The name of the Parshah is Yitro.

Moshe’s father-in-law, Yitro, hears of the great miracles which Hashem performed and comes to the Israelite camp, bringing with him Moshe’s wife and two sons. He advises Moshe to appoint a hierarchy of judges to assist him with administering justice to the people.

The Jewish people camp opposite Mount Sinai, where they are told that Hashem has chosen them. They proclaim, “All that G‑d has spoken, we shall do.”

On the sixth day of Sivan, seven weeks after the Exodus, Hashem descends on the mountain amidst thunder, lightning, billows of smoke and the blast of the shofar, and summons Moshe to ascend.

Hashem proclaims the Ten Commandments, commanding the people of Israel to believe in G‑d, not to worship idols or take G‑d’s name in vain, to keep the Shabbat, honor their parents, not to murder, not to commit adultery, not to steal, and not to bear false witness or covet another’s property. The people cry out to Moses that the revelation is too intense for them to bear, begging him to receive the Torah from Hashem and convey it to them instead.

On Wednesday, February 10, 1988 (Shevat 22, 1988) the Rebbe’s wife of 59 years, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka Schneerson, passed away after a brief illness.

An erudite and wise woman, Rebbetzin Chaya Mushka carried the mantle of her exalted position in a most humble and unpretentious fashion. Though she was the wife of a leader revered by hundreds of thousands, almost nothing was known about her until after her passing, when those who knew her felt that they could tell of her life and personality without violating her jealously guarded privacy.

On the very day of her burial, the Rebbe established a charity fund in her name, which continues to this day to serve a variety women’s social and educational purposes.

In the days and months following her passing, the Rebbe spoke frequently on the theme, “And the living shall take to heart”—how the passing of a person close to oneself should prompt one to positive action, in the form of lessons derived from that person’s life and deeds undertaken to perpetuate his or her memory.

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When the Jews heard about the Torah and realized its beauty and importance, each individual took upon himself not only to observe it, but also to be responsible for all other Jews doing so. Each one responded in the plural “na’aseh,” meaning “I will do, and also see to it that other Jews will do.”

They also responded “we will do” before “we will listen” showing their complete dedication to Hashem, willing to give over everything they had for His Will, regardless of what it would be.

When’s Jews proclaim, “we want Moshiach now!” It inspires deeper commitment to Torah and Mitzvot and more careful conduct, helping to bring Moshiach now.

It was a winter morning in 1966, at about 3:30 a.m. The Rebbe had already left his office for home—a somewhat early night; there had been no yechidut (private audiences) that night.

Just then a woman frantically phoned the Rebbe’s secretariat saying that her little baby had just fallen and was badly hurt and in critical condition. The doctors were arguing over which procedures to perform, and she desperately needed the Rebbe’s blessing and advice.

The Rebbe’s secretary apologetically explained that it would have to wait until the morning, and that he would consult with the Rebbe first thing after he arrived.

“It’s a matter of life and death,” the mother pleaded. “I need an answer now!”

The secretary decided to dial the Rebbe’s house. If someone would answer, he would apologize for calling so late. He dialed uneasily; the Rebbetzin answered.

“Ver ret?” (“Who is talking?”)

The secretary gave his name and immediately said, “I am sorry for calling so late,” and proceeded to apologize profusely. “It’s chutzpah to call at such a late hour, but there is a lady here in desperate need. She says it is a matter of life and death . . .”

“Why are you asking forgiveness?” the Rebbetzin exclaimed. “On the contrary, my husband and I were sent to this world to serve people in need twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. By your calling us, you are helping us fulfil our mission.”

Mendel Kalmenson