Yisro – True Observation

Parshas Yisro begins with the Torah narrating the story of Yisro, the father-in-law of Moshe, joining the Jewish People. Moshe shares with Yisro the incredible miracles that Hashem has performed on behalf of the Jewish Nation. Upon hearing this, Yisro exclaims, "Blessed is Hashem Who has delivered you from the hand of Egypt and from the hand of Paroh…". The Michilta and the Gemara highlight that this situation reflects poorly on the Jewish People. Despite being a nation comprising 600,000 men, along with women and children, not a single individual among them offered a blessing to Hashem for the miracles until Yisro arrived and expressed his gratitude.

This Medrash presents a significant question. It is widely acknowledged that gratitude is a core attribute that characterizes the Jewish people. How can it be that not one Jew expressed gratitude to Hashem for the many miracles He performed for them? The Tifferes Shlomo poses another question concerning this statement from Chazal. When one looks at Parshas Beshalach, the Torah states that after the Jews crossed the Yam Suf, Moshe sang the Shira of Az Yashir. Immediately after Moshe and the men, Miriam leads the women in the singing of Shiras Miriam. How can one claim that the Jews failed to bless Hashem?

Gratitude for Someone Else’s Good

Tifferes Shlomo asserts that the Jewish people indeed expressed gratitude to Hashem for the acts performed on their behalf. They were personally saved and expressed their gratitude to Hashem for their own salvation. Yisro, however, was not saved; he did not experience suffering in Mitzrayim and was not rescued from the Egyptian army at the Yam Suf. Yet he praised Hashem for the salvation of others. "Blessed is Hashem Who has saved you..." Recognizing and praising Hashem for the good bestowed upon others is indeed a significant matter.

Gratitude is, without a doubt, an inherent characteristic of the Jewish people. Numerous commandments in the Torah are founded on the principle of gratitude, such as Bikkurim and Kibbud av v’aim, among others. These Mitzvos are linked to deeds performed for either the individual or the nation. Nevertheless, recognizing and appreciating the good that has been bestowed upon another person represents an entirely different and more profound level of gratitude.

The Proper Observer

Every occurrence in an individual's life, whether directly experienced or not, presents an opportunity for observation. There are valuable lessons and messages embedded in every occurrence, and it is the responsibility of individuals to become astute and reflective observers. Rabbi Avigdor Miller zt"l was renowned for his meticulous observation of his surroundings to discern the Yad Hashem, thereby enhancing his appreciation for all that Hashem does. He famously elaborated on the process of how one should 'experience' an apple. Certainly, the act of placing it in the mouth and chewing is only a minor aspect of the overall lesson. He would detail the numerous individuals involved in producing the apple from the seed to the field to the store and subsequently to one's home. Additionally, he would describe the extraordinary process of how an apple grows, focusing on its color, texture, and taste, all framed within the context of Hashem's magnificence and the fact that He created such a wonderful gift for our benefit.

This illustrates the greatness that Yisro possessed. The Parsha starts with the words "Yisro heard". It is known that the entire world was well informed about the departure from Mitzrayim and the splitting of the sea. What was it that Yisro discerned, which the Torah highlights as if he was the only one who heard? The answer is that Yisro not only heard about the events, but he also grasped their significance. He observed the occurrences and recognized that Hashem had performed these miracles and wonders for His nation. The message resonated with him so profoundly that it inspired a profound sense of gratitude, prompting him to bless Hashem, even though he was not the one who experienced these miracles.

This extent of gratitude can be reached by any individual who makes a deliberate effort to contemplate and evaluate every circumstance they experience or hear about. However, there is an additional point that must be highlighted. Yisro did not confine his gratitude to himself. The Torah states that Yisro publicly blessed Hashem in recognition of the remarkable miracles Hashem performed for the Jewish People. It is equally vital to articulate our gratitude to the individuals in our lives. By looking, listening, and observing, we too can attain extraordinary levels of gratitude.

Have a wonderful Shabbos,

Binyomin Stolov

ברוך שהחיינו וקיימנו והיגענו לזמן הזה

This article marks the start of the second year of The M.A.P.S. Page.

Thank you, Hashem, for allowing me to write these articles.

A special thank you to my Eishes Chayil, Bracha and my family for encouraging me in this endeaver.

Thank you to Rabbi Rich of dojlife.com and to torahlectures.org for publishing these articles on your websites.