This week's Torah portion recounts the story of the giving of the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai. Curiously, though, it is not named "Sinai," or "Ten Commandments," or even "Moses," but "Yitro," or "Jethro," referring to the father-in-law of Moses, who helped him delegate judicial authority.
The Ten Commandments include an injunction to honor your mother and father. It does not mention mothers- or fathers-in-law. Therefore it is even more curious that the portion is named for an in-law. It could be a sign that in-laws are to be included in the general category of honored parents.
Another possibility is that the Torah is telling us that in-laws have a different, but no less important, role to play. We all know the jokes about fraught relationships with in-laws; these can be difficult relationships, and usually lack the intimacy of relationships between biological parents and children.
At the same time, in-laws can offer their own unique insights, and are worth learning from, even if there is some emotional distance -- and even if, as in this case, Jethro is from a different group, and practiced (at one point) a different religion. The Torah is telling us that in-laws deserve a special kind of respect.
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET (4-7 PT)
This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
Special guests:
- Bradley Jaye - Breitbart News congressional correspondent, on the shutdown
- John Carney - Breitbart News financial editor, on the upcoming jobs report
- Jerome Hudson - Breitbart News entertainment editor, on the Kimmel fallout
- Frances Martel - Breitbart News foreign editor, on the UN and Gaza talks
- Matisyahu - award-winning reggae artist, on his new album, "Ancient Child"
Tune in: 7-10 p.m. ET, 4-7 p.m. PT
Call: 866-957-2874
