The Necessity of Windows
The Necessity of Windows
Parashat Yitro (Exodus 18:1–20:26)
This chapter recounts Moses' willingness to allow his father-in-law, Jethro, to give him some advice, to address how people often look to and learn from the outside world for understanding, while looking inwardly to making decisions based on truths found entirely within our tradition and our sacred texts. Moses' meeting with Jethro in the readings of Parashat Yitro of Exodus suggests an adaptive leadership practice of interfacing with wisdom beyond self-contained tradition in order to answer responsibly and to understand fresh challenges. It teaches specifically the power of studying with others—that one will not uncover truth alone. As such, it is possible to access the power of the divine only when we worship as a community.
Keywords: Moses, Jethro, Parashat Yitro, Exodus, truth, community
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