Yitro’s Journey
Shabbat Parashat Yitro
January 18, 2014 – 17 Shevat 5774
Yitro’s Journey
Yitro, High Priest of Middian and Moses’ father in law, left his comfort zone to join Moses and the people of Israel in the desert. What motivated him to embark on this journey?
Perhaps it was his own sense of spirituality that sparked within him a sense of urgency and determination to begin a new chapter in life.
Some ancient sources suggest that Yitro was originally part of Pharoah’s advisory council; that he fled Egypt, and migrated to Middian, when he could not, in good conscience, go along with Pharoah’s plan to enslave the people of Israel.
Be that as it may, what seems clear is that Yitro left his comfort zone and moved into new arenas more than once in his lifetime.
But, despite the fact that Yitro stepped out of his comfort zone in order to experience new levels of awareness, Yitro retained his sense of self. Even as he joined the people of Israel in the desert to learn more about God’s presence and about God’s redemptive power, Yitro contributed of his wisdom and of his administrative talents to Moses and to the people of Israel.
Yitro’s journey reminds us that in order to grow, we must be prepared to step out of our comfort zones. At the same time, we must not lose sight of our ability to contribute of our wisdom and talents to those around us!
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Gilah Dror
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