The Foundation for Government - Parshat Yitro - Shemot (Exodus) 18:1 - 20:23
If there were any doubt as to why this parsha is titled “Yitro” (Jethro) the reading of Chapter 18 should lay that inquiry to rest. Jethro is listed as Moshe’s father-in-law an impressive thirteen times in just twenty-seven verses. This kind of repetition in the word of HaShem is only done when matters of great importance are being conveyed by Adonai. The matter HaShem is relaying is how useful Jethro was in aiding Moshe with wise counsel in establishing the infancy of the formation and foundational requirements for the government of a loose tribes of people who are on the verge of becoming a Nation of Peoples called Israel; bound by a set of laws, statutes and commandments soon to be given by the Creator to this new nation that bears that Creator’s Name upon their persons as individuals and as a nation. Jethro guides Moshe concerning the division of labor for this new government: Moshe would be the one to appear before HaShem to represent the entire nation, while men would