This week’s Parsha, Yitro, featured the revelation of the Torah, which established the fundamental laws of Judaism. Interestingly, the Parsha is named after Yitro, Moshe’s father in law, who was explicitly described in the text as not being part of the Jewish nation. It’s also stated that Yitro chose not to remain with the Jewish nation, instead returning to his own land. Nevertheless, he had a meal with Moshe, Aharon, and all the elders, and remarkably, Moshe changed the entire governing system based on Yitro’s advice. While Yitro did not remain with the Jewish people or fully integrate into their nation, he is whom the parsha was named for and he had a major influence on the formation of the Jewish legal system. Therefore, he must be important and considered an integral part of the Jewish, exodus story. 

Before receiving the Torah, Moshe relayed words from God that explained why they are receiving this Torah. God said, “you [the Jewish people] shall be to Me [God] a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” During this time, the Priests served as teachers and leaders for the Jewish community. This idea of the entire nation serving as priests, indicated that to be a holy nation, one must be a teacher. To be an educator means to lead by example and demonstrate to the world what it means to be holy through observing the Torah. The purpose of receiving the Torah was to elevate the entire world through a commitment to Torah and by leading through actions.

This mission requires the Jewish people to engage with the “Yitros” of the world. Those who are interested in recognizing God and helping others, but does not necessarily wish to be part of the Jewish nation. The narrative of Yitro in this Parsha is crucial for understanding how the Jewish people are meant to interact with the world. Like Moshe, Aharon, and the elders, the Jewish should respect those who are different from them and remain open to learning from every person. Yitro and his role in Jewish history show the importance of being open-minded. This openness is integral to fulfilling the principle mission that God set forth in this Parsha.