The name of this week’s parasha, Yitro, is that of Zipporah’s father, Moses’ father-in-law. Yitro, having heard that God has brought the Israelites out of Egypt, brings Keturah and her sons to join Moses. The relationship between Yitro and Moses becomes transformational.
Moses is serving as judge and counselor for the entire people, from morning to night, and their problems and disputes are overwhelming. Without being asked, Yitro diagnoses his unsustainable situation and outlines a structure with multiple levels of leadership to share the load with Moses. Yitro says to Moses, “I will give you counsel, and God will be with you!”
Yitro’s loving and authoritative advice rescues Moses from exhaustion and may leave us as readers wishing for such an advisor. Who in our lives can speak to us in such a way, undaunted by the possibility that we might not welcome their advice, possessing the very wisdom we need to hear, and generous in sharing it with us? If you have the perspective and wisdom that another might need, can you share it in a way that it will most likely be received? And if you have a Yitro in your life, this would be a great week to thank them!
Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23) Torah Reading on Feb. 7, 2026: The Impact of Mentoring
February 5, 2026 by Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller • D'var Torah
The name of this week’s parasha, Yitro, is that of Zipporah’s father, Moses’ father-in-law. Yitro, having heard that God has brought the Israelites out of Egypt, brings Keturah and her sons to join Moses. The relationship between Yitro and Moses becomes transformational.
Moses is serving as judge and counselor for the entire people, from morning to night, and their problems and disputes are overwhelming. Without being asked, Yitro diagnoses his unsustainable situation and outlines a structure with multiple levels of leadership to share the load with Moses. Yitro says to Moses, “I will give you counsel, and God will be with you!”
Yitro’s loving and authoritative advice rescues Moses from exhaustion and may leave us as readers wishing for such an advisor. Who in our lives can speak to us in such a way, undaunted by the possibility that we might not welcome their advice, possessing the very wisdom we need to hear, and generous in sharing it with us? If you have the perspective and wisdom that another might need, can you share it in a way that it will most likely be received? And if you have a Yitro in your life, this would be a great week to thank them!