REFINNING PAGANISM

בס "ד

Summary of the Lesson

Based on Likutei Sichot – The Rebbe’s talk on Yitro

This is a brief summary of the lesson. It is highly recommended to watch or listen to the full class in order to understand the ideas in their depth and full context.

Yitro and the Giving of the Torah

In the Torah portion of Exodus 18, Yitro, the father-in-law of Moses, comes to the desert after hearing about the miracles G-d performed for Israel during the Exodus. After listening to Moses recount these events, Yitro declares:

“Now I know that G-d is greater than all gods.”

After this episode, the Torah continues with the events leading to the Giving of the Torah at Mount Sinai.

Il Zohar points out something remarkable: the Torah was given only after Jethro acknowledged G-d. This raises an important question. If Moses, Aaron, and the entire people of Israel already possessed great holiness, why was that not sufficient for the giving of the Torah? Why was Jethro’s recognition necessary?

Chi era Yitro?

The Torah describes Yitro as “Kohen Midian,” usually translated as “priest of Midian.” According to the Midrash, Yitro had studied and practiced many forms of idolatry before eventually rejecting them.

This description is not meant as criticism. On the contrary, it highlights that Yitro had deep knowledge of the spiritual systems people believed in. After examining them all, he concluded that the G-d of Israel is greater than all.

His statement therefore came from experience and investigation, not simply from faith.

Transforming Darkness into Light

A key idea explained in the lesson comes from the book of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes), traditionally attributed to King Solomon. In Kohelet it says:

“Wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness.”

The deeper meaning is that light that emerges from darkness is especially powerful. When someone encounters confusion, mistakes, or false ideas and then arrives at truth, that truth becomes stronger and clearer.

Yitro represents this transformation. He did not simply ignore his past knowledge. Instead, he transformed it into a deeper recognition of G-d.

The Purpose of the Torah

Before the giving of the Torah, there was considered to be a separation between the spiritual world and the physical world. The revelation at Mount Sinai removed that separation and allowed holiness to enter the material world.

However, the goal of the Torah is not only to elevate what is already holy. Its purpose is also to transform even the lowest or most distant parts of reality.

Yitro’s recognition of G-d symbolized that transformation. Even someone who had explored many forms of idolatry could recognize the truth. Only then was the world ready to receive the Torah.

A Lesson for Today

This idea can also be applied to people today. When someone comes from a different background, belief system, or life experience and then recognizes the One God, it demonstrates that holiness can reach everywhere.

Rather than rejecting everything from the past, a person can transform their experiences, knowledge, and abilities into something positive and use them in the service of G-d.

In this way, the story of Yitro teaches that the purpose of the Torah is to bring awareness of G-d into every part of the world and to transform darkness into light.

Con i ringraziamenti a Rabbino Tuvia Serber per lo shiur e il feedback.

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