Judaism
The Exodus from Egypt: The departure that defined Israel
· 8 min read
The departure from Egypt (Yetziát Mitzráyim) is the foundational event of Israel. The Torah dedicates three books to the story: slavery, the ten plagues, the departure, and the desert journey toward Sinai.
The Exodus from Egypt
The Exodus (Yetziát Mitzráyim) is the central event of Jewish history and theology. Every year, at Passover, Jews remember the departure from Egypt as if they themselves had left.
Slavery and liberation
The Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for generations. God sent Moses and Aaron to demand liberation. Pharaoh resisted; the ten plagues broke Egyptian resistance. The last plague (death of the firstborn) led to the hasty departure.
The crossing of the Red Sea
The waters miraculously parted; Israel crossed on dry land, and the Egyptian army perished in pursuit. Moses and Miriam sang the Shirat HaYam (Song of the Sea).
Sinai
Fifty days after the Exodus, Israel received the Torah at Mount Sinai. This event defines Judaism: not only physical liberation, but commitment to God and His law.
Reading: Exodus 1-20, Passover Haggadah. Commentary by Ramban on the meaning of the Exodus.
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