This Week’s Torah Portion: Yitro – יִתְרוֹ (Exodus 18:1–20:23)
“And you shall be for me a Kingdom of priests and a holy nation” Exodus 19:6
God changes the roles of the game. Up till now God’s responsibility and relationship with Israel was unconditional. Now, before receiving the two tablets of the covenant, the 10 commandments, God says, you need to become an exemplary of a people, to be God’s chosen Nation!
Parsha Yitro – יִתְרוֹ Torah Summary:
Yitro brings his daughter Zipporah and her two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, to his son-in-law Moses. (18:1-12)
Moses follows Yitro’s advice and appoints judges to help him lead the people. (18:13-27)
The Children of Israel camp in front of Mount Sinai. Upon hearing the covenant, the Israelites respond, “All that God has spoken we will do.” (19:1-8)
After three days of preparation, the Israelites encounter God at Mount Sinai. (19:9-25)
God gives the Ten Commandments aloud directly to the people. (20:1-14)
Frightened, the Children of Israel ask Moses to serve as an intermediary between God and them. Moses tells the people not to be afraid. (20:15-18)
Yitro – יִתְרוֹ
“And you shall be for me a Kingdom of priests and a holy nation” Exodus 19:6
God changes the roles of the game. Up till now God’s responsibility and relationship with Israel was unconditional. Now, before receiving the two tablets of the covenant, the 10 commandments, God says, you need to become an exemplary of a people, to be God’s chosen Nation!