Parashat Yitro contains the Ten Commandments, the moment of revelation, the covenant that shaped our entire identity. You’d think the most powerful words of the parasha would be: “Anoch֨hi yrhova֣ha elo֔heich” (“I am the Lord your God,”) or “Shabbat” or “Har Sinai”.

But the most transformative words may actually appear earlier, quietly, in a moment we usually read too quickly.

Those words are:

Lo Tuchal: “You cannot do this alone.”

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“Lo tov hadavar… lo tuchal la’asoto levadecha.” 

“This is not good… You cannot do this alone.”

It is in this moment (before Sinai, before the Commandments) that Moshe learns one of the deepest truths of leadership: no leader, not even Moshe Rabbeinu, can lead alone. Yitro teaches him to delegate, to trust others, to build a system. And from that conversation emerges the first structured judicial framework in Jewish history.

Before Israel could receive Torah, Moshe had to learn partnership. Shared leadership was the foundation that made receiving the Torah possible.

We see this same idea reflected in BBYO. In the BBG cheer “Identity, Identity,” we say: “I am one, though only one, there is so much I can do.” It has been misheard by many as “the only one”, but that is exactly what Yitro warns Moshe against. Yes, each of us matters. Yes, each of us can make an impact on our own. But BBG, AZA, BBYO—we are a siblinghood. Our power comes from what we build together.

Every part of BBYO life models this truth: co-positions on chapter, regional, and international boards; having AZA and BBG coordinators; committees; admin teams… All structures are built on the belief that you cannot, and should not, do it alone.

With IC quite literally around the corner, this message becomes even more essential. Whether you’re on steering, serving as an admin, meeting with a cohort, chairing a project, or stepping into any leadership role, do not feel that you must carry everything by yourself. Lean on your people. Ask for help. Share the load. That isn’t weakness; it’s wisdom. It’s Moshe’s lesson. It’s Yitro’s gift.

So I invite you all to reflect: Are you working with others? Are you delegating? And if you're not, what’s holding you back?

Because the Torah’s message is clear: No one does great things alone. Not even Moshe. Not even us.

Shabbat Shalom BBYO! See y'all at IC!

Amy Hornstein

BBYO Argentina