Parasha Guide » Yitro

Moses is developing as the leader of this newly freed people.  His father-in-law, a Midianite priest, Jethro advises him about a more effective model to adjudicate.  The people reach Mount Sinai and Moses ascends to receive the Ten Commandments.

This Torah portion marks the moment when the brit, covenant, between God and Abraham truly becomes a brit between God and the Jewish people.  It is the moment in time when all Jews throughout history become connected not only by an individual relationship but through the Jewish community.  As the inheritors of this tradition we have obligations to our own community both Jewish and secular, and the global world.  Recently, in an op-ed, Nicholas Krsitof of the New York Times wrote about the marketing strategies of NGOs that fight poverty, here. 

As an advocate, it is important to know about the NGOs one supports.  Further, it is important to know how you can help in the world-of-mouth advertising for the causes in which one believes.  Do you have skills that might aid an organization that works on national or international hunger and anti-poverty work?  In addition to putting your money where your mouth is, find out how you can donate skills to these important causes.