(Shmos 2:20)
Yisro, the priest of Midian, was a unique person. He was a top advisor to Pharaoh, but when Pharaoh decided to commit genocide and infanticide against the Jews, he spoke up. Because of that, Yisro had to flee Egypt and he settled in Midian.
A man of truth and reflection, he had investigated every religion in the world and found them all lacking. He rejected all idolatry and believed in the Creator of the world, much as Avraham had. Unlike Avraham, who was lauded and respected everywhere, Yisro became an outcast. People would not associate with him and his daughters were abused by the locals. When they went to the well, the shepherds tossed them into the water, likely having a good laugh at their expense. But one day, something changed.
The girls came home dry, with sheep that had been watered, and it was much earlier than they usually made it back. What happened? he wondered. They told Yisro of an Egyptian man who stood up for them. When he came to the well, the waters rose to greet him and he watered their sheep for them. In fact, so much water rose that the other shepherds were able to water their sheep too.
Yisro asked them why they had left Moshe behind and not invited him to their home to break bread. Rashi explains that Yisro, who had seven daughters and was excommunicated by his community, hoped this man would marry one of them. But how did Yisro know that Moshe was going to be good husband material? Why would he think it would be good for his daughter to marry this man who simply arrived on the scene?
The commentaries offer many different insights that Yisro gleaned about Moshe. Since the water rose to meet him as it did to Yaakov Avinu, it was clear to him that Moshe was a descendant of Yaakov. Someone from that family would be a match to be proud of. But even if he didn’t realize Moshe was Jewish, he knew of the “Egyptian’s” kindness.
If he was helpful to Yisro’s daughters, it meant that he, too, eschewed idolatry and didn’t join in the excommunication. An Egyptian who abandoned their gods was obviously a thoughtful person, who seriously considered the truths of life.
The Malbim says that when Yisro asked, “Where is he?” He was suggesting that if Moshe had ulterior motives in helping the girls, he would have followed them home, hoping for payment or some sort of reward. From the fact that he didn’t, it was clear Moshe was altruistic in saving them, and such a man should not be left behind.
The overarching lesson here is that when you find good people, you should hold onto them. Connect with them and make them part of your life. Don’t take for granted their kindnesses and character. Be inspired by them and seek to remain in touch with them. It will make you a better person, too, but most of all, you will be building a treasure house of goodness by “collecting” good people.
Several Chasidim were discussing their ‘yichus,’ their regal Jewish lineage and ancestry. “I am a direct descendent of a great dynasty of Rebbes,” said one. “My grandfather was a tremendous tzaddik who studied hidden works of Torah, and whose prayers were known to yield results,” said another. “Well,” said the third, “I can’t claim any of those things. My ‘yichus’ is that I’m the first of my family to wear Tefillen every day.”
©2025 – J. Gewirtz
