Shabbat Yitro 5786 e-Bulletin
OrMenorah Congregation
Kehilat
Or Menorah
www.ormenorah.com
Rabbi Doug Zelden – Rav
R’ Simcha Lefton – Asst.
Rabbi
Dov Steinberg - Shul President
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7006 N. California
Ave. Chicago, IL 60645
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Shabbat Parshat Yitro 5786
Friday Erev Shabbat
Candle lighting 4:52pm
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Friday Mincha/Kabalat Shabbat: 5:02pm Yom Huledet Samayach! ……………………………………………………………………. |
Summary of Parshas Yitro By, Rabbi Doug
Zelden
1st Aliya: Yisro brings Moshe's wife and two sons to join him in the desert.
In 18:10, Yisro proclaims his belief in Hashem (G-d) and identifies His
manifest justice as the primary motive for his belief and
conversion. Exodus 18:1 Hertz Chumash – page 288
2nd Aliya: Yisro observes Moshe's daily schedule
as chief administrator, judge, and teacher.
He advises his son-in-law to delegate some responsibilities to a hierarchy of
worthy judges and administrators. This would allow Moshe to focus his attention
on those issues that demand
his specific attention. pg. 289 v.13
3rd Aliya: Moshe listens to Yisro's advice. Judges are appointed. A court system
consisting of rulers of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. pg.
290 v.24
4th Aliya: This begins the preparation for Revelation. It is the 1st day of Sivan,
and the Bnai Yisroel have been in the desert for 43 days. Moshe is told by
Hashem to explain to the nation that they are a "kingdom of
priests..." pg. 290 ch.19:1
5th Aliya: Moshe tells the nation of G-d's expectations and they respond,
"all that Hashem will command we will do." Moshe is further
instructed to tell the people to prepare themselves by immersing themselves and
their clothing in a Mikveh, and to remain apart form their spouses for 3 days.
Mt. Sinai is to be fenced off so that no person or animal could ascend the
mountain until the shofar sounded the conclusion of Revelation. On the 3rd day,
Revelation began with lightning, thunder, the sounding of a Shofar, and Mt.
Sinai completely engulfed in clouds, smoke, and fire. Moshe led the nation to
assemble at the foot of a trembling Mt.Sinai. pg. 292 v.7
6th Aliya: Hashem summoned Moshe to ascend the mountain and instructed him to
re-emphasize the prohibition against anyone ascending the mountain during
Revelation. Moshe descends and discharges G-d's wishes. With Moshe standing
among the people at the foot of the mountain, Hashem spoke the Ten Commandments
to the entire people. (This isn’t when Moshe came down with the
luchos.) We stand for the Aseres Hadibros at Chapter 20.
This Aliyah is usually
given to the Rabbi. pg.294 ch.19:20
7th Aliya: This last Aliya describes the reaction of the nation to Revelation. In
20:19, the Pasuk factually states that the Bnai Yisroel (Jewish Nation)
collectively heard G-d speak. It is among the most fundamentally important
statements in the entire Torah. The Parsha concludes with the three
commandments regarding the Mizbeach (Altar). pg. 300 ch.20:15
Maftir Aliya: We repeat the last five verses. pg. 301 v.19
Haftorah Yitro Isaiah Chapters 6-7 pg. 302 This week's Haftorah is from
Yishaya.
Continuing the theme of Revelation, the Haftorah recounts the famed vision
known as Maaseh Hamerkavah - the vision of Hashem as He sits upon His throne
surrounded by various angels singing His praises. Yishaya prophesied during the
reign of Achaz, the King of Yehudah. This vision is repeated in greater detail
in Yechezkel, and is usually associated with Yechezkel, rather than Yishaya.
However, in this awesome vision, Yishaya is told of the eventual destruction of
Yerushalayim. He is sent to relate this prophecy to the new King Achaz, who
would prove to be an evil and wicked monarch. The concluding prophecy is far
more optimistic than the beginning one. Achaz is told not to fear the coming
war with Aram and Israel. In the merit of his, yet to be born son, Chizkiyahu,
their alliance would fail. Chizkiyahu would eventually be crowned as "The
Prince of Peace," and return the Jewish people to an unprecedented
devotion and commitment to Torah scholarship and observance. Unfortunately, the
Jewish People would return to their evil ways and Yerushalayim would be
destroyed.
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