WHAT CONVINCED YITRO MAY SWAY THE ANTI-ISRAEL TOO

We find that Yitro was convinced to follow the G-d of Israel for "Now I know that the Lord is greater than all the deities, for (precisely) with the thing that they plotted, [G-d brought] upon them(selves) (18, 11)." Rashi explains that the Egyptians drowned the boys of Israel, so in the end, G-d drowned their men as well. Why was this "Midah k'negged mida" (literally: "a measure for a measure)- so convincing for Yitro, even convincing him to actually change his life & join Israel? Similarly, this can help us understand why this theme of "V'Nahafoch hu…" (literally: "it was reversed", that the Megila flips everything Haman planned to do Israel, 180 degrees and brings upon Haman himself is so central also to Megilat Esther & the forthcoming holiday of Purim? We are not just speaking of irony, but of justice.

Honor Your Parents – and Yourselves!

Ten Commandment Comparison

Many have attempted to solve the question, what is THE difference which can find the common denominator between all 31 differences between the 2 versions of the Ten Commandment? This innovative article suggests that our sages already answered this with one sentence in a well-known Midrash, just most never noticed that seemingly innocent sentence. It deals with the basic difference between the masculine side of the Torah and the feminine.

Parashat Hashavua: Rachel, Leah, and King David – What Happened? – part III

Our Public Reaction to Hurtful Remarks

"PATIENCE MY DEAR NATION" -for Parshat Yitro & Tu BiShvat

How the Sacrifices Made the Torah More Approachable

Parashat Hashavua: The Ten Commandments – A Blueprint for World Justice

Always Rough at the Beginning

On Justice and the Right of Appeal – part I

Yitro Deed and Creed

Only Those Who Live In The Land Love G-d

The Torah threatens punishment for idol-worshipers that is only 1/500th of the reward that the righteous will receive: "Concerning My enemies, I keep in mind the fathers' sins for their descendants, [only] to the 3rd and 4th generations. But for those who love Me and keep My commandments, I show love for [at least two] thousands of generations" (Sh'mot 20,5-6). The punishment is for four generations, and the reward for 2,000 generations. But the question we would like to address is: Why are the righteous termed both "those who love Me" and "those who keep My commandments?" Is not one enough?

What Were the Differences Between the 1st & 2nd Luchot?

From the Dawn of Civilization through the Days of Mashiach

Connecting to the Torah through Unity

From Siach Shaul, p. 236-7

Hashem raised up our spiritual level in an unprecedented manner of “jumping up in levels". This took the nation from the 49th rung of impurity to the highest level of sanctity and preparedness to receive the Torah.

How The Japanese Saved The Jews

During World War II some 40,000 Jews found themselves under Japanese occupation in Manchuria, China and countries of South East Asia. Virtually all of them survived the war, but the Germans repeatedly pressured the Japanese to implement their "Final Solution." This is a famous story of how The Amshinover Rebbe, zt"l dissuaded the Japanese from complying with Hitler's dictate.

Great Responds

It is to the credit of Yitro that he chose to act positively upon hearing of the events that occurred to the Jewish people in their exodus from Egypt. He uprooted himself to join the Jewish people in their travels through the desert.

The Structure of the Good Society

What makes the te commandments special is that they are simple and easy to memorise. That is because in Judaism, law is not intended for judges alone.

The Ultimate Proof of the Truth of Torah

In honor of the Torah's "Ten Commandments" Portion Rav Netanel Yosifun presents the Ultimate Proof of the truth of Torah

The Secret to Long Life

eExamining the commandment to honor one's parents, and the particular way one must do so in order to reap the promised reward of long life.