Parshat Yitro; Exodus 18:1-20:23 by Rabbi Denise L. Eger

The beginning of this week’s portion details the unique and wonderful relationship between Jethro and Moses.

Jethro was Moses’ father-in-law. Moses’ wife Tzipporah was Jethro’s daughter. After hearing of all that God did for the Israelites and Moses, Jethro takes it upon himself to reunite Moses with his wife and 2 sons, Gershon and Eliezer who had been staying in Midian. He brings them out into the wilderness to where Moses and the Children of Israel were encamped by the mountain of God (Ex.18: 5).

The reunion seems pleasant and loving. Moses is able to recount for his beloved father-in-law the wonders that God did for Israel in Egypt and the many adventures that had already occurred. Jethro, although a Midian high Priest, acknowledges the power and glory of Adonai and the deliverance and redemption God brought to Israel by offering prayers of praise and burnt offerings for God. This teaches us that even those who are not Israelites can glorify and celebrate the strength and beauty of the Eternal. Could this have been the first interfaith service?

It seems that these offerings were accepted. In fact the Torah specifically tells us Aaron and the elders came to partake of the sacrificial meal. Remember that we haven’t yet been told how to make the sacrifices that God will require of the Israelites. These will soon be revealed on Mt. Sinai in the Torah. But this encounter with Jethro is a foreshadowing of things to come. Jethro in many ways is a teacher and indeed in this week’s portion is Moses’ teacher.

Jethro’s mentorship of Moses becomes very apparent when he instructs Moses on leadership. Jethro observes the great burden of Moses who is in a position to judge and mediate disputes between the people. The text tells us, “Moses sat as magistrate among the people, while the people stood about Moses from morning until evening,” (Ex. 18:13).

Jethro is very specific with Moses, “The thing you are doing is not right; you will surely wear yourself out and these people as well. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone.” (Ex 18:17-18). Jethro knows that leaders cannot do it all. Jethro can see that Moses will not be able to lead this people forward to all that God promised if he is the only one working with the people. Jethro’s advice—GET SOME HELP! Jethro instructs Moses to enlist the aid of the elders, trusted men who can be the judges and deal with the disputes among the people. These chieftains will answer to Moses and yes, to God, but will be able to share in the heavy load of leadership that it will take to bring these people through the desert into the promised land. This advice helps to build an initial infrastructure for the Children of Israel and begins the real process of nation building. This nation building will continue in this portion as the Israelites are given the Ten Commandments at Mt. Sinai.

Thankfully, Moses heeds his mentor’s advice and creates several layers of judges, elders and chieftains to help with the people.

We have all met leaders who have trouble delegating. It seems not to have occurred to Moses that he could possible share his burdens and share the decision making and adjudicating with others. But Jethro’s sage advice allows Moses the opportunity to grow his own leadership skills and those of others by teaching the process of delegating in decision-making. For any one involved in leadership whether at the workplace, school or in volunteer organizations, this is an important lesson to learn. No one person can carry it all. Indeed the buck must stop with someone, as Harry Truman said. But the process of sharing decision making and sharing in the leadership load strengthens everyone involved and indeed the institutions as well. May we learn from Jethro’s leadership and teaching.

Posted by Lee at February 20, 2006 09:44 AM