Throughout Jewish literature, we find a recurring theme: G-d communicates with us, but in hidden (though sometimes not so hidden) ways. Only once in history did G-d reveal himself bluntly and openly, and declare “I am the L-rd Your G-d” — it is our mission in life to take inspiration from the hidden messages, and not wait for that moment to recur.
Yisro became part of the Jewish people right before that Revelation. Why? Because he got the message. Our reading this week begins “And Yisro heard…” What did he hear? Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki explains: Yisro heard about the parting of the Sea of Reeds and the war with Amalek.
As I’ve discussed before, retelling something heard in a class by Rav Asher Z. Rubenstein of Jerusalem, everyone heard the same things. But “in one ear and out the other” isn’t truly hearing. Hearing means getting the message. Yisro was unique; Yisro heard.
We never truly understand G-d’s Ways. None of us can wrap our minds around all of the various things that will happen 10 days or 100 years from now, because of a particular thing that happened today — much less understand why each and every ramification is supposed to happen, and is part of G-d’s Plan. Yet everything comes with exactly that calculation; nothing is coincidence. And often, we can see something, a message, an inspiration. That’s not coincidence either.
He’s sending us messages. Are we reading, and listening?
What you said about hearing the message and really hearing it and understanding it and then reflecting upon it and applying it to the ‘self’ is essential. Thank you for the enlightenment.
TRUE STORY:
as heard on the radio: a school girl told how was being insulted by her teacher, while she was in class,
He was saying there was no miracle when Moses supposedly parted the Red Sea. He said there was actually only 3 inches of water.
Then she responded words to the effect: “well that REALLY WAS A MIRACLE if only 3 inches of water completely killed and drowned the entire army of Pharoh’s charioteers and his army!
How many people notice those subtle messages let alone the ones that smack you in the face? As you said, there are no conicidences! I’m a gentile and have been listening and looking for many years, consequently ‘magic happens’.Sometimes you feel as if the whole world evolves around you. Most people I know don’t believe that these mini miracles are sent to us or are just too busy to take the time to notice, lack of faith is another factor. In the UK life has become very mundane, you hardly ever meet people with wonder in their eyes, even the children are cynical, it’s a shame. Having a vivid imagination helps. I’m just very grateful that HaShem woke me up in 1996 – He changed my life forever! Baruch HaShem!