Dear Friends,

Parshat Yitro is one of the most pivotal portions in the Torah, as it contains Matan Torah—the giving of the Torah at Mt. Sinai. Before this momentous event, the Jewish people made a declaration that would define them forever: “Na’aseh v’nishma”—“We will do, and we will listen.” They committed to following G-d’s commandments before even hearing what they were, demonstrating an unparalleled level of faith and readiness.

The Midrash tells us that when the nations of the world heard about the giving of the Torah, they asked: “Why was the Torah given to the Jewish people?” G-d responded: “Go and ask them what they said when I offered it.” While other nations questioned what was in the Torah before accepting it, the Jewish people accepted it unconditionally. This act of complete trust in G-d is what made them worthy of receiving the Torah.

The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that the lesson of Na’aseh v’nishma extends beyond that moment at Mt. Sinai. It teaches us that spiritual growth comes when we act with trust, even before we fully understand. There was a time when a man approached the Rebbe and asked for a bracha (blessing) for a significant life decision. Instead of answering immediately, the Rebbe asked: “If I tell you what to do, will you listen?” The man hesitated, saying he needed to hear the advice first. The Rebbe smiled and said, “When one asks for divine guidance with an open heart—ready to act before fully understanding—that is when the greatest blessings flow.”

As we read Parshat Yitro, we are reminded to approach our relationship with G-d with the same trust and willingness as our ancestors at Mt. Sinai. When we take the first step with faith, G-d guides us the rest of the way.
 

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Zushe Cunin