Parshas Yisro for Kids

פרשת יתרו

Yisro comes to the midbar with advice, and then the mountain trembles. Thunder, fire, the sound of a shofar growing louder, and the Aseres HaDibros spoken to every single person standing there.

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What happens in Parshas Yisro

Rashi tells us that Yisro heard about the splitting of the sea and the war with Amalek, and he came to the midbar to join Bnei Yisrael. Moshe goes out to greet him with honor. When Yisro sees Moshe judging the people from morning to evening, he wisely suggests appointing judges to help, and Moshe listens.

Then the nation camps before Har Sinai, and Rashi explains they were like one person with one heart. For three days they prepare. On the third morning there is thunder and lightning, a thick cloud on the mountain, and the sound of a shofar growing louder and louder. Chazal tell us that the whole world fell silent: no bird sang and no ox called out. Hashem Himself speaks the Aseres HaDibros, and every person there hears them, from the oldest to the very youngest child.

Lessons and middos for children

  • Achdus

    At Har Sinai, Bnei Yisrael stood together like one person with one heart. When we get along with our family and friends, we are ready to receive the Torah.

  • Accepting good advice

    Moshe Rabbeinu listened to Yisro's advice. A wise person is happy to learn from anyone.

  • Kibud av va'em

    One of the Aseres HaDibros is honoring our parents. We can show kavod by listening, helping, and speaking respectfully.

Questions for the Shabbos table

  1. Why do you think Yisro left his home to come to the midbar?
  2. How do you think it felt when the whole world became silent?
  3. Which of the Aseres HaDibros do you think is the hardest for children, and which is the easiest?
  4. How could our family be more like one person with one heart this week?

How your child steps into the story

Your child stands with Bnei Yisrael at the foot of Har Sinai, hearing the shofar grow louder and the world go quiet as Hashem speaks. The story ends as the people promise to keep the Torah, with the many laws of Mishpatim still to come.