(2012/5772)

The first Pasuk of this week's Parashah reads, "VaYishma Yitro Kohen Midyan Chotein Moshe Eit Kol Asher Asah Elokim LeMoshe ULeYisrael Amo Ki Hotzi Hashem Et Yisrael MiMitzrayim", "Now Yitro, the priest of Midyan, Moshe's father-in-law, heard all that God had done for Moshe and for Yisrael His people, that Hashem had brought Israel out of Egypt" (Exodus 18:1). Rashi (ad. loc.) tells us that, among other things, Yitro hears about Bnei Yisrael’s war with Amaleik. One might ask why Rashi tell us that he hears about the war and not that Bnei Yisrael were victorious in the war. Some answer that Yitro does not hear about the outcome of the war; rather, when he hears that his son-in-law was in trouble, he comes to aid him. Amaleik had no tangible reason to start the war with Bnei Yisrael. They weren’t fighting for land, power, or money. They were fighting just so that they could bring down Hashem. Amaleik was jealous that the miracles performed by God in Egypt were performed for Bnei Yisrael and not them. They wanted to show the world that the Jews were still vulnerable. Upon hearing this, Yitro becomes scared. He reexamines his actions and asked himself if he had good reasons for them or if they were just for personal glory. He decides that he will change himself for the better and convert to be part of Bnei Yisrael. We too should follow Yitro's example and examine our actions to be certain that we are correct in all that we do. When we hear of a crisis that affects the future of Klal Yisrael, we should ensure that we, like Yitro, are comfortable with our lives, and if we are not, should adjust them accordingly.