The Portion of Yitro Backlog in the Courts The Children of Israel, fresh from the crossing of the Sea, the trials and tribulations of food and water in the desert and the victory over Amalek, are now encamped at the foot of the mountain of the Lord. Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, having heard all that transpired, arrives at the Israelite encampment. The next morning, Jethro witnesses Moses sitting by himself and judging those who appeared before him. Jethro warns Moses: "You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people who are with you (Exodus 18;18)". Jethro continues: "Even if you learn all 30 chapters in the order of Nezikin- Baba Kama, Baba Metzia, Baba Batra (each tractate has 10 chapters, you will not have enough strength to continue". The reference to the numbers of chapters in the order of Nezikin is alluded to in the letter "lamed" (numerical value = 30) in the words "navol" and "tibol" (you will surely wear yourself out), where to each one has been added the figure of a small "yud". (Rokeiach on the Torah)
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