Exodus

The Exodus is the story of how G-d took the Israelites out of Egypt.

This story is told in the second book of the Torah (Shemot in Hebrew). Exodus means ‘way out’ in Ancient Greek.

What follows is a summary of the story. The Israelites were slaves in Egypt. After many years of suffering, G-d appeared to Moses in a burning bush. G-d told Moses to go to the Pharaoh (Egypt’s ruler) to ask him to let the Israelites go. But the Pharaoh refused.

Through G-d’s power, Moses brought ten plagues to Egypt. The Pharaoh finally decided to let the Israelites go. Changing his mind, he sent his chariot army after the Israelites. When the Israelites reached the shores of the Red Sea, it appeared they were trapped. Through Moses, G-d miraculously parted the sea. The Israelites were able to pass through. Then the sea closed and Pharaoh’s army was drowned.

The Israelites then journeyed to Mount Sinai, where G-d gave them the Ten Commandments.

This story is an important part of Jewish history and ethics. It is remembered every year during the festival of Pesach (Passover).