Chevre, this week’s parsha is Yitro (יתרו). There are some major things that happen in this week’s parsha. Yitro comes, this is Moshe’s father-in-law. And he sees Moshe sitting all day giving judgements to the people. And he tells Moshe that he can’t continue like this. It doesn’t scale. And the parsha ends with the giving of the 10 commandments.

But after the advice and before the 10 commandments, there is a listing of the qualifications for leadreship. Who should Moshe put in place between himself and the people.

Now listen to me. I will give you counsel, and God be with you! You represent the people before God: you bring the disputes before God, and enjoin upon them the laws and the teachings, and make known to them the way they are to go and the practices they are to follow. You shall also seek out, from among all the people, those who are capable and who fear God—trustworthy ones who spurn ill-gotten gain. Set these over them as chiefs of thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens, and let them judge the people at all times. Have them bring every major dispute to you, but let them decide every minor dispute themselves. Make it easier for yourself by letting them share the burden with you. If you do this—and God so commands you—you will be able to bear up; and all these people too will go home unwearied.” Moses heeded his father-in-law and did just as he had said. (Translation from Sefaria.org, Shemot 18:19-24)

So first thing is that there are tiers which allow for scaling. I kinda wonder how much of this today could be settled with a discussion with Gen AI and having a person review the Gen AI results. On second thought, I can imagine that being a major part of a William Gibson novel and would probably be too scary.

The other thing that caught my attention is that Moshe listened to his father-in-law. Now, I try to listen to the advice of my in-laws (not just because they read these 😉 ), but here we have a major leader of the people who changes the way they deal with the people at the advice of Yitro, who is and remains later an outsider to the Israelites. This screams of “Are Right, A Lot”. Here someone is coming to the leader and saying, “Hey, there could be a better way” and he doesn’t only listen, but he implements it. Note, there is no 6 pager on this (https://www.larksuite.com/en_us/blog/amazon-6-pager).

This also comes down in Pirkei Avot (the Ethics of the Fathers), a section of the Mishna.

Ben Zoma said: Who is wise? He who learns from every man, as it is said: “From all who taught me have I gained understanding” (Psalms 119:99). (Avot 4:1)

So whether you are trying to be more Amazonian or more like Ben Zoma, I bless you (and please bless me back) to always have an open mind and an open heart to learn from the vast experience of others.

Shabbat Shalom.