Yitro 5771

Listening Leads to Peace:

Yitro tells Moshe that Moshe must revise how he has been holding court cases. Instead of Moshe being in charge of each case he should choose judges to to all of the minro cases and only the big cases will go before Moshe.

At the end of his proposition Yitro says (18:23) "If you do this thing, and Hashem commands it, then you will be able to endure, and also the nation will get to their destination in peace."

There are a few of questions on this pasuk. 1) Why is Yitro taking his time to explain the whole process to Moshe if Moshe should not do it unless he is commanded by Hashem to do it, in which case Hashem will tell him all of the rules, and Moshe will not need Yitro's ideas? 2) How is Yitro so sure that his plan will save everyone?

Many people believe that they could live on morals alone. The problem with that is that each person has a different set of morals. Since each person's set of morals can be different it can be hard (if not impossible) to live in a completely moral society according to every opinion. What I think is moral does not necessarily fit with what you think is moral. But when it comes to Hashem every rule He has is completely moral. While each person has his or her own subjective morality Hashem has a objective morality. Therefore, following Hashem's rules are the only way to truly be living morally.

Yitro was telling Moshe that even though he believes that this may be the greatest idea that objectively it may not be the best option. Therefore, it should not be followed unless Hashem first tells us that it is a good idea.

Now if it is in fact commanded by Hashem then it must be the most moral choice. This would mean that Yitro's advise is was in fact the correct option. This means that the idea of having more judges would actually be helpful to the people of a whole on a physical level, and "then you will be able to endure, and also the nation will get to their destination in peace."

If we follow the objective morality of Hashem, and do the mitzvot, we will not only be living more spiritual lives, but even a more physically good life.

Have a good Shabbat!