Yitro the Convert

Yitro seems to be known as the father in-law of Moshe Rabbeinu. He is referred to as “The Priest of Midyan.” His connection with Moshe overshadows the fact that he became a convert to Judaism.

The Torah tells us that “Yitro heard.” He heard of all of the miracles that culminated with the splitting of the Red Sea. He was impressed because he once served as an advisor to Pharoah. He knew what Egypt was, and how they were totally devastated by Divine miracles.

He heard and he saw, and was unable to distance himself from the truth. He joined the Jewish people.

The same was true of Rachav the Harlot, when Joshua conquered Jericho. There is a Midrash that says that he eventually married her.

She hid the spies of Israel because she heard and saw all that had transpired. Despite her lowly occupation, she could not deny the truth.

Batya, the daughter of Pharoah also recognized that there was something unique about the Jewish people. She was in the process of converting when she immersed herself in the Nile. She merited being able to raise Moshe, the savior of Israel. (She was also a great investor. She went to the banks of the Nile and came out with a prophet!!!)

We all know that Ruth was probably our most famous convert. But not many are aware that she was a princess of Moab. She opted for truth and Judaism above her royal status. She was rewarded as King David descended from her.

And so it is today, that the number of non-Jews converting is astounding. A rabbi friend in Los Angeles told me that he personally had 150 applicants for conversion over a brief period of time.

Those who “listen and saw,” see that the G-d of Israel is the One true G-d. Contrary to certain religious doctrines that claim the Jews have been rejected by G-d, the emergence of the State of Israel into a superpower, has proved them wrong.

Yitro was the first who “listened and saw.” Ultimately, the whole world will recognize this truth. When this happens, the world will be a much better place.