The story of Yitro follows on the heels of the battle against Amalek in last week’s parsha, B’Shalach. Then the Torah tells us:
א בַּחֹדֶשׁ, הַשְּׁלִישִׁי, לְצֵאת בְּנֵי-יִשְׂרָאֵל, מֵאֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם--בַּיּוֹם הַזֶּה, בָּאוּ מִדְבַּר סִינָי. ב וַיִּסְעוּ מֵרְפִידִים, וַיָּבֹאוּ מִדְבַּר סִינַי, וַיַּחֲנוּ, בַּמִּדְבָּר; וַיִּחַן-שָׁם יִשְׂרָאֵל, נֶגֶד הָהָר.
1 In the third month of the children of Israel's departure from Egypt, on this day they arrived in the desert of Sinai. 2 They journeyed from Rephidim, and they arrived in the desert of Sinai, and they encamped in the desert, and Israel encamped there opposite the mountain
Rav Soloveitchick explains that before Matan Torah, a Jew needs to know two things. After hearing that Hashem had taken the Jews out of Mitzrayim with miracles and wonders, Amalek came out of the blue. The Torah doesn’t even tell us where they came from. Another man, Yitro, heard the same news and set out אל משה, אל המדבר אשר הוא חנה שם הר האלקים to Moshe, to the desert where he was camping there, the mount of G-d.
The Torah is deliberately demonstrating how two reactions to the same phenomenon stand in stark contrast to each other. Amalek responded to the reality of Monotheism by trying to obliterate the nation that represented that concept. That evil sentiment continues to exist and rear its ugly head against us throughout the generations. Yitro, on the other hand, was awestruck. His curiosity drove him to come and gain a deeper understanding of this “new” phenomenon and its ultimate Cause. This understanding culminates when the nation comes to the desert of Sinai, camps at the base of the mountain and Hashem reveals Himself. This revelation was meant, not only for the Jewish people, but for all of mankind.
The Rav explains that “the example of Yitro proves that the information was available to everyone. Among millions of people, some people are sensitive and see the beauty of a life that follows the laws engraved on luchos...not everyone. But some will come to hear more. It is accessible to all.”
It is natural to become swept up in the frenzy of our harried lives. Life in school has been busy as well, with classes, production, Aleh modules and speakers. The week seems to have flown by. As we approach this Shabbat, we will listen to the Aseret HaDibrot in shul. Let us reflect for a moment and realize how fortunate we are to have direct access to such an elevated and fulfilling life.
Shabbat Shalom!
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