Transforming the Mundane: Torah's Role in Everyday Life
Liluei Nishmas Ita bas Chanoch Aharon Bistritzky
Parshat Yitro unfolds with the arrival of Yitro, Moshes' father-in-law, into the narrative. Observing that Moshe alone adjudicated every dispute for the nation, Yitro becomes concerned about his son-in-law's well-being. Recognizing Moshes's unsustainable burden, Yitro astutely advises him to establish a hierarchical judicial system. Judges of varying ranks would handle routine matters, reserving only the most challenging cases for Moses himself.
A natural question arises: Why didn't Moses recognize the need for such a system? Did he not notice how tiring and unsustainable it is to be the sole judge of an entire nation? The answer lies in the unique nature of Moses' leadership. Standing before Moses, who is described in our tradition as someone who had reached the highest spiritual level humanity can attain, was an extraordinary and transcendent experience. In his presence, litigants were momentarily uplifted above their subjective pettiness and ego; it was an elevation of individuals to their higher, more authentic selves. In the presence of such a holy figure, the litigants were uplifted to a divine realm, transcending the mundane disagreements that often occupy human interactions.
Moses, never needing to descend into the harsh realities of the disputes brought to him, did not tire and remained unscathed by the weariness accompanying involvement in day-to-day disputes. The soul would shine in the radiance of his presence, and sparking this light in others did not tire him. Nevertheless, Yitro's counsel prevailed, and even Moses acquiesced. The deeper lesson here is that the Torah is not solely intended for the spiritual elevation experienced in the presence of godly figures. While Moses' influence elevated individuals instantly, the Torah must also permeate the lower aspects of our being—the animalistic, mundane side. Torah is not merely an escape to the divine; it is the means to infuse godliness into the fabric of everyday life.
The sages emphasize this point by quoting that Hashem states: "I created an evil inclination, and I created the Torah as the remedy." Torah is not a prescription for the already inspired soul; it is the medication for the uninspired, everyday struggles and conflicts that arise in our lower, earthly existence. It is not meant to be a temporary escape to spiritual realms but a guide for navigating the challenges of our physical reality.
Some may approach learning the Torah, seeking spiritual highs, attempting to touch the divine momentarily, and then reverting to their old selves. However, the Torah's purpose is not merely to elevate; it is to descend, to permeate the mundane with godliness. Torah is not just a source of spiritual inspiration; it is a guide for day-to-day living—within work, rest, family, and all aspects of life. Parshat Yitro teaches us that the Torah isn't solely about getting spiritually high but about bringing spirituality into the mundane and the painful. Torah isn't an escape; it's a transformative force, shaping our everyday existence into a vessel for divine presence.
Adapted from “Life Talks on the Parsha”