| "Moshe's father-in-law, Yisro, the priest of Midyan, heard" (Shemos 18:1).
If the Torah were honoring Yisro, it would have simply referred to him as "Moshe's father-in-law." Conversely, if the intent were to denigrate him, it would have identified him solely as "the priest of Midyan." Therefore, it seems the Torah is praising Yisro by highlighting his remarkable transformation: he was once a priest of Midyan who practiced every form of idol worship known in his time, but he became the esteemed father-in-law of Moshe.
The Sefer HaChinuch (mitzvah 431) discusses the commandment to love others and explains that an extension of this cherished mitzvah is to show compassion towards anyone in need, such as a stranger far from their homeland and family. Thus, we are taught to embrace geirim and baalei teshuvah and to recognize their tremendous efforts to overcome challenges and make significant life changes.
Moreover, we should not look down upon anyone, regardless of their background. On the contrary, we ought to respect geirim and baalei teshuvah for the challenging journey they have undertaken and to love them even more than other Jews.
Today: Let us love, respect, and reach out to every geir and baal teshuvah.
Based on Rav Moshe Sternbuch's On the Parashah)
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