14/15 February 2025, 17 Sh’vat 5785

This week’s portion, even before we get to the 10 commandments, offers a pretty compelling message.

Indeed, it is widely understood to be the first Management Consultancy advice when Yitro, Moses’ (non-Israelite) father-in-law, offers his observations on the way that Moses is running his community. He sits alone in judgement for hours each day, forcing long, snake-like queues of people desperate for his attention (think 1980s Harrods’ Sale).

“The thing you are doing is not right; you will surely wear yourself out, and these people as well. For the task is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone” (Exodus 18:17-18).

It’s not insignificant that the most important portion of Torah that contains the revelation at Sinai is given the name of a Midianite priest.

I take two vital ‘learnings’ from this and they really inform my life and my Jewishness.

1. Wisdom and all kinds of learning will always come from outside of the community. As Progressive Jews, we took that lesson and made it a central part of our tradition. We don’t live in a vacuum and never have, so secular wisdoms have always informed our Jewish life – and it started with Yitro.
2. Secondly, doing things alone is never as effective, efficient and impactful as delegating, sharing and co-creating. Frankly, synagogue congregations are an excellent case in point for this – but so are many other settings.

The decision to merge, or better co-create, a larger Progressive Judaism out of Liberal and Reform Jewish movements is responding to just this. As Dr. Ed Kessler, committed Liberal Jew and Chair of the Advisory Board, describes, we have been ‘punching below our weight for a long time’ and this coming together allows us to be a greater force to be reckoned with, transforming the contours and landscape of British Jewry in ‘the most exciting Jewish initiative since the war.’

Change always brings uncertainty but in terms of our synagogue experience, things will remain the same. Our movement’s contributions may be even more cost effective.  We also stand to benefit from being better seen on the wider stage, so that our young people see their Judaism represented more publicly.

I am truly optimistic for this ‘better together’ move forward and I take Yitro’s advice seriously.

It is not just that each of us was present at Sinai, but that revelation is ongoing; we continue to receive Torah throughout our lives. These words are from the Hasidic leader known as the Kotzker Rebbe (1787-1859, from Martin Buber, Tales of the Hasidim). And they feel pretty compelling right now.

Shabbat Shalom,
Rebecca