To contact our clergy study, please call 212-508-3000.
Friday, February 5, 6:00pm
Location: Main Sanctuary
The Torah portion Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23) is named for Moses’ father-in-law Jethro (Yitro). After observing Moses, the leader of the Israelites, act as judge to settle every dispute that arose, Jethro suggests to Moses that others resolve the less difficult disputes.
On the Shabbat when we read this portion, Central Synagogue honors the legal profession in a special service called Jethro Shabbat. This year’s guest speaker is New York State’s new Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman.
Judge Lippman will speak immediately following a somewhat shortened Shabbat service and conclude before 8:00pm. His talk is titled, “Justice, Justice Shall You Pursue: The Chief Judge’s Perspective on Justice and Jewish Values.”
All members of Central Synagogue and the community, whether involved in the legal profession or not, are welcome to attend this free event.
Exodus 18:17-27:
But Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing you are doing is not right; you will surely wear yourself out, and these people as well. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone. Now listen to me. I will give you counsel, and God be with you! You represent the people before God: you bring the disputes before God, and enjoin upon them the laws and the teachings, and make known to them the way they are to go and the practices they are to follow.
You shall also seek out from among all the people capable men who fear God, trustworthy men who spurn ill-gotten gain. Set these over them as chiefs of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and let them judge the people at all times. Have them bring every major dispute to you, but let them decide every minor dispute themselves. Make it easier for yourself by letting them share the burden with you. If you do this — and God so commands you — you will be able to bear up; and all these people too will go home unwearied.”
Moses heeded his father-in-law and did just as he had said. Moses chose capable men out of all Israel, and appointed them heads over the people — chiefs of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens; and they judged the people at all times: the difficult matters they would bring to Moses, and all the minor matters they would decide themselves. Then Moses bade his father-in-law farewell, and he went his way to his own land. Click here to read the full portion.
