Parshas Yisro

Parshas Yisro


If last week's Torah portion was one of the most exciting episodes in history, this week's parsha contains the ultimate event in world history: G-d's revelation to the Jewish people at the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai. Amidst the description of this cataclysmal event, G-d says, "And you shall be my treasure among the nations, for the entire world is Mine." Rashi comments on these seemingly superfluous words; we know there are many nations in the world and all belong to G-d!

Rabbi Henoch Leibowitz understands that Rashi is explaining that the Jewish people already had a relationship with G-d, and on some level, they may not have fully realized and appreciated what was happening. So, G-d is making a point to state the obvious.

This may seem surprising, but it brings out a very common human phenomenon. We often take situations, and especially people, for granted. With a spouse, a person can forget that there was a world from which to choose and the spouse chose that person. Or with a job that a person has held for years, the boss chose that  person and continues to supply him with a job.

G-d never wants us to forget the deep love He has for us; this is something to cherish and to live up to as we again experience becoming "the chosen nation."

Have a great Shabbos!

Naftali