In our Torah portion this week, Yitro, Moses' father in law visits Moses and the Israelites as they are wandering through the desert. He sees Moses overworked and exhausted. Moses is one man, responsible for adjudicating for all of the Israelites, on every matter. Yitro suggests to Moses that he should appoint assistants and delegate his overwhelming responsibility to others.

The traditional commentators are a bit concerned with Moses' lack of foresight. The 15th century commentator Abarbanel points out that it's a bit unsettling that Moses, one of the greatest leaders of all time, couldn't see such an obvious and simple solution to his problem. He suggests Moses may have been blinded by his enthusiasm, commitment, and dedication to his work. He was so invested in what he was doing that he was unable to take a step back, reevaluate, and find a more efficient and effective path. Nevertheless, Yitro, an outsider, came in and was quickly able to identify the problem and propose a practical and effective solution.

Sometimes, like Moses, when we are so invested and involved in the work we do and in the activities that are important to us, we have trouble letting go and listening to the advice of others. By not doing so, we are in danger of losing perspective, exhausting and overworking ourselves, hurting the very people whom we may be trying to help. Like in our Torah portion, more often than not, the most obvious, simple, and helpful solutions can come from some of the most unusual of suspects, we just have to let them in. My hope and prayer for all of us is that we have the wisdom like Moses, to be open to suggestions and advice from others around us. That way, we can do what we love to do and whatever it is that we are most passionate about, in a way that is most beneficial for everyone involved, including ourselves.

Rabbi Dorsch