Consider the first verse of this week's Torah portion, Jethro, which states: 

 

"Jethro, Priest of Midian, Moses' father-in-law, heard all that G-d had done for Moses and for Israel, His people -- how the Lord had brought Israel out from Egypt" (Exodus 18:1.)

 

What was it that Jethro heard that made him feel so close to the Israelites?

 

The Midrash in Mekhilta Amalek 3:1 tackled this very same question, and came up with the following:

 

"Some say he heard about their suffering in Egypt and was moved by pity...

Some say he heard of their triumph over Pharaoh's army and wanted to associate himself with a victorious people...  Others say he heard that the Israelites were on their way to a rendezvous with G-d; that they were destined to be a special people, and he, therefore, wanted to share in their destiny."

 

We, as readers of the Holy Text, don't know the exact words that Jethro heard, but we do recognize in Jethro a person who had that great quality, recognized even today, of being able to REALLY hear!

 

Yes, Jethro heard what others didn't.  He heard what others preferred to silence.  He heard something that moved him into action (since after it, he brought a burnt offering and sacrificed it to G-d).

 

Indeed, Jethro heard something so important that our tradition rewarded him by naming the Parashah (Torah Portion) containing the Ten Commandments - after him!

 

And it is amazing that Jethro, a non-Jewish priest of Midian, could hear and APPRECIATE what so many Israelites didn't!

 

In contrast to Jethro, our ancestors listened to G-d, but did not appreciate Him.  For example, only three days after the great miracle at the sea they started to complain to Moses about the lack of water!

 

Jethro also serves as a great example of the possibility for Jews and non-Jews to live together in peace.  We know that we are still hated by many people around the world - just as in Torah times.  (For example, Amalek wanted to destroy us as is noted in Exodus 17:14.)  Nonetheless, we know that there are still many "Jethros" around who love us and want to live with us in peace and harmony!

 

As we read Parashat Jethro and listen to the chanting of the Ten Commandments this week, let's take Jethro's example to heart and not only listen but also APPRECIATE what G-d still does for all of us today!

 

Shabbat Shalom,