The main story in this parsha is of course Har Sinai. Not only is it the main story in this parsha, but it can be said that this is the main story of the entire Torah. Har Sinai was the moment Bnai Yisrael were waiting for, and it was used as the reason that was given to Pharaoh in order for them to leave Mitzrayim.

שמות ה׳ א ״…שַׁלַּח אֶת עַמִּי וְיָחֹגּוּ לִי בַּמִּדְבָּר״

״…נֵלֲכָה נָּא דֶּרֶךְ שְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים בַּמִּדְבָּר וְנִזְבְּחָה לַה אֱלֹקֵינוּ...״ שמות ה׳ ג׳

״..שַׁלַּח אֶת עַמִּי וְיַעַבְדֻנִי בַּמִּדְבָּר …״ שמות ז׳ ט״ז

The excitement was so great that Moshe had to forbid the people from getting too close to Har Sinai and touching it. God was worried that the religious ecstasy would cause many of the Jews to get too close to Har Sinai and get hurt.

In the Gemara in Masechet Shabbat, Rav Abdimi says: “Put a mountain on him like a tub,” meaning that if you do not accept the Torah, this is where you will be buried. In addition, the midrashim tell us about a mass escape from the mountain after Bnei Yisrael heard the first two commandments.

On one hand, it appears that there is a desire for a connection with God, and on the other hand, it seems that Bnei Yisrael were looking for a way out to escape the new “burden” that was being placed upon them.

I would like to suggest that perhaps Yitro can provide an answer to this dissonance.

Yitro had been searching for the truth for many years. He tried worshiping different idols, one after another, in an attempt to find the true meaning of life. Although each idol has different rules relating to worshiping it, some of which were quite delusional, Yitro wasn’t afraid of rules and laws and understood that rules are an essential part of society. We see from the parsha that Yitro had terrific insights into how to properly manage the justice system.

Yitro, according to the midrashim, was one of the advisors in the largest empire in the world. He saw the importance of laws in society, and he likely also understood what happens when there is an excess of rulers – he certainly saw the advantages and disadvantages.

Yitro teaches us to pursue the truth, even if it is difficult and even if it is not pleasant. Yitro was someone who pursued human and divine justice.

So, there is only one more open question left: what is the second reason why I believe this parsha is so fascinating?

The answer to this question is actually much simpler than the lengthy explanation I gave about Yitro in my first reason. I believe that Parshat Yitro is so fascinating, interesting and amazing because it is my bar mitzvah parsha, and it therefore holds a very special place in my heart.

I pray that all of us will continue fighting for the truth, even when doing so may not be so easy.

Shabbat Shalom to all of us and to all of Am Israel,



Rav Rotem Shamay

Parents, you should have received in the mail Kohelet parking placards to keep in your cars when you come to campus - drop off and pick up or for an event. If you have not yet received a placard or need an extra one, please email Miriam Morley. For security purposes, it is important that you display the placard in your car when you drive onto our campus.

Our 2/3 students celebrated their growth in tefillah during these past two years at their Chagigat Tefillah last Sunday. Thanks to all the families that joined us at this important and meaningful celebration!

Our 4/5 students had an amazing time at their Fridayton, which included a fun Motzei Shabbat activity as well!

The KYHS student-teacher basketball game is always a big hit! Thanks to all the students and teachers that played and to all those who cheered them on!