Shabbat Shalom!
In this week’s Torah portion of Yitro we read of the magnificent moment when the Commandments are given at Sinai. Thunder crashes, lighting splits the sky, and God’s Awesome Voice is heard.
But before the giving of the Torah, there is a brief, quiet scene of reunion between Moses, Jethro his father in law, and Moses’ wife and children.
Moses bows humbly to his father-in-law, reunites with his family with honor and appreciation, and even takes some advice from Jethro with good grace and respect. Some of the Sages argue that this quiet story must be out of order, for the main tale is the giving of the Torah, and the portion should have gotten to that magnificent moment as soon as possible! Why tell us this little tale of family reconciliation? I think there is another answer. The midrash teaches (Vayikra Rabba) that Derech Eretz Kodem l’Torah- good behavior is a precondition for the Torah. Therefore, in telling us this story, the portion is emphasizing that decency and kindness are necessary in order for the Torah to be properly received.