashem wants to hear that we'll pass it on. As the Vilna Gaon noted, the Torah, passed generation to generation, has kept us united through millennia of dispersion. This highlights the crucial importance of investing in the education of our children and students.

5. Hagbalat HaHar: Boundaries of Understanding, Boundless Potential

"Hagbalat HaHar" – the fencing of the mountain – was another crucial point. Moshe set boundaries, preventing ascent. Why was this important?

Human nature is curious; we seek to understand everything. Hashem, revealing Himself with unprecedented spiritual revelation, knew people would be curious. But Hashem taught Am Yisrael that our understanding is limited. Some domains can never be fully grasped. We must accept that not everything is within our reach.

However, despite this limitation, there's no limit to the greatness we can achieve through Torah. Hashem said: "Va’esa Etchem Al Kanfei Nesharim" – "I lifted you up like on the wings of an eagle." You were deeply impure in Mitzrayim, yet within three months, you rose to purity. Hashem declares: if you call out to Me through My Torah, there's no limit to the heights you can reach. He will help you ascend higher and higher.

6. Open Your Eyes: Perceiving Hashem's Messages

When Hashem gave the Torah, their senses were transformed. They heard powerful voices and saw spiritual presence unimaginably. They had a broad perception, realizing things never seen before.

The Torah teaches us to open our eyes always. Often, we hear but fail to truly see. Like Yehudit Buzz, we must "connect the dots" and understand Hashem's messages. Think about today's world – pandemics, natural disasters, political unrest. The Hafetz Chaim said even distant events are messages. "What haven't I done yet?" Hashem asks, urging us to awaken. We must see and hear.

The Fear of Torah and the Crown of Mitzvot

The Torah was given in an atmosphere of fear. Hashem lifted the mountain over Am Yisrael, saying: "Accept My Torah, or I will drop the mountain upon you." This image conveys the trepidation, leaving no room for other thoughts. The world was silent; birds didn't chirp, animals made no sound. Even nations were petrified, asking Bilaam what was happening. Bilaam reassured them: "Hashem is giving the Torah to Am Yisrael."

Hashem knew that for the Torah to be kept, it needed a degree of fear, instilling Yirah Shamayim (fear of Heaven), leading to respect and discipline. Yet, Shlomo Hamelech reminds us: "Ki Livyathan Hen Leroshech" – Torah's mitzvot are like a beautiful crown that adorns your head. A crown, even heavy, is a symbol of beauty and privilege, never a burden. The Torah should never feel like a burden; it is our jewel, privilege, and what elevates us. If we feel this way, our daily remembrance of Har Sinai and our "Naseh V'Nishma" will be said with joy.

Stories of Unwavering Commitment

These two stories exemplify "Naseh V'Nishma" – keeping a mitzvah under all circumstances.

The Boy and His Father's Request

A brilliant yeshiva student in Vilna eagerly anticipated the holy Chofetz Chaim's visit. A week before, his father forbade him from going, fearing the crowd. Devastated, the boy wrestled with his desire versus Kibbud Av Va'Em (honoring parents). Despite inner turmoil, he chose to stay and learn, honoring his father.

Later, friends recounted shaking the Chofetz Chaim's hand and receiving a blessing for a long life. Curious, the boy noted their names. After WWII, he learned all ten lived well over 90, fulfilling the blessing. He, who obeyed his father, lived the longest, passing at 98. This shows how "Lema'an Ya'arichun Yamecha" (that your days may be lengthened) manifests through obedience.

The Family in the Coal Cellar

In early 20th century America, a family struggled to keep Shabbos, the father losing jobs for refusing to work on Shabbat. Homeless one winter, they found refuge in a coal cellar. Their young son, playing outside, was mistaken for "Black" due to coal dust. He corrected a wealthy Jewish man, declaring, "I'm a Yid (Jew)!" and explaining their plight.

The rich man offered $500, a fortune. But the father, embodying mesirut nefesh (self-sacrifice), refused, asking if the man kept Shabbos. When he admitted he didn't, the father wouldn't accept. His wife, equally committed, also refused.

The wealthy man, amused, told his wife, who burst into tears. She reminded him how they, too, had committed to Shabbos but had let it go. She declared they would recommit. The next day, they returned to the family, telling them of their decision to keep Shabbos, and insisted they take the money for a proper home. This wealthy couple became Baalei Teshuva (returnees to Judaism), establishing generations of Shabbos-observant children.

These stories highlight that when we embody "Naseh V'Nishma" and make mesirut nefesh for a mitzvah, the consequences are profound and far-reaching.

Embrace Our Eternal Commitment

Let's internalize these powerful lessons from Har Sinai. Our commitment to Torah isn't just historical; it's an ever-present force that defines our existence, brings stability, and empowers us to achieve limitless greatness.

Have a wonderful Shabbos!

Dedicated l'iluy nishmat Rav Shlomo ben Reb Yitzchak, zichrono livracha.