The Bible explores the complicated relationships between sons-in-law (or daughters-in-law) and fathers- or mothers-in-law in many instances.
There are the dysfunctional relationships, such as Laban and Joseph, or Saul and David. There are the miraculously harmonious relationships, such as Ruth and Naomi. There are also peculiar relationships, such as Judah and Tamar (who end up producing their own child, who is the ancestor of kings and the Messiah).
And then there is the ideal relationship: that of Moses and Jethro.
In the Jewish tradition, the Torah portion in which the Ten Commandments are given is named for Jethro -- not "Ten Commandments," or "Sinai," or even "Moses," but "Jethro." That is because the narrative begins with Jethro offering advice to Moses about how to delegate responsibility so he does not collapse from the immense workload of leading an entire nation. Moses listens -- but then sees his father off (Exodus 18:27), and they live happily ever after.
So the ideal is: the in-laws offer advice, you listen to it, then they leave.
Or... perhaps not. There is some sense among the Torah commentaries that Jethro eventually comes back, and he and/or his descendants join the people in the Holy Land. Regardless, in some sense he is always with the people -- even if not in person. His suggestion to Moses concerned the organization of the Jewish legal system. And it was that which sustained the Jews for millennia.
This is the final edition of THE AGENDA -- finished a few days early!
This week's portion elucidates some of the first laws and principles of the Torah that follow the Ten Commandments, including -- a message particularly relevant to freed slaves -- the Jewish restrictions on indentured servitude.
God also provides the basic civil laws of Jewish society, governing almost every area of life -- in this one portion! -- as well as several basic principles of faith and religious observance. Moses then ascends Sinai for 40 days.
One of the laws God gives is the law against taunting a foreigner. This is different from allowing people to enter your land illegally; it is about showing respect, however, for people from other lands and other groups.
I am reminded of the importance of this principle because of the rhetoric lately attacking Elon Musk, a fellow South African-turned-American, for his foreign roots -- often by people who favor illegal immigration, ironically.
...
Since the Palisades Fire on January 7, my posts have been fairly sparse. I have just been so busy -- fighting the fire, covering the fire, helping neighbors, and launching a new podcast, "Three Homeless Guys," with two local friends.
Things are up and down. My family is still displaced, and we haven't resolved our living situation. We are awaiting answers from the insurance company (State Farm) on what they will cover, including alternative living expenses.
There are some incredible opportunities opening up -- more on that later -- and our kids are generally doing well, though this has been hard for them as well (especially the two middle kids, who miss their friends and their house).
The emotion of it all hit me yesterday. Today I feel wrung out. But I also feel that, in a way, going through the fire has been a process of refinement, of re-casting in a new mould, to face new challenges. And to win each new day.
So much to talk about, once again, as the Trump administration continues at breakneck pace. From DOGE chewing through the federal bureaucracy, to Marco Rubio heading out on his first missions for Trump, there's so much...
Special guests:
Assemblyman Carl DeMaio -- on the L.A. fires and reforming CA insurance
Matt Boyle -- Breitbart News political editor, on DOGE and confirmations
Jamie Paige -- founder of the Westside Current, on L.A. politics and the fires
Frances Martel -- Breitbart News foreign editor, on Rubio and Russia/Ukraine
Rob Hersov -- South African commentator, on SA's fight with the White House
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