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Why does the Torah (תורה) emphasize beautifying mitzvos, and how does this relate to Yisro's seemingly contradictory background in idolatry? The shiur develops the principle that beauty creates respect and distance, making us smaller before the divine. Yisro's careful, beautiful service to idols actually reflected a genuine search for truth through respect - the proper foundation that enables authentic love and service of God.
This shiur examines a fundamental principle about divine service through the lens of Yisro's character and the concept of hiddur mitzvah (מצוה) (beautifying commandments). The discussion begins with Pinchas's lineage, specifically that he descended from Putiel, identified by Rashi (רש"י) as both Yisro (who fattened calves for idolatry) and Yosef (who controlled his evil inclination). The apparent contradiction arises when the Shevatim later mocked Pinchas for his grandfather's idolatrous past, seemingly violating the prohibition against reminding converts of their former sins. The analysis reveals that Yisro's idolatry was actually praiseworthy in its motivation. The term 'Putiel' indicates that he gave the fattest, most beautiful offerings to his deities - not mere ritual observance, but a genuine search for truth through maximum respect for the divine. This demonstrates that even within idolatry, one can discern noble motivations when the person seeks to make themselves smaller before what they perceive as godliness.
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