Chasidut על שמות 18:14
Kedushat Levi
Exodus 18,14. “why are you alone seated while all the people have to stand in attendance in your presence?” Moses explains to his father-in-law what his function is, i.e. to arbitrate quarrels and to teach G’d’s laws.
Yitro explains that he objects to the manner in which Moses carries out his duties, saying that it contributes to both his becoming tired and the people becoming frustrated. He points out that the present arrangement is counterproductive on both counts.
Our author may also have hinted at a metaphysical aspect of the spectacle he had witnessed. Man, whether Israelite of high caliber or of modest stature, must constantly; strive to advance spiritually, and come closer to the highest level he is capable of attaining considering the attributes that had been granted to him at birth. By referring to Moses “sitting” and the people “standing,” Yitro hints that the present arrangement interferes with the people concerned being able to progress spiritually through this tiresome arrangement. Moreover, if the tzaddik, righteous, spiritually superior person, conducts himself in a manner that shows that he considers himself superior, the people on a lower level will only confuse him as they resent such behaviour. When someone is an outstanding tzaddik towering far above his peers, he may succeed in elevating his peers to his level by speaking to them in the appropriate manner. Yitro was under the impression that Moses had initiated this system, thereby causing resentment. Moses explained that the opposite was the case; the people had come to him begging him to adjudicate their problems. By using words judicially, he, Moses was doing his best to elevate them spiritually. Upon hearing this, Yitro told Moses that in his opinion Moses was assuming a greater burden than he would be able to carry single-handedly.
Yitro explains that he objects to the manner in which Moses carries out his duties, saying that it contributes to both his becoming tired and the people becoming frustrated. He points out that the present arrangement is counterproductive on both counts.
Our author may also have hinted at a metaphysical aspect of the spectacle he had witnessed. Man, whether Israelite of high caliber or of modest stature, must constantly; strive to advance spiritually, and come closer to the highest level he is capable of attaining considering the attributes that had been granted to him at birth. By referring to Moses “sitting” and the people “standing,” Yitro hints that the present arrangement interferes with the people concerned being able to progress spiritually through this tiresome arrangement. Moreover, if the tzaddik, righteous, spiritually superior person, conducts himself in a manner that shows that he considers himself superior, the people on a lower level will only confuse him as they resent such behaviour. When someone is an outstanding tzaddik towering far above his peers, he may succeed in elevating his peers to his level by speaking to them in the appropriate manner. Yitro was under the impression that Moses had initiated this system, thereby causing resentment. Moses explained that the opposite was the case; the people had come to him begging him to adjudicate their problems. By using words judicially, he, Moses was doing his best to elevate them spiritually. Upon hearing this, Yitro told Moses that in his opinion Moses was assuming a greater burden than he would be able to carry single-handedly.
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