BackFamily Above All
By: Rabbi Dr. Abraham Unger
In the midst of this week’s parsha – the most dramatic and formative of all Torah portions – there is a seemingly small passing narrative that, to me, may just be the most important value of all, and the reason the Jewish people has successfully weathered so many storms.
Our Shabbat reading recounts the giving of the Torah in thunder and lightning. But, right before revelation at Mr. Sinai, Moses gets a visit from his father-in-law Jethro, known as a trusted and wise advisor. Jethro is chaperoning through the desert Moses’ wife and sons back to his encampment. After all, Moses has been separated from them while doing the majestic work of leadership, getting his people out of Egypt. He is almost too busy to even go out and greet his family upon their return to him as the Jews settle into the wilderness.
Jethro rebukes Moses. He admonishes him for not even taking a few moments to welcome his family back. Really? Does family come second? The Torah here is teaching that no matter how lofty one’s commitment and mission in life, the most significant value is family. Nothing is more important than taking time to be present with them.
Judaism has always been known as a family-centered tradition. Just think of Shabbat, a weekly mandate to break bread and share in gratitude with and for each other, or Passover, or lighting the Menorah. This unbreakable dedication to sustaining the family may just be the secret of Jewish survival.