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The first thing that Yitro did which deserved Bnei Yisrael’s appreciation was his refusal to take part in the meeting that Paroh held to discuss the "Jewish problem." The gemara (Sota 11a) says: "There were three who were involved in Paroh’s plan: Bilam, who gave the advice, was killed. Iyov, who was silent, was judged with afflictions. Yitro, who ran away, merited having descendants sitting in the seat of the Sanhedrin.
Moshe ended up helping Yitro by saving the latter’s daughters from the shepherds. Yitro returned the favor by offering Moshe a place to stay ... and his daughter, Tzipora, as a wife. Hashem recognized Yitro’s generosity, as the midrash tells: "From here we learn that whoever accepted upon himself to do a mitzva, that mitzva does not leave his house. Yitro accepted a redeemer (Moshe) in his house who ran away from an enemy (Paroh). There arose in his house one (Yael) who accepted an enemy (Sisra) who ran away from a redeemer (Barak) and killed him" (Shemot Rabba 4).
After the Exodus from Egypt, Yitro renewed the relationship and at that time taught Bnei Yisrael another lesson in hakarat hatov. This time he recognized Hashem, saying: "Blessed is (baruch) Hashem, who saved you from the hand of Egypt and the hand of Paroh" (Shemot 18:10). Chazal even criticized Bnei Yisrael for not noticing the appropriateness of using baruch in thanking Hashem for the miracles (Sanhedrin 94a).
The mutual hakart hatov between Bnei Yisrael and Yitro’s family found expression after Bnei Yisrael settled in Eretz Yisrael, as well. The Beit Hamikdash was eventually built on a tract of land that belonged partially to the tribe of Yehuda and partially to that of Binyamin. This land was swapped with an area around Yericho, which was given for safekeeping to Yitro’s descendants. 1,000 years later, on the eve of the exile, Yirmiyah praised the family for this and said that they would always have members sitting of the Sanhedrin (Mechilta D’Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai 18:27).
It is important for us to remember that those non-Jews who show us friendship and act with honesty toward us deserve commensurate appreciation. It is wrong when we do not return the favors or complain that they are not even more helpful than they already are.
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
