Taking Responsibility Locally and Cosmically

Analysis of the blessing for those were serve the community. Discussion of ruling in halacha when unqualified, and abstaining from it when duly qualified.  Taking responsibility for each other.  Sfas Emes on Yisro’s joining the Jewish people.  The cosmic power of Klal Yisroel.  Closeness to Hashem is due to the responsibility we accepted at Mount Sinai.  Teshuva subsequent to sin has the ability to create a force that is more positive than what existed before the sin.

Citations: Aside from the Biur HaGra, this shiur cites Shemos Rabbah Yisro Parsha27, os 9, and Sfas Emes Yisro.