Marisa Kaiser
I remember, as a little girl, watching The Ten Commandments with my mom and being captivated by the scene many of us know so well: Moses, played by Charlton Heston, standing alone atop Mount Sinai, tablets in hand, lightning filling the sky, and the Jewish people waiting below in anticipation—about to receive the Torah directly from God. It is one of Hollywood’s most epic and dramatic moments, and probably what this week’s Torah portion, Yitro, is best known for.
But before the drama – before Sinai, the thunder, and the commandments – this week’s portion begins with Yitro, Moses’ father-in-law.
Yitro watches Moses sit day after day, attempting to lead an entire people all by himself. He sees the toll it is taking and how exhausted Moses has become. And Yitro lovingly says to him: “Lo tov ha-davar asher ata oseh.” This is not good—not for you, and not for the people.
Yitro teaches Moses one of the most important lessons about leadership: leadership is not meant to be done alone. It is meant to be shared, supported, and strengthened through listening and embracing the people around you to do the work together.
This lesson feels especially meaningful to me this week, as I just returned from the ARJE (Association of Reform Jewish Educators) conference, where I was deeply honored to receive the Distinguished Educator Award recognizing my 25 years as a Jewish educator.
Over these 25 years, I have learned from friends and colleagues who inspire me to think differently, expand my vision, and model courage and creativity in Jewish life. And I have been privileged to bring that learning back to our community at Temple Sinai—where leadership is lived out not by one person or one voice, but through collaboration, trust, and shared purpose.
This week’s portion Yitro reminds us that strong leadership does not mean doing everything ourselves. It means listening, learning, and building systems and relationships that allow a community to thrive.
May this Shabbat invite us to notice the Yitros in our lives and remind us to honor the shared leadership that sustains our Temple Sinai community each and every day.
Shabbat Shalom.
