*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Chapter 1: The story of the exodus
The Mitzvah of telling over the story of the Exodus: As explained in Chapter 1 Halacha 1, there is a Biblical positive command to tell over the story of the Exodus during the night of the Seder. The following chapter which contains the story of the Exodus from scripture and the surrounding Mefarshim and Midrashim, will assist the reader in fulfilling this Mitzvah in its highest degree. Reading the story from Chumash:[1] It once occurred that a Jew was held captive by gentiles during Pesach and he did not know the words of the Haggadah by heart. However, he had a Chumash with him and used it to recite all the Parshiyos of Yetzizas Mitzrayim. [Accordingly, we see that the reading of the story from Chumash fulfills one’s obligation of Sippur Yetzias Mitzrayim. Thus, below we have recorded the entire story from scripture, from the beginning of Parshas Shemos until Parshas Beshalach.]
|
1. Settling in Egypt:[2]
Yaakov settled in Egypt with seventy family members. The Jewish people multiplied and increased tremendously and filled the lands.
Q&A How did the Jewish people multiply so quickly? Some say that each mother gave birth to six babies at a time [i.e. sextuplets]. Others say they had twelve babies at a time.[3] Others say they gave birth to sixty at a time.[4] In addition, none of the Jewish women ever had miscarriages and none were barren, and hence there were many births. Likewise, there were no crib deaths or children who died in young age, and they were all healthy and strong to handle recurring pregnancies.[5]
|
2. The slavery begins:[6]
After the passing of Yosef and his brothers a new King reigned over Egypt who did not know Yosef. The king felt threatened of the new demographics facing the original Egyptian population and feared they would be ousted in a time of war against foreign enemies. The king thus appointed tax collectors over the Jewish people in order to afflict them.
Q&A The reason the Egyptians and Pharaoh feared a revolt by the Jews:[7] The reason that the Egyptians and Pharaoh feared a revolt by the Jews is due to a certain battle that occurred with the Egyptians and Jews versus the army of Tzefu, the son of Eisav. The Egyptians ended up deserting the battlefield and causing the Jews to fight in battle alone. The Jews took vengeance against the Egyptians after their successful battle and slew many of the Egyptian soldiers. This eventually led to the fears of Pharaoh and his people against the Jewish nation.
How many years after the arrival of Yaakov Avinu to Egypt did the slavery begin?[8] The slavery began 102 years after the arrival of Yaakov to Mitzrayim, in the year 2340. Was Pharaoh a new king?[9] Some say this Pharaoh was a new king who did not live in Egypt during the era of Yosef, and he later came as an outsider and ousted the current monarchy. Others say he was the son of Pharaoh, born to him while Yosef was in jail.[10] Others say he was the same king as in the times of Yosef, but was nevertheless referred to as a new king being that he was abdicated and then reinstated as explained next.
Pharaoh was forced by the people to enslave the Jews:[11] The aristocrats of Egypt approached Pharaoh and told him that they must connive together a way to get rid of the people. At first, Pharaoh refused due to his awareness of the greatness of Yosef and the power of the Jewish people. When they saw this, they abdicated him from the monarchy. Without choice he agreed to connive with them for the sake of being repositioned on the throne. The original plan: Pharaoh’s original plan was to get rid of the entire Jewish people and have them all killed.[12] He decided to kill them through drowning in water, as Hashem had promised to never again judge the world with a flood.[13] Nonetheless, he was talked out of this plan as explained next. Pharaohs three advisers:[14] Pharaoh had three advisers, Balaam, Iyov, and Yisro. Each had a different reaction upon being informed by Pharaoh of his plans. Balaam agreed with the plan of Pharaoh while Iyov told Pharaoh not to kill the Jews and in its stead to usurp their possessions and take them as slaves. Yisro, however, opposed the plan and needed to flee as a result. How did Pharaoh convince the Jewish people into slavery?[15] Pharaoh enacted a tax to be collected from the Jewish people, and the tax was for them to build him fortified cities like Pitom and Ramses. To cajole the Jewish people to do so, Pharaoh placed a necklace of a small brick on his neck and went to work on the building, thus causing the Jewish people to be ashamed to refuse assisting in the work. At first, Pharaoh simply asked the Jewish people to do him a favor, and help him with the building and Pharaoh himself went ahead and began doing the work. For this reason, the word Perech can also be read as Peh Rach, a soft mouth.
|
3. The work:[16]
Pharaoh appointed tax collectors to make the Jewish people work in hard labor, and had them build cities of storage for Pharaoh, the cities of Pithom and Raamses. The more the Jews were oppressed, the more they multiplied. The Egyptians became disgusted by the Jewish people. The Egyptians enslaved the Jews with crushing labor. They were worked with hard labor involving mortar and bricks and every labor of the field. All the labors they performed were crushing and back breaking work. The more they were worked the more they multiplied, and the more disgusted the Egyptians became.
The labor system:[17] Pharaoh created the following system of labor: He appointed Egyptian taskmasters who were in charge of the appointed Jewish policemen. The Jewish policemen were in charge of making sure that their Jewish slave workers completed the daily quotas required for labor.
The hard labor:[18] Chazal describe the hard labor in the following ways, including the following activities:
The tribe of Levi:[19] The tribe of Levi was exempt from the slave work in Egypt.[20] There are several reasons offered behind this:
The Jewish people multiply despite the slavery:[21] Although the men were exhausted from the daily work, and remained in the field to sleep, their wives placed effort to cook good meals for them and dress up for them too. Hashem made a miracle that when the wives went to draw water, they would find a bucket filled with small fish, which would help give energy and strength to their tired husbands. They would boil to pots of water, one with the fish and one without. They would bathe their husband’s legs and feet and feed them. From the subsequent unity many children were born.
|
4. The decree to kill the Jewish born sons:[22]
The first decree: Pharaoh instructed the Jewish midwives, Shifrah and Puah, to kill all the male children born to the Jewish people. The girls were to be spared. The midwives feared G-d and did not listen to his instructions and allowed the male children to live. Pharaoh confronted the midwives and they replied that the Jewish people are akin to wild animals who give birth on their own. The Jewish people thus continued to multiply. Hashem gave the midwives homes in reward of them fearing Him.
The second decree to kill all the male born children in Egypt by throwing them in the Nile river: Pharaoh then commanded his entire nation to kill their male born children by throwing them in the Nile river, while sparing the females.
Why did Pharaoh want the Jewish boys killed? As he was told that a savior would be born from the Jewish people which would take them out of Egypt, and he hence desired to circumvent the prophecy by having all the male children killed. Alternatively, the reason is because Pharaoh desired to diminish the population of the Jewish people, and that is why he gave them slave labor to begin with. When he saw that they were still having many children despite the salve labor, he asked for them to be killed.
Who advised Pharaoh to kill the male children? Balaam.
What happened to the Jewish male babies at the time of the first decree to have them killed by the midwives?[23] The Jewish mothers would go to the fields to give birth. Hashem made a miracle and had angels come and sustain the children who were born in the fields without a midwife. In fact, the angels took better care of the children and the mother than a midwife would have done. The angel would cut the umbilical cord and would clean the child. Every infant was then given two small stones, one which he would use to suckle milk from and the second you would use to suckle honey from, and that is how they were sustained and grew. The mothers would leave the children in the fields due to fear that they would be found and killed. Hashem made a miracle and had the ground swallow the children to protect them from being found. At one point the Egyptians came and plowed the earth to kill them but no damage was done to the children and after the Egyptians left, they sprouted out from the ground like grass. When they were old enough, they would return to their father’s home.
What happened to the Jewish male babies who were thrown into the river?[24] Tens of thousands of babies were thrown into the river since the decree was made, and some even say that the number reached up to 600,000 children. Nonetheless, the majority of the children were saved by G-d. The waves would come and bring the children to the desert and place them underground for upbringing until they were old enough to go back home and join their families.
Children thrown in the bricks and fire:[25] Many of the children were thrown into the bricks of the building, and they would scream and cry, and no one would have mercy on them. Others were thrown in the fire.
For how many years did the decree last?[26] Rebbe Yanai says that the decree lasted for 3.5 years prior to the birth of Moshe.
Who were Shifra and Puah?[27] They were G-d fearing women, a mother and daughter. The Talmud[28] states that Shifrah was Yocheved, the wife of Amram, and Puah was her five-year-old daughter named Miriam who new how to calm the babies. Others, however, suggest that they were Yocheved and Elisheva her daughter in-law. Others suggest that they were Egyptian women who eventually converted.
|
For how many years did the decree last?[29] Rebbe Yanai says that the decree lasted for 3.5 years prior to the birth of Moshe.
Who were Shifra and Puah?[30] They were G-d fearing women, a mother and daughter. The Talmud[31] states that Shifrah was Yocheved, the wife of Amram, and Puah was her five-year-old daughter named Miriam who new how to calm the babies. Others, however, suggest that they were Yocheved and Elisheva her daughter in-law. Others suggest that they were Egyptian women who eventually converted.
|
5. The birth of Moshe, the basket and Basya:[32]
A Levite man took a Levite daughter for a wife and the woman became pregnant and had a son. The mother saw that he was good and so she hid him for three months.
Moshe is placed in the river: After this time expired, his mother placed him in a reed basket, smeared it with clay and tar, and entered him into the reeds of the banks of the Nile river. His sister stood from a distance to see what would happen to him
Batya rescues Moshe: The daughter of Pharaoh [i.e. Basya] was strolling with her maidservants by the river and when she saw the basket, she stretched her hand and took it. She opened it and saw a lad crying and had mercy on him. She exclaimed that the child is from the Jewish people.
Yocheved nurses Moshe: The sister of Moshe [i.e. Miriam] offered Basya to bring a Jewish wet nurse to nurse the boy. After her acceptance, she summoned the boy’s mother who nursed her son in exchange for payment from Basya.
Moshe grows up: The child grew up and became adopted by the daughter of Pharaoh as a son. She named him Moshe, as he was drawn from the river.
When was Moshe born?[33] Moshe was born in the year 2368. He was born on a Wednesday within three hours of daybreak.
The decree ends:[34] After Moshe was thrown into the river, the astrologers told Pharaoh that the Jewish savior has died and that he could revoke the decree against killing the newborn males. Pharaoh indeed listened to their advice and nullified the decree, and on the contrary began to encourage procreation in order so he have more slaves.
The irony-The savior of the Jewish people is growing up in the royal palace:[35] From this episode we see the great and mighty control of G-d over the world. Pharaoh went through much lengths to circumvent the prophecy that a Jewish savior would rise from amongst the Jewish people and hence had all male sons thrown in the river. To his great irony, not only did G-d save Moshe, but He arranged for him to be saved by Batya, the daughter of Pharaoh, and have him grow up in the royal palace under his very nose.
|
Until what age did Moshe remain the palace?[36] Until age 12.
What happened to Batya?[37] Batya never died and entered Gan Eden alive.
|
6. Moshe visits his enslaved brethren, kills an Egyptian tormentor, and flees town:[38]
Moshe grew up and visited his brethren, witnessing their slavery. He saw an Egyptian man hitting one of his Jewish brothers. Moshe turned both ways, seeing no one around, he struck the Egyptian, killing him and buried him in the ground.
Moshe flees: The second day he came out he saw two Jews fighting, and admonished the Rasha for hitting his friend. The Rasha replied “Who placed you as a ruler over us, will you kill me like you did to the Egyptian?” Moshe feared that word of the murder would spread, and eventually the news reached Pharaoh who desired to kill him. Moshe fled to Midian to escape death.
7. Moshe in Midian, his marriage and children:
Moshe fled to Midian and settled there.
Moshe gives the sheep of Yisro to drink: Moshe sat by the well and saw the seven daughters of Yisro, who was the priest of Midian, coming towards the well in order to give water to their father’s flock. The shepherds came and drove them away and Moshe got up and saved them and gave their flock to drink.
Moshe marries Tzipporah and has children: The daughters came home to Reuel their father [i.e. Yisro] who was surprised at their early return home, and asked them as to the reason. They replied that a certain Egyptian man saved them from the shepherds and gave the flock to drink. Yisro replied that they should not have left the man there, and they should go call him to eat bread with us. Moshe accepted the request and lived in Yisro’s home. Yisro gave his daughter Tzipporah to Moshe as a wife. They had a son whom Moshe named Gershom, in name of the fact that he was a stranger in a foreign land.
8. Hashem hears the despair of the Jewish people:[39]
After many days, the king of Egypt died [i.e. was afflicted with leprosy] and the Jewish people groaned and cried due to the labor. Their scream ascended to G-d and He remembered the covenant he made with Avraham and Yitzchak and Yaakov. Hashem saw the Jewish people and Hashem knew [their suffering].
Babies are slaughtered to provide Pharaoh with Jewish blood:[40] The doctors advised Pharaoh who was stricken with leprosy, that as a cure he should bathe in the blood of 150 Jewish babies each morning and 150 each evening. Pharaoh did as they instructed and slaughtered 300 babies each day. The babies were forcefully taken from their mothers’ chest and killed.
What happened to Pharaoh as a result of the leprosy?[41] He suffered from the illness for three years and then died. His son took over the monarchy. During the prime of his illness, he became like a carcass which gave such a foul smell that no one desired to be near him.
|
9. Hashem appears to Moshe in the burning bush and asks him to take out the Jewish people:
Moshe was grazing the sheep of Yisro his father in-law and he guided the sheep far into the desert. He arrived at the mountain of Hashem [i.e. Mount Sinai], towards Horeb. An angel of Hashem appeared to him within the bush and Moshe saw that the bush was burning but was not getting consumed. Moshe said, “Let me turn to the bush to see this great phenomenon. Why is the bush not getting burnt?”
Hashem asks Moshe to redeem the Jewish people: Hashem saw that Moshe turned around to see the bush and He called to him from within the bush saying “Moshe, Moshe.” “Here I am,” replied Moshe. Hashem replied “Do not come any closer. Remove your shoes from your feet, as this ground that you are standing on is Holy. I am the G-d of your forefathers; Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov.” Moshe hid his face as he feared to gaze towards G-d. Hashem told Moshe “I have seen the suffering of my people and I have heard their scream and know their pain. I will descend to save them from the hands of the Egyptians and bring them out from Egypt to the good and spacious land which flows with milk and honey. I will bring them to the land of the Canaanite, Hiti, Emori, Perizi, Chivi and Yevusi nations. Now, I will send you to Pharaoh to take my nation out of Egypt.”
10. The ensuing conversation of Hashem and Moshe:
Moshe replied to Hashem “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and take the Jewish people out of Egypt.” Hashem responded by saying “I will be with you, and this is the sign [i.e. reason] that I have sent you, as when the nation leaves Egypt they will then serve G-d on this mountain.”
Hashem’s name: Moshe requested Hashem for his name, just in case he is question by the Jewish people as to who sent him. Hashem replied “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh, and so you shall tell the Jewish people that Eheyeh sent you to them. Also tell them that the G-d of Avraham, Yitzchak and Yaakov sent you to them.” This is my name forever and my remembrance for all generations.
Gather the elders of the Jewish people: Hashem instructed Moshe to gather the elders of Israel and tell them that the G-d of your fathers have appeared to me and He told me “I have remembered that which is being done to you in Mitzrayim, and I shall take you out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of Canaan, a land of milk and honey.” Hashem told Moshe that the elders will listen to his voice.
The message to Pharaoh: Hashem instructed Moshe that he and the elders should come all together to the king of Egypt and tell him that Hashem the G-d of the Hebrews has come to you, and you request to leave Egypt for a three-day journey to the desert to bring sacrifices to Him. Now, says Hashem, I know that he will not adhere to your request to allow you to go, without a mighty hand [striking him].
Hashem promises miracles and wealth: Hashem told Moshe: I will strike and smite Egypt with all of My wonders, and only afterwards will he send you. I will grant favor of the nation in eyes of the Egyptians and they will not leave empty handed. Each woman will request from her neighbor silver and gold vessels, and clothing, and you will place them on your children and leave Mitzrayim.
11. Moshe argues that the Jewish people will not believe him:
Moshe replied to Hashem saying that the Jewish people will not believe him, and not listen to him, as they will claim that Hashem did not appear to him.
Moshe’s staff turns into a snake: Hashem then asked Moshe “What is that which you are holding in your hand?” Moshe replied “It is a staff” Hashem told Moshe to throw it on the ground, and so he did, and it turned into a snake. Moshe fled from the snake [out of fright]. Hashem told Moshe to grab it by the tail, and it turned back into a staff. Hashem stated that this was done in order so the Jewish people believe that Hashem appeared to you.
Moshe’s hand turns white: Hashem further told Moshe to place his hand in his bosom and he did so. When he took it out, he saw that his hand was white like snow. Hashem told Moshe to reinsert his hand, and he did so, and when he removed it again it returned back to normal. Hashem concluded that if the Jewish people will not believe the first sign then they will believe the second sign.
A third sign-Turning water into blood: Hashem further stated, if they will not listen to the first two signs then you shall take water from the river and pour it on the ground and behold it will turn into blood.
12. Moshe argues against being appointed as messenger:
Moshe argues that he can’t speak: Moshe replied to Hashem that he cannot do the job as he has speech disorders and thus cannot articulate his words properly. Hashem responded that He is the one who grants the ability to speak, or to be mute, or deaf, or smart, or blind.
Hashem appoints Aaron to join Moshe in the mission: Moshe again asked Hashem to send a different person, and not him. Hashem became angry with Moshe and told him that his brother Aaron knows to speak, and he has come out to meet him, and he will rejoice in seeing you. Hashem told Moshe that he should speak to Aaron and tell him what to say and I will be with both of your mouths, and teach you both what to do. Aaron will do the speaking to the nation for you and you will be to him a master. Hashem then told Moshe to take the staff with him with which the miracles will be performed.
13. Moshe journeys back to Egypt:
Moshe returned to Yeser his father in-law and asked him to allow him to go back to Egypt and visit his brethren. Yisro replied that he can go in peace. Hashem appeared to Moshe and told him to return to Egypt as all the men who seek to kill him have died. Moshe took his wife and sons and mounted them on the donkey and returned to Egypt. Moshe took the staff with him.
Moshe’s job in Egypt and his message to Pharaoh: Hashem told Moshe that when he returns to Egypt he should perform the miracles before Pharaoh, although I will strengthen his heart and he will not let the nation go. You are to tell Pharaoh: So says Hashem, my firstborn son is the Jewish people, send my son out so he can serve Me, and if you refuse to send him I will kill your first-born son.
14. Moshe meets Aaron in the desert:
Hashem appeared to Aaron and told him to go greet Moshe in the desert and he went and met Moshe by the mountain of G-d and kissed him there. Moshe told Aaron all that Hashem spoke to him, and that he had sent him on a mission, and of all the miracles he had commanded him to perform.
Moshe and Aaron gather the elders and show the signs to the Jewish people: Moshe and Aaron [arrived and] gathered all the elders of the Jewish people. Aaron spoke all the words that Moshe was told and he performed the miracles in front of the nation. The nation believed them, that Hashem had remembered the Jewish people and saw their affliction. The nation bowed their heads and prostrated.
15. Moshe and Aaron confront Pharaoh with the message from G-d:
Moshe and Aaron then approached Pharaoh and told him “So has said the G-d of the Jews, let My people go so they can celebrate for Me in the desert.” Pharaoh replied “Who is this Hashem that I shall listen to His voice to send the Jewish people? I do not know this G-d and I will not send them.” They again persisted “The G-d of the Hebrews came to us, so let us please go for a three-day journey to the desert to offer him sacrifices there, lest He strike us with plague or the sword.” Pharaoh replied to them “Why is Moshe and Aaron disturbing the people from their work. Go mind your own business. The people of the land are many and you want to have them cease working!”
16. Pharaoh increases the labor:
No more straw but same work quota: After Moshe’s failed request Pharaoh instructed the taskmasters and police to stop giving the people straw to make bricks and rather they will go themselves and gather the straw. “However, the quota of bricks that must be made daily will remain the same. They are being lazy and lax and that is why they are screaming to leave and slaughter for their G-d. Make them work harder and do not pay attention to words of falsity.”
The Jewish people are told the news: The taskmasters and police told the Jewish people of Pharaoh’s new work conditions and that they would need to gather their own straw, although the work quota would remain the same.
The Jewish police are beaten: The Jewish people scattered throughout Egypt to gather straw and the taskmasters would press them to finish the daily quota, as before. The police officers who were appointed by the taskmasters to supervise the work were beaten, as the Jewish people had not met the quota.
The Jewish police confront Pharaoh: The Jewish police cried before Pharaoh asking why he is doing this to his servants. “You are not giving us straw and you demand we still follow the daily quota and as a result we are being beaten. This is a sin upon your people. Pharaoh replied “You are being lazy, that is why you are requesting to leave to sacrifice to your G-d. Now, go back to work and straw will not be given to you, although the work quota will remain the same.” The Jewish police had to unfortunately relay the news back to the Jewish people that the quota will remain the same, and they had to see them in their suffering.
17. The Jewish police confront Moshe and Aaron:
The Jewish police met Moshe and Aaron who were coming towards them as they left their audience with Pharaoh and they said to them “Let Hashem look upon you and judge what you caused, as you have destroyed our standing in the face of Pharaoh and his servants, and you have now given them the sword to kill us.”
Moshe returned to Hashem saying “My master, why have you caused evil to befall this nation, why did you send me. Since I have come to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, not only have You not saved them, but he has harmed the people. Hashem replied to Moshe “Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh, as with a mighty hand I will send them out of his land.”
Hashem responds to Moshe’s accusations: Hashem told Moshe that He had appeared to his forefathers, Avraham, Yitzchak, and Yaakov with his name Shakaiy and did not make His name Havaya known to them. He had established His covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan. Now, “I have also heard the cry of the Jewish people who are enslaved in Egypt, and I have remembered my covenant.”
Hashem instructs Moshe: Hashem told Moshe to go and tell Pharaoh all that I commanded you, and Moshe replied that he has a speech impairment and hence cannot talk. Hashem replied to Moshe that He has appointed him as a ruler to Pharaoh, and Aaron will be his speaker. “You will speak all that I have commanded you, and Aaron will speak to Pharaoh, and he will send the Jewish people from his land. I will harden Pharaoh’s heart and increase my miracles and wonders in Egypt. Pharaoh will not listen to you, and I will smite Egypt and take out my nation from Egypt with great plagues. Egypt will then know that I am G-d.” Moshe and Aaron did as they were told. Moshe was 80 years old while Aaron was 83 years old at the time they spoke to Pharaoh.
19. The staff turns into a snake:
Hashem told Moshe and Aaron that when Pharaoh asks them to show him a wonder, then you Moshe should tell Aaron to throw the staff in front of Pharaoh and it will miraculously turn into a snake. Moshe and Aaron did as they were instructed, and they appeared before Pharaoh. Aaron threw the staff in front of Pharaoh and his servants, and it turned into a snake. Pharaoh summoned his sages and sorcerers, and they too did the above using witchcraft. They threw their staff and it turned into a serpent. Aaron’s staff then went ahead and swallowed their staff. Pharaoh hardened his heart and did not agree to let the people go, as Hashem predicted. Moshe returned to Hashem and Hashem said to him that Pharaoh has refused to grant permission for the people to go. Hashem then instructed Moshe to perform the first plague, the plague of blood.
Hashem’s instructions to Moshe to warn Pharaoh and perform the plague: Hashem told Moshe: Go to Pharaoh in the morning while he is going down to the river and meet him at the riverbanks. Bring your staff that was turned into a snake, with you. Tell him that Hashem, the G-d of the Hebrews has sent me to you to demand that you let his people go serve him in the desert, and since you have thus far refused, He will now prove to you that He is G-d. “I will smite the river using my staff and it will turn into blood. The fish contained in the river will die and pollute the river. Egypt will not be able to drink water from the river.” Hashem then told Moshe to tell Aaron to take the staff and stretch it over the waters of Egypt, over their rivers, wells, lakes and ponds, and it will turn into blood. All of Egypt will be filled with blood including wood and rocks.
Moshe and Aaron turn the water into blood: Moshe and Aaron did as G-d instructed them and he lifted the staff and struck the water in front of Pharaoh and his servants, and all the water in the river turned into blood. The fish in the river died and the river became polluted. The Egyptians could not drink from the river. There was blood in the entire land of Egypt.
Egyptian sorcerers do the same and Pharaoh remains stubborn: Egyptian sorcerers used witchcraft to do the same, and likewise turn water into blood. [As a result] Pharaoh hardened his heart and did not adhere their request, as predicted by Moshe. Pharaoh went home and ignored the plague.
The effect on Egypt: All the Egyptians dug around the river in search for water, as they could not drink from the river. The river remained in its state of blood for seven days.
Hashem’s instructions to Moshe to warn Pharaoh and perform the plague: Hashem told Moshe to go to Pharaoh and tell him that G-d has commanded him to free His nation, so they can serve Him, and if you refuse to send them, your entire country will be struck by a plague of frogs. The river will become infested with frogs and they will enter your home, your bedrooms, your bed, the homes of your servants and people, your ovens and your dough. Hashem told Moshe to tell Aaron to stretch the staff over the rivers, ponds and lakes and bring the frogs over the land of Egypt.
Moshe and Aaron infest Egypt with frogs: Aaron stretched his hand over the waters of Egypt and the frog emerged from the river, and they covered the land
Egyptian sorcerers do the same: The Egyptian sorcerers used witchcraft to do the same, and likewise brought frogs onto the land of Egypt.
Pharaoh capitulates to the demands: Pharaoh hardened his heart and did not adhere their request as predicted by Moshe. Pharaoh summoned Moshe and Aaron and asked them to Daven to Hashem to remove the frogs from him and his nation, and I will agree to let the people go to serve Hashem. Moshe asked Pharaoh as to when he wants him to pray to G-d to remove the frogs from amongst his nation, and Pharaoh replied [that he should pray for them to be removed] the [very] next day. Moshe agreed.
Moshe prays: Moshe and Aaron left the presence of Pharaoh and prayed to Hashem regarding the frogs. Hashem did as Moshe requested, and the frogs died within the houses and courtyards and fields. The dead frogs were heaped up into piles and they polluted the land.
Pharaoh refuses to let them go: Pharaoh saw that his country was relieved of the plague and he hardened his heart to not adhere to Hashem’s command to let the people go.
Hashem’s instructions to Moshe to perform the plague: Hashem told Moshe to tell Aaron to take the staff and hit the dust of the earth, and it will turn into lice. All of Egypt will be filled with lice.
Moshe and Aaron turn the dust of the land to lice: Moshe and Aaron did as G-d instructed them and he lifted the staff and struck the dust of the earth and there were lice all over the people and animals. All of the dust of Egypt turned to lice.
Egyptian sorcerers fail to replicate the miracle, but Pharaoh remains stubborn: The Egyptian sorcerers tried using witchcraft to do the same and were unsuccessful. They came to Pharaoh and told him that this plague is the hand of G-d. Pharaoh, however, hardened his heart and refused to adhere to Hashem’s demands.
23. The plague of wild animals:
Hashem’s instructions to Moshe to warn Pharaoh and perform the plague: Hashem told Moshe: awaken early in the morning and greet Pharaoh by the river and tell him that Hashem demands that he let His people go so they can serve Him, and if you refuse to send them, I will send against you and your servants wild animals. The wild animals will fill the houses of Egypt and its grounds. I will distinguish on that day between the land of Goshen, on which my nation stands, by not having any wild animals there. You then shall know that I am G-d of the land.
The plague: Hashem did as he warned, and He brought a heavy mixture of wild animals to Pharaoh’s home and the home of his servants, and they caused destruction throughout the entire land
Pharaoh reaction and the ensuing negotiations: Pharaoh summoned Moshe and Aaron and told them that they may make sacrifices to their G-d in Egypt. Moshe replied that they cannot do so, as it is an abomination in Egypt to slaughter to G-d, and the Egyptians will stone us for doing so. We need to travel a three-day journey, so we can slaughter for our G-d as He will instruct us. Pharaoh replied that he will agree to send them so they could sacrifice to their Lord in the desert, so long as Moshe does not go far, and he prays for him. Moshe replied that as soon as he leaves, he will pray to Hashem on his behalf to remove the wild animals tomorrow, although Pharaoh may no longer retract his word and refuse to let the people go to sacrifice to Hashem.
Moshe prays: Moshe left his audience with Pharaoh and Davened to Hashem. Hashem did as Moshe asked for and he removed the wild animals from Pharaoh and his nation, not one remained.
Pharaoh refuses to let them go: Pharaoh hardened his heart this time as well and refused to let the people go.
24. The plague of disease [Dever]:
Hashem’s instructions to Moshe to warn Pharaoh and perform the plague: Hashem told Moshe to go to Pharaoh and tell him that Hashem the G-d of the Hebrews demands that he let His people go so they can serve Him, and if you refuse to send them, He will send a heavy disease against your animals that are in the field. This includes the horses, donkeys, camels, cattle, and flock. It will be a very severe epidemic. Hashem will distinguish between the livestock of the Jewish people and that of the Egyptians, and not one Jewish owned animal will die. Hashem set an appointed time, saying that the plague will come the next day.
The plague: The next day Hashem did as he warned, and all the animals of the Egyptians died while amongst the Jewish people not even one died.
Pharaoh refuses to let them go: Pharaoh sent messengers to confirm that indeed no animals died amongst the Jewish people, although nevertheless his heart became hardened and he refused to let the people go.
Hashem’s instructions to Moshe to perform the plague: Hashem told Moshe and Aaron to take a handful of soot, and Moshe should throw it upwards towards the heavens, in the presence of Pharaoh. The soot will spread over all of Egypt and turn into boils and blisters on the people and animals.
The plague: They took the soot, and in the presence of Pharaoh, Moshe threw it towards the heavens and sure enough it turned into boils and blisters on the skin of man and animals.
Egyptian sorcerers: The sorcerers could not stand in front of Moshe due to the boils.
Pharaoh refuses to let them go: Hashem hardened the heart of Pharaoh and he refused to let the people go, as Hashem predicted.
Hashem’s instructions to Moshe to warn Pharaoh: Hashem told Moshe to awaken early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh and tell him that Hashem the G-d of the Hebrews demands that he let His people go so they can serve Him, and if you refuse to send them, this time He will send against you all of his plagues so you know that there is none like Me in Egypt. If I wanted, I could have already wiped you and your nation off the face of the earth. However, I spared you, so you can witness my powers and so My name be declared throughout the world. If you still oppress My people and refuse to release them, tomorrow I will rain upon you a very heavy hail of which there has never been before in Egypt.
Hashem warns the Egyptians to bring in their livestock: Now, send your cattle and everything you have in the field into your homes, as anything that remains outside will be destroyed through the hail. The G-d fearing Egyptians adhered to Hashem’s warning, and brought their slaves and livestock inside. However, those who did not heed His call, left them outside in the field.
Hashem’s instructions to Moshe to perform the plague: Hashem said to Moshe: Stretch your hand towards the heavens and hail will fall in all the land of Egypt, on the people and the animals, and on all the vegetation of the earth of Egypt.
The plague: Moshe did as he was told and stretched his hand towards the heavens and Hashem sent thunder and hail and fire struck the ground. The hail contained fire blazing within it. It was very heavy, nothing like Egypt has every seen as a nation. The hail struck everything in the field, from man to animal to vegetation. It broke all the trees. Only in the land of Goshen where the Jewish people lived was there no hail.
Pharaoh summons Moshe: Pharaoh summoned Moshe and Aaron and told them that he has truly sinned this time, and that Hashem is the righteous and he and his nation are the sinners. Pharaoh asked that Moshe pray to Hashem for the thunder and hail to end and he will send them out without refusing any longer. Moshe replied that he will leave the city and stretch his hands to Hashem in prayer so that the thunder and hail should end so that they know that the earth belongs to Hashem, although he knows that Pharaoh and his people have yet to fear G-d.
The damage: The flax and the barley were destroyed although the wheat and spelt survived the hail as they had yet to ripen.
Moshe prays: Moshe left his audience with Pharaoh and left the city. He stretched his arms to Hashem in prayer, and the thunder and hail ceased, and the rain stopped falling.
Pharaoh refuses to let them go: Pharaoh saw that the rain and hail ceased and he hardened his heart
Hashem commands Moshe to approach Pharaoh: Hashem commanded Moshe to approach Pharaoh, as He has made his heart, and the heart of his servants, stubborn, in order to publicize His miracles amongst them. “In order for the Jewish people to tell over to their children about the plagues that occurred in Egypt, and the miracles that I performed, and so you will know that I am G-d.”
Moshe warns Pharaoh of the upcoming plague: Moshe and Aaron approached Pharaoh and related to him “So said G-d, the G-d of the Jewish people: Until when will you refuse to answer my requests? Let my people go free so they can serve me. If you continue refusing to send my people, tomorrow I will bring locust into your country.” The locust will cover the earth until the point that the earth will not be seen. They will eat all the leftover produce that remained after the plague of hail. They will fill your homes and the homes of all Egyptians, as you have never seen before. Moshe and Aaron then left Pharaoh’s presence.
Pharaoh initially agrees to send out the Jewish people and then retracts: The servants of Pharaoh said to him “Until when will this matter be a source of suffering for us. Send the people so they can serve Hashem, as do you not know that Egypt is in ruins?” Pharaoh summoned Moshe and Aaron to return and said to them “Go serve your G-d. Who will be going?” Moshe replied, “We will leave with our lads, and elders, our sons and daughters, our sheep and cattle, as it is a festival for G-d.” Pharaoh replied to them “Let G-d be with you if I were to send you and your children, as I see evil coming towards you. This is not how it should be. The men shall go and serve Hashem, as that is your request.” Pharaoh then had Moshe and Aaron banished from his presence.
The locust come attack Egypt: Hashem told Moshe to stretch his hand over the land of Egypt and He will bring a storm of locust over the land. They will consume all the vegetation of the land that was left over from the plague of hail. Moshe did as he was instructed, and Hashem brought an eastern wind over Egypt which blew throughout that day and night. In the morning, the eastern wind carried the locust into Egypt and they swarmed the entire country like Egypt has never seen before and will never see again. They covered the land and the sky to the point that they darkened the land [preventing sunlight from passing]. They ate all the vegetation of the earth and all the fruits of the trees, to the point that no fruit or vegetation was left in the entire land of Egypt.
Pharaoh shows remorse: Pharaoh hurried to call Moshe and Aaron and told them that he has sinned against Hashem their G-d and against them. “Please forgive me for my sins one more time, and pray for me to your G-d, so that He should remove this death.”
Moshe prays, and Hashem ends the plague: Moshe left Pharaoh’s presence and prayed to Hashem. Hashem sent a very strong western wind that carried the locust swarm and dumped them into the river. Not one locust remained in Egypt.
Pharaoh refuses to let them go: Hashem hardened the heart of Pharaoh and he refused to let the people go.
Hashem tells Moshe to perform the plague: Hashem told Moshe to stretch his hand towards the heavens, and there will be darkness in the land of Egypt.
The plague: Moshe did so, and the entire land of Egypt fell under complete darkness for three days. No man saw his friend, and no one could move from his place during the duration of those three days. However, the Jewish people had light in all their settlements.
Pharaoh summons Moshe: Pharaoh called Moshe and told him that the nation, including the children, could leave to serve G-d, on condition that they leave their cattle and flock in Egypt. Moshe replied “Also you will give us animals as sacrifices so we can offer them to Hashem. Our cattle will leave with us to serve Hashem, and we will not leave even one hoof in Egypt, as we do not know how we will need to serve Him until our arrival.” Hashem hardened the heart of Pharaoh and he did not agree to send them. Pharaoh said to Moshe “leave me, and you are warned not to ever step back here to see me lest you will be put to death.” Moshe replied, “You speak words of truth, I shall never come to see you again.”
Hashem told Moshe that He will bring one last plague to Pharaoh and Egypt, and Pharaoh will then capitulate completely and let you go and even force you out of Egypt.
Leaving with wealth: Hashem told Moshe that he should speak to the Jewish people and inform them [of the imminent exodus and] that each person should request from their [Egyptian] neighbor gold and silver vessels. Hashem granted the nation favor in the eyes of the Egyptians, and so too Moshe became very great in the eyes of Pharaoh and his servants.
Moshe warns Pharaoh of Makas Bechoros: [During the last meeting of Moshe with Pharaoh] Moshe told Pharaoh that Hashem said that at approximately midnight He will go amidst Egypt and smite every first born in the land of Egypt to death, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who is the prince until the firstborn of the slave woman, as well as all firstborn animals. There will be a great outcry in the entire land of Egypt, of which the liking there never was and will never be seen again. However, the Jewish people will remain safe and a dog will not bark against man or animal, so that you see that I have distinguished between the Jewish people and Egypt. Your servants will then all come down and bow to me asking us to leave, and afterwards we shall leave. Moshe left Pharaoh’s presence in burning anger. Hashem told Moshe that Pharaoh would not listen to him in order so He can increase His wonders in the land of Egypt. Moshe and Aaron performed all these miracles before Pharaoh, and Hashem strengthened his heart and he did not let them go.
30. Hashem commands the Jewish people:
Kiddush Hachodesh: Hashem told Moshe and Aaron to tell the Jewish people that this month is to be for them the first of the months of the year.
The Pesach lamb: Tell all the Jewish people, that on the 10th of the month they are to take for themselves a lamb/kid, having one lamb/kid per household. If the family is too small to consume an entire lamb/kid, then they should join with another family, counting each person in proportion to the amount he eats. The lamb/kid must be male, within its first year, and unblemished, and it may be taken either from the sheep or goats. The lamb/kid is to be guarded by you until the 14th day, and on the 14th day it is then to be slaughtered in the afternoon by all of the Jewish people.
Placing the blood by the doorposts: They shall take from the blood [of the sacrifice] and place it by both doorposts, and on the lintel of the doorposts, of the door of the house that they will be eating the sacrifice in.
Roasting and eating the lamb: The Pesach lamb/kid is to be eaten that night. It is to be roasted and eaten with Matzos and bitter herbs. It may not be eaten raw, or cooked in water, but rather must be roasted over fire. It is to be roasted in full, its head with its legs and its innards. Its meat may not remain past morning, and whatever does remain must be burnt in the fire. It shall be eaten in a haste, with your loins girded and your shoes on your feet.
Hashem will see the blood and Passover the houses: Hashem said: I will pass through Egypt that night and smite all the firstborn Egyptians, from man to animal, including the deities of Egypt. The blood on the doorpost shall serve as a sign that you are there, and when I see the blood I will pass over you, and you shall not be smitten while I strike Egypt.
Celebrating Pesach: This day shall be for you as a remembrance, and you shall celebrate it as a festival for Hashem for all generations.
Chametz and Matzah: You shall eat Matzah for seven days, although on the first day you shall eliminate Chametz from your homes. Whoever eats Chametz between the first and seventh day, his soul will be cut off from the Jewish people. The Matzos must be guarded, and the Matzos are to be eaten from the evening after the 14th day until the 21st day of the month. For seven days, Chametz may not be found in your homes.
Melacha: On the first and seventh day it shall be a calling of holiness, and you shall therefore not do any Melacha on that day with exception to food related matters.
31. Moshe instructs the Jewish people regarding the Pesach lamb and the upcoming plague:
Moshe summoned all the elders of Israel and instructed them: Each family should take for themselves one of the flock, and slaughter it as a Pesach offering. You shall take a bundle of hyssop and dip it into the blood that is in the basin, and touch with it the lintel and the two doorposts.
Not to leave home: No man may leave his house until the morning. Hashem will pass through Egypt and smite it, and when he sees the blood on your doorposts, the blood will prevent the plague from entering your home. You shall guard the above [Pesach sacrifice] as a statute for all generations. When you arrive to the promised land and you follow these laws, your children will ask you why it [i.e. the Pesach sacrifice] is done, and you shall inform them that it is in commemoration of the fact that Hashem smit the Egyptians and passed over the Jewish houses. The Jewish nation bowed and prostrated and they went to do that which Hashem commanded through Moshe and Aaron.
32. The plague of Makas Bechoros:
At midnight Hashem smote every first born in the land of Egypt to death, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who is the prince until the firstborn of the imprisoned captive, as well as all firstborn animals.
Pharaoh asks Bnei Yisrael to leave Egypt: Pharaoh and all his servants arose that night, as there was a great cry in Egypt. There was no house without a corpse. Pharaoh summoned Moshe and Aaron that night and told them to rise and leave his people. Everyone shall leave and go serve your G-d as you requested. Take your flock and cattle as you asked, and leave, but bless me as well [that I not die].
The dough did not have time to rise: The Egyptian nation urged the Jewish people to leave right away, as they said that they were all dying. The nation took its dough prior to it being able to rise and placed it on a sack on their shoulders. They later baked it, after leaving Egypt, into Matzos and not Chametz, as they were driven out of Egypt in a hurry. They did not bring with them other food.
Egypt is emptied of its wealth: The Jewish people did as Moshe told them, and asked their neighbors for silver and gold vessels, as well as garments. Hashem granted the nation favor in the eyes of the Egyptians and they lent them the above. So it was that the Jewish people emptied Egypt [of money].
The first journey: The Jewish people traveled from Ramseis to Sukkot.
Who left: They were 600,000 men, aside for the children. They went with a great multitude [of Egyptian converts]. They left with a very heavy amount of flock and cattle.
Amount of years in Egypt: The Jewish people dwelled in Egypt [and their previous areas of foreign land] for 430 years, and at the end of 430 years, on the essence of this day all the legions of Hashem left Egypt.
Leil Shimurim: This night is a night of guarding for all the Jewish people for all generations.
Why did Hashem Himself need to come and redeem the Jewish people and not an angel?[42] As the sorcery in Egypt was so great that even angels had no power over them and only Hashem himself could overcome them. |
34. Pharaoh and the Egyptian army chase the Jewish people:
A. Bnei Yisrael journey after leaving Egypt:
The route: After Pharaoh sent the nation, Hashem, rather than taking them through the land of the Philistines which was a shorter route, he took them the roundabout route through the desert of the Sea of Reeds. This is because Hashem feared perhaps the people would turn back if taken by the short route.
Arms: The Jewish people were armed when they left Egypt.
Yosef’s bones: Moshe took with him Yosef’s bones out of Egypt, as Yosef made the Jewish people swear to take them when they left.
Journeying to Eisam: They traveled from Sukkos to Eisam, which was at the end of the desert.
The clouds of glory: Hashem went before the Jewish people in a pillar of cloud in order to guide them. At night He went before them in a pillar of fire, to shine for them the night, so they could travel by day and by night.
Turning back to Pi Hachiros: Hashem instructed Moshe to turn back and encamp by Pi Hachiros which is between Migdal and the sea, opposite Baal Tzefon. “Pharaoh will then exclaim regarding Bnei Yisrael that they have trapped themselves in the desert and I will harden his heart so he gives chase, and then Egypt will know that I am Hashem.”
The Jewish people did as they were instructed.
B. Pharaoh chases after Bnei Yisrael:
Pharaoh was told that the Jewish people had fled, and he and his servants regretted having sent them out. He thus harnessed his chariot and took his people with him. He took six hundred select chariots, together with all of Egypt’s chariots to chase after the Jewish people. Hashem hardened the heart of Pharaoh to chase after Bnei Yisrael and meanwhile the Jewish people were going out with a raised hand.
C. Bnei Yisrael realize they are under attack by the Egyptian army:
The Egyptians gave chase after the Jewish people and caught up with them by Pi Hachiros near the sea.
The reaction of the Jewish people: The Jewish people looked up in fright seeing Pharaoh and his army coming in on them. The Jewish people cried out to Hashem. They said to Moshe “Were there not enough graves in Egypt for you to take us out to die in the desert? Why did you take us out of Egypt? Did we not already tell you that we would rather continue in slavery than to die in the desert?
Moshe’s response: Moshe said to the nation: “Do not fear, stand fast and you will see the salvation of G-d that he will do for you today. You will never see Egypt again. Hashem will fight for you and you shall remain silent.”
Hashem instructs Moshe: Hashem told Moshe to stop crying at him, and that the Jewish people are to travel. Raise your staff over the sea and split it, and the Jewish people will enter the sea, on dry land. I will harden the heart of Egypt so they continue to give you chase, and I will be glorified through their army, and Egypt will know that I am G-d.
The clouds protect: The pillar of Hashem which usually stood before the camp, then moved behind them between the nation and Egypt. The cloud caused darkness for Egypt but gave light to the Jewish people. The two camps did not meet the entire night.
The sea splits: Moshe raised his staff over the sea and Hashem sent a strong east wind the entire night and He turned the sea to dry land, and the sea split. The Jewish people entered the sea and it became for them a wall on the right and left. The entire Egyptian army followed them into the sea in a chase.
Hashem causes the Egyptian army to enter into disarray: Towards morning, Hashem looked down upon the Egyptian camp with a pillar of fire and cloud and He entered them into disarray. He caused the wheels of the wagons to fall off. The Egyptians exclaimed “We shall flee before the Jewish people, as their G-d is fighting for them.”
B. The sea returns to normal course, annihilating the Egyptian army:
Hashem told Moshe to stretch his staff over the sea, and its waters shall return, and drown the Egyptian army. Moshe did as he was told, and sure enough towards morning the sea returned to its normal course, with the Egyptians fleeing towards it. Hashem shook the Egyptians within the water. The water drowned the entire army, leaving not even one survivor.
The Jewish people walked through the dry land within the sea and Hashem saved them from the Egyptians. They saw the corpses of the Egyptian army on the seashore. They saw the great hand of G-d over Egypt, and they feared Hashem and believed in Hashem and Moshe His servant.
Moshe and the Jewish people then sang the song of Az Yashir to Hashem, praising Hashem for all that He has done. They said: “I will sing to Hashem, for He is exalted. The horse and rider he plunged into the sea. G-d’s strength and power has been to me a salvation. This is my G-d and I will beautify Him, the G-d of my fathers and I will exalt Him. Hashem is the master of war, Hashem is His name. He cast Pharaoh’s chariots and army into the sea, and his best officers were drowned. The depths of the waters covered them, and they descended like stone. Your right-hand Hashem is majestically powerful and crushes the enemy. You devastate your opponents, consuming them like straw with Your wrath. With the breath of Your nostrils you caused the water to pile up, and to stand like a wall. You froze water in the depths of the sea. The enemy stated that he will chase and overtake us and then distribute the plunder. You blew Your wind and the sea covered them. They sank like led. Who is like You Hashem, among the powerful and holy. You are too awesome to praise, Doer of wonders. You stretch Your right hand and the earth would swallow them. With kindness you led this people to Your holy abode. People heard and they trembled, the people of Philistia were struck with terror. The heads of the Edomites and Moabites were shocked and shivered. The inhabitants of Canaan melted. May they remain in fear until this nation passes through. You will bring the nation to Your dwelling place, to Your sanctuary. Hashem will reign forever.”
Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took the tambourine, and all the women followed her with tambourines and dancing. Miriam and the women also sang a song to Hashem.
_______________________________
[1] Admur 473:53; Hagahos Mahrshal; Minhagim 99; Bach end of 460
[2] Shemos 1:1-7
[3] Shemos Raba 8
[4] Version in Shemos Raba; Meiam Loez Shemos p. 20 [new edition]
[5] Yifei Eiynayim; Meiam Loez Shemos p. 20 [new edition]
[6] Shemos 1:8-10
[7] Sefer Hayashar Shemos; Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter 1
[8] Seder Hadoros
[9] Rav and Shmuel in Sota ; Meiam Loez chapter 2
[10] Rabbeinu Bechayeh Shemos
[11] Shemos Raba; Meiam Loez Perek 2
[12] Zohar parshas Bo, brought in Meiam Loez Shemos Perek 2
[13] Sotah
[14] Meiam Loez Shemos Perek 2 and page 39 [new edition]
[15] Yalkut Shimoni; Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 29 [new edition]
[16] Shemos 1:11-14
[17] Shemos Raba; Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 30 [new edition]
[18] Shemos Raba; Tanchuma; Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 30 [new edition]
[19] Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 29 [new edition]
[20] Shemos Raba 48; Ramban; Hagahos Maimanis Hilchos Avoda Zara;
[21] Sotah; Shemos Raba 8; Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 31 [new edition]
[22] Shemos 1:15-22
[23] Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 31 [new edition]
[24] Yalkut Shimoni; Pirkei Derebbe Eliezer; Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 42 [new edition]
[25] Yalkut Shimoni; Pirkei Derebbe Eliezer; Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 42 [new edition]
[26] Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 42 [new edition]
[27] Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 34 [new edition]
[28] Sotah
[29] Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 42 [new edition]
[30] Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 34 [new edition]
[31] Sotah
[32] Shemos 2:1-10
[33] Sefer Hayuchsin; Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 53 [new edition]
[34] Shemos Raba; Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 47 [new edition]
[35] Akeida; Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 51 [new edition]
[36] Ramban; Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 53 [new edition]
[37] Shemos Raba; Pirkei Derebbe EliezerMeiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 53 [new edition]
[38] Shemos 2:11-15
[39] Shemos 2:23-25
[40] Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 69 [new edition]
[41] Meiam Loez Shemos Chapter p. 71 [new edition]
[42] Or Torah Maggid 93
Leave A Comment?
You must be logged in to post a comment.