Weekly Torah portion
Parascha Shemot שמות
Exodus (Schemot) · Exodus 1:1-6:1
„Names"
Summary
A new Pharaoh rises in Egypt who does not remember Joseph, leading to the harsh enslavement of the Israelites. To control their population, Pharaoh decrees that all newborn Hebrew boys must be cast into the Nile River.
The baby Moses is saved by Pharaoh's daughter and grows up in the palace, but eventually flees to Midian after defending an Israelite. At the burning bush, G-d commands him to return to Egypt to lead the people to freedom.
Moses and his brother Aaron approach Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites, but Pharaoh responds by increasing their workload. The portion ends with the people discouraged, though G-d promises that He will soon act with a strong hand.
People
Moses
The humble leader chosen by G-d to deliver the Israelites from bondage.
Miriam
The sister of Moses who watched over him in the river and helped reunite him with his mother.
Yocheved
The mother of Moses who hid him for three months to save him from Pharaoh.
Batya
The daughter of Pharaoh who showed compassion by rescuing a Hebrew baby from the Nile.
Jethro
The priest of Midian who became the father-in-law of Moses after Moses fled Egypt.
Key commandments (mitzvot)
Traditionally no commandments are counted in this portion.
Full text
Quiz & badge
Answer every question correctly to earn the badge.
1. In what form did G-d first appear to Moses?
2. Who was appointed to be the spokesman for Moses?
3. Why did Moses flee from Egypt to Midian?
4. What does the name 'Shemot' mean?