weekly Torah reading from Exodus 18:1-20:23
8
votes
2answers
172 views
Why don't we name children Yitro?
Yitro appears to be an overall positive character in the Torah. At least as much as Noah or Saul, yet I do not know of contemporary (or even ancient) Jews named Yitro. Why is that?
7
votes
1answer
121 views
Did Jethro convert? Before or after Matan Torah?
Did Jethro convert? And, was it before or after the Torah was given? I heard a few things this past shabbat, but I would like to see if we can compile all of the midrashic and aggadic opinions.
5
votes
2answers
2k views
What does adultery mean in the 7th commandment?
Exodus 20:14, the 7th 'commandment' of the Decalogue.
Does it mean only having sex with someone else' wife or having sex outside marriage?
What is the actual Hebrew word and what possible ...
4
votes
1answer
106 views
What's “chosen” about Jews?
Jews are commonly referred to as "the chosen people". I've heard it comes from Exodus 19:5 ("וִהְיִיתֶם לִי סְגֻלָּה מִכָּל הָעַמִּים", "ye shall be Mine own treasure from among all peoples", JPS). ...
3
votes
1answer
102 views
Rashi's proof of the timing of Yisro's conversation with Moshe about judges
Rashi (to Ex. 18:13) cites Mechilta that "the next day," when Yisro saw Moshe judging the people and offered his advice about appointing inferior judges, was the day after Yom Kippur. Part of his ...
3
votes
2answers
95 views
Why does the Torah repeat that the nation believed in Moshe?
In Yisro it says:
וְגַם בְּךָ יַאֲמִינוּ לְעוֹלָם
Earlier it says:
ויאמינו בה' ובמשה עבדו
Why Both?
2
votes
3answers
128 views
Why offer the Nations mitzvos from the Torah that are already in the Noahide Laws?
When Hashem went around offering the Torah to the other nations each asked what is written therein to each nation He told them of the commandment representing their weak point or vice, hence they ...
