Parshas Yisro- Too Busy For Drama
The world is abound with challenges. They come in many shapes, sizes, and formats. It is often important to attempt to solve these in the best possible way. However, a wise person has the foresight to envision future issues that may arise, and to thereby avoid their development in the first place. This can preempt the challenge before its inception. This week’s Parsha highlights such wisdom.
Yisro is a fascinating character. The father-in-law of Moshe and a genuine truth-seeker. Yisro had worshiped all forms of idolatry, until he concluded that Hashem was the Only G-d. He abandoned the comforts of Midian, joining the Jewish camp in the barren desert. Most notably, Yisro suggested a reform to the prevailing justice system. He observed that Moshe was the lone judge, tasked to preside over the entire Jewish nation. This approach resulted in exhaustion on behalf of Moshe and the Jews. Upon witnessing this shortcoming, Yisro told his son-in-law that it would be more effective to arrange different levels of courts, each tasked with varying degrees of responsibility. Moshe would remain as the top judge, to deal with the most difficult cases. This assistance would benefit all parties involved. Hashem agreed with this plan, and it was implemented. Yisro merited the unique distinction, that his contribution was recorded in the Torah for all eternity.
There are a few verses that Yisro used to preface this instruction. Notably, he stated: “... and you (Moshe) shall make known to them (the Jewish people) the way that they should go, and the actions that they should do” (18:20). Yisro then proceeded to give the directive regarding varying levels of judges. The Gemara (Bava Metzia 30b) notes these seemingly unnecessary verses, and concludes that these were additional, albeit more cryptic, instructions. Rav Yosef teaches that each section of the pasuk is a separate directive. The first part (“you shall make known to them”) alludes to the importance of attaining a profession in order to achieve parnassah (Rashi). The Gemara proceeds in a similar fashion, dissecting the verse, and deducing the hidden messages.
The need to reform the justice system was readily apparent. Indeed, Yisro was applauded for this aid. However, how does the idea of having professions relate to this theme? Furthermore, why was it the necessary introduction to his eventual directive regarding the judges?
Three unique answers may resolve this difficulty:
1. Perhaps, David answered, Yisro understood that there was a necessary prerequisite to being effective judges. Only a judge who understood the nature of various professions could properly adjudicate the people’s cases. Thus, Yisro suggested that the judges engage in studying the various jobs, to promote success at the time of judgment. For example: if they understood medicine, they would be able to more effectively judge the doctor.
2. Alternatively, Alex suggested, Yisro was encouraging the people to become exceedingly talented at their various jobs. This would ensure, to the greatest degree possible, the avoidance of future issues. Thus, the cases brought to the judges would be minimal. If the doctor was fully trained, and the office staff were incredible, the court cases that would naturally emerge would be few.
3. Finally, the Ben Yehoyada offers a novel, and very practical interpretation. Generally, the people who agitate over minor issues are the same individuals who have too much free time. They seek something to be busy with, and will exacerbate a small problem, creating one far larger. These people would gladly bring cases to court every day of the week. Yisro understood that an idle nation would result in such a scenario. Then, despite the great number of newly minted judges, the docket would be simply overwhelming. In order to avoid this issue, he suggested that the people attain professions. Busy people would naturally forgive and overlook minor infractions, keeping the number of court cases to a minimum. Then the judges would suffice to fulfill the number of cases presented.
This final idea has a very real application. It is essential for people to engage in productive, fulfilling work. This causes an avoidance of numerous problems. Such people will not have time for foolish, unimportant issues. There is no place for drama when one is busy and accomplishing. This undistracted focus will result in the greatest of successes.
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