Weekly Message 02.06.2026 Parashat Yitro
- jccwestpasco
- 15 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Parashat Yitro (Moses' father-in-law Jethro) Exodus 18:1 - 20:23
HafTorah Isaiah - 6:1-13
Dear friends,
Thanks to all who made our Shabbat dinner and Tu B'Shevat day so special. Last Sunday we were faced with inclement weather, so we decided to forego the outdoor cleanup "Mitzvah Day" morning and instead, had a wonderful study session where we located references to the environment throughout the Torah. With the knowledge gained from the session, we embarked on a Tu B'Shevat seder with appropriate prayers and food. It was a memorable experience, and I only wish that more could have participated. We'll look forward to repeating it again each year!
This Shabbat in the portion of Yitro in the Book of Exodus, we continue the journey in the wilderness and the trials and travails of Moses in dealing with recalcitrant followers who continue to disparage their condition with some appearing to pine for a return to slavery in Egypt. Enter Yitro (Jethro) Moses's father-in-law who surveys the situation and provides critical advice. Up to this point, Moses is leading on his own and only partially succeeding (with Hashem's and his brother's help) in squelching the murmuring and discontent in the camp. Moses is humble enough to listen to Yitro and follow his advice to cultivate and appoint leaders to help share the burden of guiding the people in their journey to the Promised Land. We learn that no matter how daunting life's tasks are for all of us, we need to practice Moses's humility and seek and accept the help of others.
For this Shabbat's Haftorah, we return to the Prophet Isaiah. Just as the Torah portion includes the revelation at Sinai, the Haftorah records the revelation that came to Isaiah while in the Temple in Jerusalem after hearing the Seraphim chant:
קָדוֹשׁ קָדוֹשׁ קָדוֹשׁ יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת מְלֹא כָל הָאָרֶץ כְּבוֹדוֹ
Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the entire world is filled with His glory.
This phrase is repeated in our worship in the morning (Shacharit) service and again in the Amidah every day.
Please join me at our Shabbat service this evening (Friday) at 7 pm and tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 9:30 am as we explore these themes and worship together either in-person or virtually on Zoom. And please take note of the upcoming activities as listed below and join your fellow congregants as we worship and study together and enjoy each other's company.
Shabbat Shalom!
Ron Becker,
Spiritual leader
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ZOOM LINK FRI & SAT:
JCC is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Shabbat Services 2/06 @ 7:00 pm, 2/07 @ 9:30 am
Time: This is a recurring meeting Fri & Sat
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 497 903 0958
Passcode: 5QdVaA
Join instructions
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COMING EVENTS - MARK YOU CALENDARS
Thursday, February 19 We will volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries bringing sustenance, clothing, and hope to those in need at the headquarters at 3216 US-19, Holiday, FL 34691, at 11am-2 pm. Please sign up to help at this link: https://vhub.at/1L1BLIK Note date change!
Saturday, February 21 We will celebrate Ron Becker's Bar Mitzvah anniversary and Chris Becker's birthday with a Kiddish luncheon immediately after morning services. All are invited to help celebrate together as a synagogue family and all are encouraged to sponsor festive meals to honor special life cycle events!
Monday, March 2 We will be celebrating the joyous holiday of Purim on Monday, March 2nd beginning with a social hour (with lots of Hamantaschen and ice cream) at 6 pm and followed by the reading of the Megillah (the Book of Esther) at 7 pm.
Sunday, March 8 We will be hosting a lecture by Nancy Sinkoff, Professor of Jewish Studies and Academic Director of the Allen and Joan Bildner Center for the Study of Jewish Life at Rutgers University at 2 pm. Her topic is "Did American Jews Ever Agree About Israel" and the talk will be followed by a reception in the Spigelman Room featuring delicious desserts crafted by our own Megan Hochstadt of "Meganables Edibles". The program is sponsored by the Rutgers University Foundation and will be open free of charge to the public. It will be a unique opportunity for us to hear from a distinguished scholar on a critical topic that concerns us all and attract Rutgers alums to our synagogue.
Tuesday, March 24 We will volunteer at Metropolitan Ministries bringing sustenance, clothing, and hope to those in need at the headquarters at 3216 US-19, Holiday, FL 34691, at 11am-2 pm. Please sign up to help at this link: https://vhub.at/1L1BLIK
Thursday, April 2 We will hold our annual Passover seder at 3 pm. Details to follow soon!
Tuesday, April 14 We will observe Yom HaShoah at 6 pm at the New Port Richey City Hall at 5919 Main St, New Port Richey, FL 34652 with the annual proclamation and presentations of the Mayor and City Council.
Saturday, April 25 We are cosponsoring the annual African American Club Scholarship dinner at Seven Springs Country Club at 3535 Trophy Blvd, New Port Richey, FL 34655 just off Little Road. All are encouraged to attend this important community fundraising event.
Sunday, May 3 Please save the date to attend the gala Jewish Federation of Florida's Gulf Coast Women of Distinction celebration. This year we honor Ana Calderon for all that she has done for our synagogue and the community. Details on location, time, and cost to follow!
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