Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
Overload. This is one of our generation's problems, especially in the time of corona. Presently, most parents in Israel are chefs in a home catering service, Zoom technicians, maintenance crew managers, and school administrators, while still attempting to work at their own jobs. In this week's Torah portion, Jethro notices overload in the case of Moshe Rabbeinu. "All the people stood before Moshe from the morning until the evening," we read and then Jethro sharply asks Moshe: "What is this thing that you are doing to the people? Why do you sit by yourself, while all the people stand before you from morning till evening? . . . The thing you are doing is not good. You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people who are with you for the matter is too heavy for you; you cannot do it alone."
These are profound. words: if this will continue, not only will Moshe Rabbeinu wear himself out, but the people, too. Jethro introduces delegation of authority for the first time. He suggests that Moshe choose "leaders over thousands, leaders over hundreds, leaders over fifties and leaders over tens." Each leader will take responsibility for a portion of the people, and only the most important matters will reach Moshe Rabbeinu. In this way, the entire nation will feel more involved and connected, and additional individuals will receive leadership roles. Moshe does this, and everything peacefully falls into place.
It's impossible to do everything alone. Even Moshe Rabbeinu can't. It's not shameful to ask for help under the present circumstances, and to delegate authority to children, friends, and outside elements. It is essential to postpone non-urgent matters for now and to notice what saps our strength -- lest we wear ourselves out, heaven forbid.
