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Rabbi Sherman Weekly Torah Commentary February 10-11, 2023 (20 Shevat 5783)

February 10-11, 2023                                                                                                             Parashat Yitro

20 Shevat 5783

Yitro (Jethro), father-in-law of Moses, serves as self-proclaimed management expert. He advises Moses to delegate some of his leadership tasks, cautioning Moses not to try to lead the new Israelite society all by himself. “Appoint judges,” Yitro says. And then Yitro tells Moses how to design the tribal judicial system: “Select men of vision from all the people, men of caliber, holding God in awe, men of truth, hating gain…” (Exodus 18:21). Yitro pushes for visionary, God-fearing leaders with integrity.

What are the qualifications for a judge or other public servant? According to Rashi, the authoritative French medieval commentator: “One must hate the possibility of being litigated against in court, so he must hate his own money in this instance.” Rashi proves his argument by referring to the teaching in the Talmud (Tractate Baba Batra) which states: “Any judge who has had money exacted from him in court cannot be considered a judge.” In Rashi’s view, a judge or public servant never would engage in any business practice that would have the potential to be legally questionable.

Consider today’s qualifications and expectations for public service.

How do today’s qualifications and expectations compare to those of biblical times?

Rabbi K’vod Weider, Temple Beth El of South OC – Friday, February 10 at 1:30 PM in the Synagogue

“What Happens After Death – Views of the Afterlife from Jewish Mystical Tradition”

“Torah Talk” — Saturday Afternoons at 1:30 PM in the Music Room

Join us in a study of The Book of Proverbs: A Social Justice Commentary by Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz. In his introduction, Rabbi Yanklowitz writes that the Book of Proverbs is “spiritual but not religious.” Let’s learn how these ancient proverbs can have spiritual meaning in our lives today. Masks required. Previous knowledge of Proverbs or the Hebrew Bible NOT REQUIRED!

Please join our Shabbat celebrations in the Synagogue (masks required) or on Channel 1960

Friday at 4:15 PM           Shabbat Evening Service with Rabbi Sherman

Friday at 5:15 PM           Shabbat Blessings in the Dining Room

Saturday at 10:00 AM    Shabbat Morning Service followed by Blessings in the Dining Room

Candle lighting time for Shabbat for the city of Mission Viejo: Friday evening at 5:13 PM

Shabbat ends Saturday evening at 6:09 PM

Shabbat Shalom!                                                                                                                                             Rabbi Sherman