Now Moses' father in law, Yisro, the chieftain of Midian, heard all that God had done for Moses and for Israel, His people - that the Lord had taken Israel out of Egypt. (Shemos 18:1)

What news did Yisro hear that made such an impression on him, that he came to join the Jewish people? The splitting of the Red Sea and the war with Amalek. (Rashi - Zev. 116a, and the Mechilta)

Rav Eliyahu Lopian asks: We know that everyone heard what Hashem had done for the Jewish people. So why didn't the whole world join us. What was special about Yisro?

Someone who is not interested in hearing the truth will not hear it even though it is loud and clear. When we are caught up in our worldly goals and desires, it is as if we are deaf.

We know that Yisro went from one type of idol worship to the next rejecting each one until he came upon the truth. It was his deep dedication and search for the truth that caused him to find his way.

Our world is filled with lies and illusions. If we do not actively strive and toil to penetrate the true meaning of our existence and discover our obligations, how do we expect to find them?

Application:
In what ways are you hiding from the truth?
Give 10 quick answers off the top of your head to the following sentence stems:
- I don't want to admit the truth because ...
- If I was to admit the truth, I could ...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Rabbi Mitterhoff,