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The Targum, cited by Rashi in his first explanation, says that the word means to acquiesce. The most difficult element of that explanation is that it seems quite natural and thus superfluous to mention that he agreed to the gracious offer. A midrash says that the word means that he lived with them, and another says that it means that he began, in this case, to shepherd Yitro’s flock. Again, why would such details be instructive regarding the Torah’s presentation of the events?
Let us turn to Rashi’s second explanation, one which he describes as homiletic. Rashi says that vayo’el comes from the word alah, which means oath. In other words, Moshe swore that he would not leave Yitro’s home without permission. One of the advantages of this explanation is that there are many appearances of this root with this meaning throughout Tanach. It is also of particular note that Yitro had demanded and Moshe had agreed to quite a commitment, one which shows the degree to which Moshe was willing to go to return good to those who were willing to do good for him.
The midrash (Devarim Rabba 11) analyzes a Psalm that we say regularly, from the perspective of the qualities of Moshe: "Who will go up on the mountain of Hashem and who will stand in the place of His sanctity? One with clean hands and a pure heart who will not raise My soul [in oath] for naught and will not swear for trickery. He will receive a blessing from Hashem and righteousness from the G-d of his salvation." (Tehillim 24: 3-5). This refers to Moshe who went up to the holy Mount Sinai and was the recipient of special blessings, not only for himself but for others who were affected by him. The midrash identifies the distancing from an insincere oath as a reference to Moshe’s oath to stay with Yitro.
Blessed is a nation which is led by one who keeps his promises to the fullest. We pray that we will be led by those with such qualities
Rabbis in Midrash
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
