In the beginning of the Parsha, the Torah says that Yisro took his daughter, Tzipporah (the wife of Moshe) and their two sons. The Torah then repeats the names of their two sons (Gershom and Eliezer) and even repeats the reason why they were given those respective names [Shmos 18: 2-4].
The sefer Bais Av from Rav Elyakim Schlesinger raises a simple question: the names and the reasons for these names were "ancient history." We already know these facts. Why does Yisro feel compelled to repeat this information?
The Bais Av suggests the following interpretation. Yisro knew very well that Moshe Rabbeinu was about to become the leader of the Jewish people. As the leader of the Jewish people, Moshe's days and hours would be dedicated to the needs of the congregation. Yisro was gently and subtly trying to tell his son-in-law "Please do not forget my grandchildren; please do not forget your children."
This means that Yisro was telling Moshe, "In spite of all the distractions and trials and tribulations that you will have in your role as the leader of the Jewish people, do not forget your own children."
One can never minimize the importance of an individual -- even relative to an entire community. As a proof to this axiom, Yisro cited the following: "If not for the fact that G-d took interest in you as an individual, where would you be? "For I was merely a stranger in a foreign country" [the reason for Gershom's name]. Furthermore, if not for the fact that G-d concerned himself with the individual... "For the G-d of my father was my Helper" [the reason for Eliezer's name], there would be no Moshe Rabbeinu.
Thus, in a gentle and subtle fashion, Yisro is trying to remind Moshe never to forget the individual.
The Brisker Rav used to say that before any individual can contemplate trying to have an impact and influence on others, the members of his own family must first be taken care of and be spiritually in line. Kiruv (spiritual outreach), like charity, begins at home. When a person has internal problems in his own family, he cannot begin the task of straightening out the world.
We learn this concept from Avrohom. In spite of the fact that he was the "influencer par excellence," despite the fact that the doors on four sides of his tent were open to the world, he had to chase Yishmael away from his household. Why? Because as Sarah argued, and as G-d confirmed, Yishmael posed a threat to the integrity of Avrohom's own household. Yishmael's continued presence in that house could undermine Avrohom's entire mission, and ability to influence his own family as well as others.
This too is what Yisro was hinting to Moshe: Do not forget the individuals - - especially those of your own household -- even relative to the needs of the community.
Rabbi Frand torah.org
