Discovering Yitro: The First Convert's Impact and Legacy

1. Yitro was a priest of Midian who left behind all idol worship and converted after learning of the miracles Hashem performed for Israel. The Mekhilta states that "Yitro did not leave out a single idol in the world without trying and worshipping it." The Zohar explains that because of his status among the gentiles, his conversion significantly sanctified Hashem's name: "The whole world trembled in fear before Hashem (when they heard about the miracles of the Exodus), and when Yitro, who was a high priest among all other gods, came and served Hashem, everyone said, 'Now I know that Hashem is greater than all other gods,' and they distanced themselves from their idol worship, realizing it was meaningless, thus elevating the honor of Hashem everywhere."

According to the Talmud in Zevachim, it is debated whether Yitro truly converted, although the "Ohr HaChaim" notes there is a Tanaic disagreement on the matter in the Mekhilta.

2. The Midrash tells us that Yitro was one of Pharaoh's three advisors, alongside Job and Balaam. When Pharaoh consulted them on how to deal with the Israelites, each responded differently. The Talmud in Sotah says: "Rabbi Chiyya bar Abba said, 'Three were in that counsel: Balaam, Job, and Yitro. Balaam advised Pharaoh and was killed, Job remained silent and suffered, but Yitro fled, and his descendants sat in the Sanhedrin.'"

3. Yitro merited that his descendants were "to sit in the Sanhedrin, studying Torah and interpreting its teachings eloquently," as the Zohar notes, because "they left the comforts of Midian and its delights to dwell in the wilderness, driven by their desire for Torah." (Zohar, Balak 211)

4. Rashi explains Yitro had seven names: Yeter, Yitro, Chovav, Reuel, Chever, Putiel, and Keni.

Yeter - because he added a section in the Torah.

Yitro - for his abundance of good deeds.

Chovav - as he was beloved by Hashem. The Sifrei elaborates: He cherished the Torah, and so it is said, "There is no convert who cherished the Torah as much as Yitro did. Just as Yitro cherished the Torah, so did his children."

Reuel - for being a close friend to Hashem.

Chever - for becoming a friend to Hashem.

Putiel - for escaping idol worship.

Keni - for his zeal for Hashem and acquiring the Torah.

5. When Yitro departed from the Israelites, he told Moses: "I am going to my land to convert my kin to study Torah and bring them under the wings of the Divine Presence." The Mekhilta tells us Yitro's children converted and studied under Jaabez.

6. On the verse "The wise shall inherit honor," the sages clarify this refers to Yitro. As Rabbi Elazar said, when Yitro came to Moses, the Israelites honored him, and Hashem told Moses: 'Do not distance a person who comes for the sake of Heaven to convert, but accept him,' and Moses went out to greet his father-in-law."

7. When Yitro saw how Hashem eradicated Amalek, he was inspired to repent.

8. The Midrash Tanchuma narrates that Yitro was blessed with children because he welcomed Moses. Two individuals who hosted righteous people were blessed with offspring as a reward: Laban and Yitro. Yitro, who initially had daughters to tend his flock, was blessed with sons after Moses arrived.

9. The Tanna D'vei Eliyahu teaches that Hashem rewards all good deeds: "Hashem examines the hearts and minds and told Yitro, 'Since you came to greet that righteous man, you will be rewarded that your descendants will never lack a place in the yeshivas.'"

10. One of Yitro's key lessons is that any Jew can renew themselves. Rabbi Leibel Eiger of Lublin expressed that this is why the Torah was given adjacent to Yitro's story – to indicate that no person should despair or feel too lowly. The example of Yitro, a former pagan priest who embraced Hashem and His Torah, proves every Jew can experience renewal and closeness to Hashem.