Do You Listen to What You Hear?

        The voice of G-d was audible throughout the universe, but it was only Yithro who heard. It was only Yithro who chose to abandon his prestigious position as a priest of Middian to join the Israelite in the desert. Our sages teach that when the kings of the nations heard the awesome sounds they thought that the world was coming to and end, and so, for a very brief moment, they stopped to listen. But when they realized that what they heard was the voice of G-d calling, they returned to their complacency. 
        We find this pattern repeated in every generation. In a moment of threatening doom, people stop to listen, but as soon as the danger abates, it`s back to business as usual. Yithro was different. He not only listened, but he absorbed the teaching, took it to heart, and changed his life. Now we can better appreciate why the parsha of the giving of the Torah opens with those monumental words: "Vayishma Yithro" - "Yithro heard." Before HaShem proclaims His commandments, the art of listening must be mastered. Whether a man succeeds in fulfilling his mission in life will depend upon his ability to attune his ears to the voice of G-d that is constantly calling.
        The greatness of Yithro was further evidenced when upon arrival at the desert encampment, he is told about the wondrous events that befell the Jewish people. The Torah relates: "Vayichad Yithro" - "Yithro rejoiced." Our sages explain that the word "vayichad" is an expression of joy tempered by reservation, for even as Yithro heard the amazing events, he also felt a pang of sadness for his former friends, the Egyptians. And yet he declared "Baruch HaShem" - "Blessed be G-d who saved you from the hands of the Egyptians (Exodus 18:9-10). Our sages teach that Yithro is credited with proclaiming those two majestic words, Baruch HaShem, that have become the hallmark of our people throughout the centuries: "Baruch HaShem" - "Blessed be G-d" has been our response to all the challenges of life -- to the joys as well as to the trials.
          At first glance, it may be difficult to comprehend why this phrase, Baruch HaShem, should be attributed to Yithro. Surely there were others who blessed G-d before him. After all, did not Moses praise G-d at the crossing of the Red Sea when he composed his glorious song? There is one fine difference however. Moses praised G-d for the miracles that befell his own people, but Yithro thanked G-d for the blessings that befall others.
          This concept of being happy for someone else is a goal for which we must strive. When we realize that we can find our own joy in the happiness that is visited upon others, we become elevated spiritual beings. To be sure, this is a difficult concept to accept in our culture which has conditioned us to measure our happiness by that which we acquire for ourselves rather than by that which we give to others. Therefore, we must bear in mind that G-d did not command us to become rich and successful, but He did command us to become giving, generous people, bestowing loving kindness, and to full heartedly proclaim "Baruch HaShem" when we behold the happiness of others.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Osher

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Parshas Yithro   21 Shevat 5770
Candle Lighting time Friday, February 5th, 2010, 5:04pm
Sabbath Ends Saturday, February 6th, 2010, 6:02pm

Dedicated in memory of Chaya Golda Feigel bas Yitzchok 

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HINENI Invites you to a
Purim Celebration
Saturday night, February 27th
THE PRINCE GEORGE BALLROOM
15 East 27th Street, Bet. Madison and Fifth Avenue, NYC
Megillah Reading at 8:00pm
Followed by GALA PURIM PARTY
Fabulous buffet  Music  A guaranteed great time
$30 in advance  $40 at the door
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In tribute to the life of Chaya Golda Feigel bas Yitzchok

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