Yitro: Lean on Me

Parashat Yitro is probably most famous because it contains the Ten Commandments, which have served for generations as central tenets of Western religious thought and practice.  Yet this portion contains other key moments in the evolution of Israelite society.  Fresh off the Exodus, newly discovering what freedom will mean to them and striving to to form a cohesive community out of a ragtag assembly of disparate tribes, there seems to be a steep learning curve.

Our portion's namesake, Moses' father-in-law Yitro, recognizes almost immediately that the people have embraced Moses' leadership.  Yet they have done so almost to a fault, depending upon him to adjudicate even the most minor disputes and to spell out for them in explicit detail what the societal norms should be.  While it is understandable that they require guidance, given that all had spent their lives up to that point as slaves, Yitro correctly assesses that Moses is in an untenable position.  Yitro warns Moses, "you will surely wear yourself out, and these people as well.  For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone."

With God's blessing, Moses agrees to appoint magistrates that can handle the less pressing legal matters, allowing Moses to focus more intently on the larger tasks of leadership.  He can be much more effective in that role now that he has found someone to lean on.

Please note, I do not own-- nor do I claim to own-- these songs.  Copyrights are held by the various artists.  I include them here for illustrative purposes.
Lean On Me- (Yitro, Exodus 18:1-20:23)

Music and lyrics by Bill Withers, performed by Bill Withers. From the album Still Bill, Sussex Records, 1972.