When the ‘mixed multitude’ comes to Mount Sinai it is clear that another major milestone is at hand, and — as we know it will emerge — another turning point has been reached. But this is set up by several major events documented by this week’s parsha (Yitro, Exodus chapters 18 through 20).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moses’ father-in-law, Yitro (as he is called in this part of Scripture) hears a part of the story, comes to the wilderness, and brings Moshe back his wife, Zipporah, and his two sons. There he hears the “rest of the story,” recognizes YHVH himself, and offers sage advice. In that process, the mixed multitude becomes ‘echad’ as Israel. And one of the most important “downloads” from YHVH Himself follows after that stage is set:<\/p>\n\n\n\n