Though most translations still tell the stories of the Torah in lofty, archaic language, it's important to understand that the lessons they teach have more to do with the common, human experience than with anything more grand. Underneath the poetics and awkward phrases, the Torah is full of practical advice that is as useful today as it was those thousands of years ago when it was written. The following are just a few selections from the many and varied Toritic lessons for everyday life.
Best Foot Forward
In the book of Genesis, Chapter 41, Joseph is a slave in Egypt. He was long before sold into slavery by his jealous brothers and seemingly stripped of his birthright. A complete unknown, he had fallen on the hardest of times. Joseph had a talent, though. Life so low in society had made him thoughtful and reflective, so he developed a knack for interpreting dreams. After his interpretations of the dreams of some fellow prisoner-slaves resulted in some pretty major social developments, the Pharaoh himself requested Joseph's advice. The passage describing the request makes sure to include a mention of Joseph's preparatory measures. Plainly, he shaves and puts on his best clothes. Though he lived in the lowest station of society, Joseph took the time to present himself in the most dignified, respectful manner possible when an opportunity arose. Having the forethought to clean up before a meeting can be the difference between mere survival and true success.
In Marital Strife, Listen
Earlier in Genesis (Chapter 21, to be specific), Sarah and Abraham are having some difficulty in their marriage. Years earlier, Abraham took a concubine to produce an heir when Sarah failed to conceive. By the time Sarah gives birth to Isaac, Abraham already has a son in Ishmael. Sarah is worried that Ishmael will supplant Isaac, so she argues with Abraham about sending Ishmael and his mother Hagar away. God's advice to Abraham is the phrase Sh'mah B'colah, literally "Listen in her voice". There has been some debate among scholars about what exactly this means and which "her" God is referring to (Sarah or Hagar), but the core lesson is the same regardless. When there's conflict at home, it's important to really listen, not just to the words our partners say, but to the meaning therein.
Delegate, Don't Abdicate
Parshat Yitro, the Torah portion beginning at Exodus 18:1, finds Moses confiding in Jethro, his father-in-law. After escaping Egypt, the Israelites are a society without law. Moses, as their leader, is forced to act as the judge for every dispute among them, no matter how small. The stress of this job gets to Moses and he starts to indicate a lack of will to do anything at all. Jethro advises him to relieve the burden by dividing it among the wisest and most trusted of the Israelites. After Moses delegates his power to a layered system of judges, he is capable of leading the people once more and maintaining order as they travel. The lesson here is clear: No individual, no matter how capable he or she is, can consistently do the work of many. By relying on a trustworthy community, leaders can concentrate on the big picture. This applies to everyone, from those in political office, to managers in business, to a parent approaching house chores.