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Exodus 18:12 - Yitro's sacrifice unites leaders

Exodus 18:12 - שמות 18:12

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקַּח יִתְרוֹ חֹתֵן מֹשֶׁה עֹלָה וּזְבָחִים לֵאלֹהִים וַיָּבֹא אַהֲרֹן וְכֹל זִקְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל לֶאֱכָל־לֶחֶם עִם־חֹתֵן מֹשֶׁה לִפְנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים׃

English Translation

And Yitro, Moshe’s father in law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God: and Aharon came, and all the elders of Yisra᾽el, to eat bread with Moshe’s father in law before God.

Transliteration

Vayikach Yitro choten Moshe olah uzvachim lelohim vayavo Aharon vechol ziknei Yisrael le'echol lechem im-choten Moshe lifnei ha'elohim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקַּ֞ח יִתְר֨וֹ חֹתֵ֥ן מֹשֶׁ֛ה עֹלָ֥ה וּזְבָחִ֖ים לֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים וַיָּבֹ֨א אַהֲרֹ֜ן וְכֹ֣ל&thinsp
וַיִּקַּ֞ח יִתְר֨וֹ חֹתֵ֥ן מֹשֶׁ֛ה עֹלָ֥ה וּזְבָחִ֖ים לֵֽאלֹהִ֑ים וַיָּבֹ֨א אַהֲרֹ֜ן וְכֹ֣ל&thinsp

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Parasha Commentary

The Significance of Yitro's Offerings

Rashi (Shemot 18:12) explains that Yitro brought olah (burnt offering) and zevachim (sacrifices) as an expression of gratitude to Hashem for the miracles performed for Bnei Yisrael. The olah, which is entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizes complete dedication to Hashem, while the zevachim, which are partially eaten, represent a shared celebration of this newfound connection.

The Participation of Aharon and the Elders

The presence of Aharon and the elders at this meal is significant. The Midrash Tanchuma (Yitro 7) notes that this gathering demonstrated unity and respect for Yitro, who had acknowledged Hashem's greatness. Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:3) emphasizes the importance of honoring converts, as Yitro—a former idolater—had now embraced monotheism.

Eating "Before God"

The phrase "לִפְנֵי הָאֱלֹהִים" (before God) is interpreted by the Sforno (Shemot 18:12) to mean that this meal was conducted with sanctity and reverence, akin to partaking of korbanot (sacrifices) in the Mishkan. The Talmud (Zevachim 116a) connects this event to the future revelation at Har Sinai, suggesting that Yitro's acceptance of Hashem foreshadowed the broader covenant with Bnei Yisrael.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Hakaras Hatov (Gratitude): Yitro's offerings teach the importance of recognizing and thanking Hashem for His kindness (based on Rashi).
  • Kavod HaGer (Honoring Converts): The elders' participation underscores the value of embracing those who join Klal Yisrael (as derived from Rambam).
  • Sacred Fellowship: Sharing a meal "before God" elevates mundane acts into spiritual experiences (per Sforno).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 116a
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the sacrifices brought by Yitro (Jethro) and the participation of Aaron and the elders of Israel in the sacrificial meal, highlighting the significance of their actions in the context of divine service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Yitro bringing sacrifices to God in Exodus 18:12?
A: According to Rashi and other commentaries, Yitro's offering of sacrifices demonstrates his recognition and acceptance of God's sovereignty after witnessing the miracles performed for the Jewish people. This act symbolizes his conversion to monotheism, making him a model for sincere converts (gerim) in Jewish tradition.
Q: Why did Aharon and the elders of Israel eat bread with Yitro before God?
A: The Talmud (Sanhedrin 94a) explains that sharing a meal before God signifies unity and peace. By eating together, Aharon and the elders showed acceptance of Yitro as part of the community. The Rambam (Hilchos De'os 6:4) also teaches that sharing meals fosters bonds between people, which is especially important when welcoming newcomers to faith.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Exodus 18:12 about welcoming newcomers to Judaism?
A: The verse teaches the importance of warmly accepting sincere converts (gerim), as demonstrated by Aharon and the elders dining with Yitro. The Midrash (Mechilta) emphasizes that we must honor and include those who join the Jewish people, just as our ancestors did with Yitro, who became a valued advisor to Moshe.
Q: Why does the verse mention that this happened 'before God'?
A: Rashi explains that 'before God' refers to the Mishkan (Tabernacle) or a designated holy place where sacrifices were offered. The Ramban adds that this phrase emphasizes the sincerity of their actions—their meal and sacrifices were dedicated to divine service, not merely a social gathering.