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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
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P'ninat Mishpat A Non-Contractor in Changing Times – part II
(based on ruling 85128 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Moreshet Shaul Hashem Is your Shadow – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 420 – an address from 1941
Parashat Hashavua Happiness for the Right Reasons
[With painful longing, we share these divrei Torah from our co-Rosh Kollel for close to 40 years, Harav Moshe Ehrenreich zt”l.]
Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
