Yitro
יתרוThe Ten Commandments
68 translated essays · 113 total
תרל"ב(1871)
Shabbos Renewing the World· Essay 1
“In the Zohar: Shabbat is the inclusive root of the entire Torah.” The Sefat Emet begins by stating that Shabbat contains within it the essence of all Torah, serving as its spiritual root. “And likewise in the Talmud: one who denies Shabbat…
Yisro's Humility as Remnant· Essay 2
“My revered grandfather of blessed memory taught regarding Yitro, based on the verse ‘to the remnant of His inheritance,’ which the Sages expound as referring to one who makes himself like leftovers.” The Sefat Emet reports a teaching from …
Hearing the Voice Beyond Speech· Essay 3
“Mighty in strength, doers of His word, to listen to the voice of His word.” The Sefat Emet explains that Israel is called “mighty” because they act upon God’s command in order to merit hearing the deeper divine voice. For they placed ‘we w…
Yisro 5632 תרל"ב
בזוה”ק שבת כללא דכל אורייתא כולא כו’. The Zohar (Raya Mehemna 2:92a) “Shabbos includes the entire Torah” וכן בגמ’ הכופר בשבת הוי מומר לכל התורה. So too the Gemara (Eruvin 69b) says that one who denies the Shabb…
Yisro תרל"ב
תרל”ב בזוה”ק שבת כללא דכל אורייתא כולא כו’. The Zohar (Raya Mehemna 2:92a) “Shabbos includes the entire Torah” וכן בגמ’ הכופר בשבת הוי מומר לכל התורה. So too the Gemara (Eruvin 69b) says that one who denies the Shabb…
תרל"ד(1873)
Doing Before Hearing Torah· Essay 1
“Doers of His word, to listen to the voice of His word.” The Sefat Emet focuses on the order: first ‘doers,’ then ‘to listen,’ suggesting action awakens the capacity to hear the divine voice. First comes doing, and only afterward listening.…
Torah Received as Gift· Essay 2
In the Midrash: “You took gifts—through taking, as a gift,” etc. The Sefat Emet begins by citing the Midrash, which teaches that the receiving of Torah is described both as an act of taking and simultaneously as receiving it as a gift. My g…
Yisro 5634 תרל"ד
תרל”ד עושי דברו לשמוע בקול דברו. מעיקרא עושי והדר לשמוע כו’. (Tehillim 103:20) “Fulfilling His words, listening to His voice”. First they do and then they hear. (This pasuk, usually used to describe the angels, was u…
Yisro תרל"ד
תרל”ד עושי דברו לשמוע בקול דברו. מעיקרא עושי והדר לשמוע כו’. (Tehillim 103:20) “Fulfilling His words, listening to His voice”. First they do and then they hear. (This pasuk, usually used to describe the angels, was used to…
תרל"ה(1874)
Yisro Repairing Amalek's Damage· Essay 1
The arrival of Yitro before the giving of the Torah. The Sefat Emet notes that Yitro’s appearance precedes Sinai, indicating a spiritual preparation necessary for the Torah to be received. It appears that Amalek sought to destroy the giving…
Israel Crowning Divine Kingship· Essay 2
“And the statement ‘I am the Lord your God’ endures forever.” The Sefat Emet teaches that the declaration “I am the Lord your God” is eternal in nature. “For it is not a command like ‘You shall not have’ and the other commandments.” This op…
Yisrael as Shabbos Partner· Essay 3
“That which is said about Shabbat, ‘a remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt,’ and in the later Commandments it says, ‘and you shall remember that you were a slave in Egypt.’” The Sefat Emet opens by noting the two different formulations of S…
Truthful Judgment Connects the Worlds· Essay 4
“From morning until evening one may say this; rather, any judge who judges a true judgment…” The Sefat Emet begins by explaining that the phrase “from morning until evening” refers to the spiritual significance of rendering true judgment, n…
Exodus Reveals Divine Belonging· Essay 5
“Who brought you out, etc.” The Sefat Emet begins by focusing on the divine phrase “Who brought you out,” asking why the Torah stresses the Exodus rather than creation. And they ask: Why does it not say, “Who created you”? The question is w…
Yisro 5635 תרל"ה
תרל”ה הקדמת יתרו קודם קבלת התורה. The receiving of the Torah is preceded by the arrival of Yisro. (What is the connection?) נראה כי עמלק רצה להרוס מתן תורה. וע”י יתרו ניתקן מה שקילקל עמלק It seemed that Amalek wanted…
תרל"ו(1875)
Accepting the Yoke Before Torah· Essay 1
In the Midrash: “Hashem is my strength and my fortress—when You split the sea for us, we said ‘my strength and song,’ etc.” The Sefat Emet begins by noting that Israel acknowledged God's strength at the Red Sea. When You gave us the Torah, …
Hidden Good Revealed on Shabbos· Essay 2
“And it is stated in the Zohar: Since no sustenance is found in it, how can blessing be found in it?” The Sefat Emet quotes the Zohar's question: if Shabbat contains no material activity, how can it be the source of blessing? “Rather, all b…
Shabbos Rest Completes Labor· Essay 3
“In the verse: Six days shall you labor and do all your work.” The Sefat Emet begins by citing the command that frames human activity within the six weekdays. Rashi explains: it should be as though all your work is already done. This means …
Desire to Fulfill Divine Will· Essay 4
“The Ibn Ezra raised a difficulty regarding ‘You shall not covet.’” The Sefat Emet begins by noting that the Ibn Ezra struggled to explain how the Torah can command an emotion like coveting. “And he answered.” The Ibn Ezra offers his own re…
Yisro 5636 תרל"ו
במדרש ה’ עוזי ומעוזי כשקרעת לנו הים אמרנו עזי וזמרת כו’. כשנתת לנו התורה שנק’ עוז בא יתרו כו’. The Midrash (Shemos Rabba 27:4) explains that when Bnei Yisrael left Mitzrayim, Yisro joined them and they received…
תרל"ז(1876)
Elevating Holiness in All Tongues· Essay 1
In the Midrash: “Hashem, my strength and my stronghold… on the day of distress nations will come to You…” and it states that Rahab came, and Jethro came. The Sefat Emet begins by noting the Midrash that highlights how righteous converts suc…
Naaseh Before Nishma· Essay 2
“And in the Midrash: ‘They heard… House of Jacob… you lost the ‘we will do,’ be careful with the ‘we will hear.’” The Midrash teaches that Israel was warned to guard the level of ‘hearing,’ since ‘we will do’ had been damaged. He brings pro…
Longing for Shabbos Completes Work· Essay 3
“Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it: six days you shall labor and complete all your work.” The Sefat Emet opens by highlighting the verse commanding both work during the week and sanctification of Shabbat. Rashi explains: It should be …
From Judgment to Free Gift· Essay 4
“In the Midrash: ‘You ascended on high… you took gifts.’” The Sefat Emet begins from the Midrash on the verse describing the giving of the Torah as God ‘taking gifts.’ “It was given through ‘taking’; one might think payment is required, the…
תרל"ח(1877)
Yisro Breaking the Nations· Essay 1
“In the Midrash: ‘Your friend and the friend of your father do not abandon,’ etc.” The Sefat Emet begins by citing the Midrash, which interprets this verse as referring to the spiritual bond between Israel and the patriarchs, a connection t…
Torah as Strengthening Refuge· Essay 2
“And in the Midrash: ‘Hashem is my strength and my stronghold…’” The Sefat Emet begins by citing the Midrash on the verse describing God as both strength and stronghold. “The explanation is that the Holy One, blessed be He, is simply the st…
Returning Torah Through Teshuvah· Essay 3
“In the Midrash: ‘You ascended on high, You captured captivity.’” The Sefat Emet begins by citing the Midrash, which interprets the verse as referring to Moses’ ascent to receive the Torah. “For the essence of the Divine Presence is meant t…
Remembering to Sanctify Shabbos· Essay 4
“Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it.” The Sefat Emet teaches that the act of remembering the Sabbath is itself what adds sanctity to it. For through remembrance additional holiness is added to the Sabbath. Human awareness and intention…
Yisro 5638 תרל"ח
במדרש רעך ורע אביך א”ת כו’. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 27:1) On the words “And Yisro heard…”; Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father. And if you do, know that you shall not enter the house of your brother…
Yisro תרל"ח
במדרש רעך ורע אביך א”ת כו’. The Midrash (Shemos Rabbah 27:1) On the words “And Yisro heard…”; Do not forsake your friend and the friend of your father. And if you do, know that you shall not enter the house of your brother. כי א…
תרל"ט(1878)
Yisro Repairing Amalek's Damage· Essay 1
In the Midrash: “Your friend and the friend of your father do not abandon,” etc. The Sefat Emet opens with the Midrash discussing the idea of not abandoning the spiritual companions and supports inherited from earlier generations. “Strike t…
Resting as If Work Complete· Essay 2
Rashi explains: “And you shall do all your work” — as if all your work is already completed. The Sefat Emet cites Rashi’s teaching that Shabbat requires a mindset in which one views all tasks as finished, freeing the heart from worldly conc…
Seeing the Soul's Living Source· Essay 3
“In the verse: ‘And all the people saw…’ etc.” The Sefat Emet begins by addressing the phrase “all the people saw,” highlighting that the revelation at Sinai involved direct spiritual perception. “This is explained by what is written: ‘I am…
Israel Crowning God Over Creation· Essay 4
It is taught in the Midrash: When the Holy One, blessed be He, said, “I am the Lord your God,” all creatures trembled. The Sefat Emet begins by citing the Midrash, which describes the cosmic impact of the first commandment: the divine revel…
תר"מ(1879)
Drawing Nations Through Israel· Essay 1
“In the Midrash: ‘Hashem, my strength and my stronghold … to You nations shall come…’” The Sefat Emet begins with the Midrash that envisions all nations ultimately turning toward God. “For the Holy One chose Israel as His portion.” Israel h…
From Servants to Children· Essay 2
“In the verse ‘I am the Lord… who took you out of the house of bondage.’” The Sefat Emet begins by noting the Torah’s phrasing of the redemption from Egypt as release from a ‘house of slaves.’ “And similarly we find a double expression of p…
Torah Surpassing Yisro's Wisdom· Essay 3
In the Midrash, “The wise shall inherit honor,” is expounded regarding Yitro. The Sefat Emet notes that the Midrash applies this verse specifically to Yitro, indicating that his coming to Israel reflects a distinct form of wisdom‑based hono…
Yisro 5640 תר"מ
תר”מ בְּמִדְרַשׁ ה’ עֻזִּי וּמֵעֻזִּי כּוּ’ אֵלֶיךָ גּוֹיִם יָבוֹאוּ כּוּ’. The Midrash “HaShem is my strength and stronghold, to You nations will come…” כִּי הש”י בָּחַר לוֹ בנ”י לְחֶלְקוֹ. והיR…
תרמ"א(1880)
Yisro Seeking Truth in Darkness· Essay 1
“In the Midrash: ‘Strike the scoffer, and the simple one will become wise.’” The Sefat Emet opens by citing the Midrash, which applies this verse to spiritual distinctions revealed during the Exodus. For the Children of Israel were created …
Shabbos Completing Unfinished Labor· Essay 2
“In Rashi: ‘And you shall do all your work.’” The Sefat Emet cites Rashi, who comments on the command to relate to Shabbat as though all one’s work were already completed. “That it should be as though all your labor is already done.” This m…
Derech Eretz Precedes Torah· Essay 3
The introduction of Parashat Yitro to the giving of the Torah. The Sefat Emet explains that the placement of Yitro before the revelation frames the spiritual preparation required for receiving Torah. As our sages said: “Derekh Eretz precede…
Oral Torah Implanted Within Us· Essay 4
Rashi explains that they would respond “yes” to “yes,” and so forth. This refers to the responsive affirmation of the people at Sinai, expressing full acceptance of the divine words. This pertains to the Oral Torah, about which we say “eter…
Yisro 5641 תרמ"א
במדרש לץ תכה ופתי יערים. The Midrash (Shemos Rabba 27:6) on the pasuk (Mishlei 19:25) Beat the scoffer and the simple will become clever (when he sees the punishment the scoffer gets). (Yisro and Amalek were in counsel with Paroh over…
תרמ"ב(1881)
Torah as the Third Renewal· Essay 1
“In the third month.” This introduces the Sefat Emet’s teaching that the giving of the Torah corresponds to the third great renewal in the world. The giving of the Torah is the third renewal in the world. The Sefat Emet states that creation…
Israel as Guarantors of Creation· Essay 2
“In the Midrash: ‘My son, if you have guaranteed…’ etc.; see there, for I will be brief.” The Sefat Emet refers to a Midrash about Israel acting as guarantors, noting he will only summarize its teaching. “For at first glance, the receivers …
Wilderness as Torah's Resting Place· Essay 3
“In the verse ‘They journeyed from Rephidim…’ the purpose is to make known the affection for the Children of Israel, that in three months they rose up from Egypt to receive the Torah.” The Sefat Emet teaches that the Torah emphasizes the jo…
Yisro 5642 תרמ"ב
בחודש השלישי. כי קבלת התורה היא חידוש הג’ בעולם. התחדשות א’ הבריאה. עולם חסד יבנה בחי’ אברהם אע”ה. הב’ יצ”מ בחי’ יצחק להודיע דאית דין ודיין. והרמז שהתחלת גלות מצרים מלידת יצחק. הג’ קבלת התורה …
Yisro תרמ"ב
בחודש השלישי. כי קבלת התורה היא חידוש הג’ בעולם. התחדשות א’ הבריאה. עולם חסד יבנה בחי’ אברהם אע”ה. הב’ יצ”מ בחי’ יצחק להודיע דאית דין ודיין. והרמז שהתחלת גלות מצרים מלידת יצחק. הג’ קבלת התורה …
תרמ"ג(1882)
Rejoicing in Israel's Benefit· Essay 1
“In the verse: ‘And Moses returned… I will come to you in a thick cloud… and Moses told [the words].’” The Sefat Emet introduces the passage by noting the sequence of verses relating to Moses returning and God coming in the cloud, establish…
Knowledge Leading to Action· Essay 2
“Receiving the Torah is called ‘service,’ as it is written: ‘When you are brought forth… you shall serve God.’” The Sefat Emet teaches that Torah acceptance is fundamentally an act of divine service, rooted in the purpose of the Exodus: to …
Israel's Collective Guarantorship· Essay 3
In the Midrash: “My child, if you have given a pledge…” The Sefat Emet opens by invoking the Midrash that speaks of Israel entering into spiritual suretyship. The Children of Israel merited to be called “sons” because they entered into mutu…
Serving God Through Weekday Labor· Essay 4
“In the verse: Six days you shall labor and do all your work...” The Sefat Emet opens by focusing on the commandment regarding the six days of labor. Rabbeinu Bachya, quoting the Rambam, explains: Six days you shall serve God through doing …
Yisro 5643 תרמ"ג
בפסוק וישב משה כו’ אנכי בא אליך בעב הענן כו’ ויגד משה כו’. להודיע חבתו של מרע”ה אם כי נודע. לו שיהי’ לו כמו נחיתת דרגא כמ”ש בעב הענן. בעבור טובת בנ”י. מול כן מודיע הכ’ ויגד משה שלא הי’ נ…
תרמ"ד(1883)
Doing Before Hearing· Essay 1
In the Midrash: “The Lord is my strength and my stronghold…” The Sefat Emet opens by citing the Midrashic phrase that frames divine power in two modes: essential strength and derived fortification. For in truth, the root of the souls of Isr…
Exodus Opening Gates for Converts· Essay 2
“In the verse: ‘And Jethro heard… that He brought them out.’” The Sefat Emet begins by focusing on what exactly Jethro heard—namely, the Exodus itself. “But it is difficult, for it already says: ‘all that He had done…’” The text raises the …
Yisro 5644 תרמ"ד
במדרש ה’ עוזי ומעוזי כו’. כי באמת שורש של נשמות בנ”י הם דבקים בשורש התורה. כדאיתא אורייתא וישראל כולהו חד וזהו ה’ עוזי ממש. ובחי’ ומעוזי הוא העוז שיש לאדם מהקב”ה ע”י סיבות ועצות. והיא מדרגה פחותה מה…
Yisro תרמ"ד
במדרש ה’ עוזי ומעוזי כו’. כי באמת שורש של נשמות בנ”י הם דבקים בשורש התורה. כדאיתא אורייתא וישראל כולהו חד וזהו ה’ עוזי ממש. ובחי’ ומעוזי הוא העוז שיש לאדם מהקב”ה ע”י סיבות ועצות. והיא מדרגה פחותה מה…
תרמ"ה(1884)
Elevating Nations Through Exile· Essay 1
In the Midrash: “Hashem, my strength and my stronghold, my refuge on the day of trouble—unto You nations will come…” The Sefat Emet begins by citing the Midrashic verse that frames the entire teaching: the relationship between Israel’s suff…
Shabbos Blessing Within Creation· Essay 2
“In the verse: Six days shall you labor … and the seventh day is a Sabbath to God.” The Sefat Emet introduces his teaching on Shabbat by citing the foundational command of work and rest. As it is written: “Which God created to do.” This ver…
Torah as the Essence of Shabbos· Essay 3
The Sages expounded: “Remember the Sabbath day…” meaning the essence of the day itself, and from here they derived that the Torah was given on Shabbat. The Sefat Emet begins by linking the giving of the Torah intrinsically with Shabbat, tea…
Beshalach 5645 תרמ"ה
במדרש ה’ עוזי ומעוזי מנוסי ביום צרה אליך גוים יבואו כו’. הענין הוא כי בנ”י בעצם המה דבקים בשורש עליון למעלה מהטבע. אכן הקב”ה הביא אותם למצרים כדי שיעלו כל הברואים. וכביכול הקב”ה בטוח בהם כי יחזירו אליו. ולא יטב…
תרמ"ו(1885)
Self-Nullification as True Advantage· Essay 1
“In the Midrash: when he converted, a vav was added to him, etc.” The Sefat Emet begins with the teaching that Yitro received the added letter vav upon conversion, signaling his new spiritual connection. “My grandfather, of blessed memory, …
Yisro 5646 תרמ"ו
במדרש משנתגייר הוסיף לו ו’ כו’ אמו”ז ז”ל אמר כי יתר ע”ש שהי’ כמיותר בעיני עצמו שהבין שאין לו מציאות מול קדושת בנ”י. אכן כ’ לשארית נחלתו ודרשו חז”ל מי שמשים עצמו כשיריים ולכן כשנתגייר הי&…
תרמ"ז(1886)
תר"ס(1899)
Souls Freed from Bondage· Essay 1
תר”ס אנכי ה”א כו’ מבית עבדים. “I am HaShem your G-d who took you out of Mitzrayim” איתא במד’ כל הנשמות עמדו בקבלת התורה. א”כ לכולם נאמר הוצאתיך. The Midrash (Shemos Raba 28:6) That all the souls of Bnei Y…
Yisro 5660 תר"ס
תר”ס אנכי ה”א כו’ מבית עבדים. “I am HaShem your G-d who took you out of Mitzrayim” איתא במד’ כל הנשמות עמדו בקבלת התורה. א”כ לכולם נאמר הוצאתיך. The Midrash (Shemos Raba 28:6) That all the sou…
Undated
Yisro Essay
The name of this parsha is Yisro, the father in law of Moshe who joined Bnei Yisrael’s ranks. Without a doubt the main feature in this week’s parsha is the receiving of the Torah on Har Sinai, and Bnei Yisrael’s commitment of na…
Yisro Essay
The name of this parsha is Yisro, the father in law of Moshe who joined Bnei Yisrael’s ranks. Without a doubt the main feature in this weeks parsha is the receiving of the Torah on Har Sinai, and Bnei Yisrael’s commitment of na’ase venishma…
45 more essays from this section await translation.