Bs”d
Parshas Yisro 5761
By Mordechai Dolinsky
Yisro truly made a major contribution to Klal Yisroel, with his suggestion of an elaborate system of poiskim and morei hora’ah. One of the reasons he was named Yisro, was to commemorate this great act. A great difficulty is that his idea was such an obviously needed innovation. Why didn’t it occur to Moshe Rabeinu or to anyone else?
This matter of psak, determining the halacha is much more complex than what it seems on the surface. It is not just an issue of intellect and information as we find in the secular sense. There is a unique divine guidance that is “showered” on the posek, which he acquires through an intensive connection with Hashem.
Moshe Rabeinu knew that he was blessed with this unique framework and was instructed by Hashem to carry out this holy task as the morei hora’ah. How can he take the responsibility to delegate this awesome position, duty, and role. Now the obvious question arises; Where did Yisro get the insight that it was proper to propose this.
In the field of free will, and the area of understanding that the purpose of our existence is to be tested in the fulfillment of the will of Hashem, there is a very basic question. How are we to view acheinu bnei yisroel, our fellow Jews, which are born in locations that are far removed from any exposure to a Torah connection. How can they be tested and held responsible? How do we understand their purpose of existence to be fulfilled?
For an explanation to this we must turn to one of the most important principles. Hashem our creator maintains a constant connection with every individual and is aware of their inner most thoughts and feelings. This individual, despite that he was born so far away, yet he still has the capacity to search and find Hashem; “where does this food come from, …my clothing, …my awesome body? Hashem where are you”? These thoughts might be for a fleeting second but they are very real and sincere.
The divine wheels of hasgacha pratis are then put into motion. Our far removed person from Torah is then riding a bus on a business trip. A stranger (Rabbi) sitting besides him has just the right personality, and chemistry, and enlightens him. Indeed, this is a heavenly angel. Our friend has been given the tools, to work his way forward – to Torah. Hashem sends his sheluchim.
This very important foundation is reflected in a midrash on our sedra (27,2) “ Hashem said to Moshe, I am the one who has spoken and through my words has created the world. I am the one who draws one close or repels them. I am the one who drew Yisro close…”
Yisro was a recipient of this magnificent gift from Hashem. He was drawn close by the hand of Hashem threw his sheluchim, and had a tremendous clarity in this attribute of Hashem sending His messengers. It was this clarity that enabled Yisro to have the unique insight that Hashem can send his sheluchim to assist Moshe Rabeinu, and set up a complex of morei hora’ah.
Hashem, draw us near to you.
Have a wonderful Shabbos
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