Parshat Yitro (Jethro)

The Torah portion is Yitro, Exodus 18:1-20:23. In synagogues using the Triennial system, 5785 is year 3 and the Torah reading is Exodus 19:1-20:23.

Moses's father-in-law Yitro reunites Moses with is family. Yitro recommends the creation of judges to reduce Moses's burdens. G-d promises that if the Israelites keep His covenant, they will be a Kingdom of Priests and a Holy Nation. They agree to the covenant before even hearing it. G-d spoke the words of the Ten Commandments amid thunder, lightning, smoke and the blare of the shofar (ram's horn).

The haftarah is Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-9:6. Introduces the angelic call "Kadosh! Kadosh! Kadosh!", Holy, Holy, Holy is [4-letter NAME] of Hosts! Perhaps connected to the Torah portion because of it's talk of the awesomeness of G-d.

In synagogues using the Sephardic tradition, the Haftarah is Isaiah 6:1-6:13.