Greetings folks! Welcome to “A Song of Zion,” our weekly check-in and virtual minyan for Jews on Daily KOS. This is an open thread, and we treat it as a safe space for Jewish folks here. Non-Jews are welcome but we ask that they listen more than speak. No squabbling, please: if you want to fight, please step outside. (H/T wasplover and Eccaba)
This week’s Parsha is one of two named for a non-Jew. Yithro was Moses’ father-in-law. He had been the high priest of Midian. Yithro converted so perhaps that leaves just one Parsha (Balak) so named.
The following meditations are from Rabbi Zvi Miller.
After HaShem miraculously rescued Klal Yisrael from Egypt and saved them at the Red Sea, the news of these wondrous events spread throughout the world. Yisro was the only person who realized the significance of these events. He intuitively understood that HaShem -- the G-d of Israel -- is the Master of the universe! The impact of his realization inspired him to travel to Moshe in the Sinai desert and convert.
Our faculty of intelligence holds the precious power to recognize the existence of HaShem through observing the "miracles of life."
Contemplate the marvel of your existence and the kindness of the Creator until the awareness of HaShem illuminates your heart!
(Based on the commentary of the Sabe M'Kelm to Shemos 18:1)
"Moshe received the Torah from Sinai" (Avos 1:1).
The essential and primary knowledge that Moshe received at Mount Sinai was his deep understanding and awareness of HaShem, the Living G-d. HaShem revealed Himself to Moshe at Sinai so clearly that Moshe "experienced" HaShem. The love and awe of HaShem that filled Moshe's heart and soul is called the "Torah of Sinai." True Torah thought pertains, not to just knowing the law, but to the great knowledge of knowing the exalted holiness of HaShem.
The deep understanding and awareness of HaShem, that awakens the love and awe of HaShem is the true essence of Torah.
Envision yourself standing at Mount Sinai hearing HaShem speak. See a great flame raising from the mountain to Heaven, as you stand in awe in front of HaShem. Relive the Sinai Experience by recognizing the infinite dimensions of HaShem's love, holiness, and power.
(Based on the commentary of the Seforno to Pirkei Avos)
Moshe Rabenu used great insight when he spoke to Yisro, his father-in-law, about becoming a member of Klal Yisrael. Moshe foresaw that Yisro would feel a sense of embarrassment, if he was given a portion of land as an outright gift. Therefore, Moshe prefaced the conversation by saying to Yisro, "Come with us and it will be good for you." Moshe suggested to Yisro, that his effort to travel with Klal Yisrael in the desert, would earn him the merit to receive his portion of land.
Moshe was sensitive to the awkwardness that Yisro would feel if he were to receive his land as gift. Therefore, Moshe presented Yisro's prospect of receiving land, as a reward for his great effort in accompanying Klal Yisrael in the desert.
Before you share your advice with another person, consider if your ideas might put them in an uncomfortable situation. Refine your words in order to encourage people with options that are harmonious with their peace of mind, and become a partner in their success.
(Based on the Ohr HaChaim)
The Ten Commandments. Directed by Cecil B. DeMille. Link to what passed for a trailer back in the day. 10 minutes.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Ten_Commandments_(1956_film)
commons.wikimedia.org/...