At the beginning of this week’s Torah portion, Moses is in desperate need of something. The Israelites are in disarray. Moses is worn out. The future looks bleak. Moses could use a friend. Enter his father-in-law Jethro, who, based on his experience as a Midianite knows exactly what to do, suggesting a method of representative government that will be essential as they move forward toward the Promised Land.
In a national sense, Jethro is more than father-in-law to Moses and more than just a friend, he is an ally. As a Midianite Priest, his visit to the Israelites is of a diplomatic nature. Over the course of our journey through the wilderness, Jethro represents the only true such relationship we will be able to cultivate.
Just as in Biblical times, the creation and cultivation of allies is essential to our communal work. These are mutually supportive and beneficial relationships, ones that help us through moments of crisis, and enhance our everyday life as well. That is the inherent purpose of the Buffalo Civic Leader trip to Israel this week. This is a trip funded by our Jewish Federation, that I am leading alongside my co-worker at the Jewish Communal Relations Council, Mara Koven-Gelman. Thirty local professionals including heads of school, foundation and business leaders, non-profit and social service execs, other clergy, a NY State Supreme Court Justice, and local politicians, are taking part in the 8-day-tour led by Ezra Korman at Makor, not just to see the sights, but to build relationships. Can’t wait to tell you all about it when we return!
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom from Jerusalem,
Rabbi Alex