Return to Parasha ChartParashiyot Summary: Shmot (Exodus)
Summary: The Israelites become a nation, and are enslaved by Pharaoh. Moses is born, and raised as an Egyptian. He escapes to Midian after slaying an Egyptian, where he marries the daughter of a Midianite priest. While caring for his sheep, he encounters a burning bush. God tells him to return to Egypt to free the Israelites.
Summary: Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh. The first seven of the ten plagues (blood, frogs, lice, swarms of insects, cattle disease, boils and hail) are described.
Summary: This parasha contains the eighth and ninth plagues (locusts and darkness), and the announcement by God concerning the tenth plague -- the slaying of the first-born Egyptians. Details are spelled out about the first Passover which takes place in Egypt, just prior to the beginning of the exodus. The future observance of Passover as a seven day festival of unleavened bread is established. Nisan is declared to be the first month of the year. The mitzvah of tefillin (phylacteries) is introduced.
Summary: The Israelites leave Egypt and take a longer route in order to avoid the Philistine territory. As they reach the Sea of Reeds, the Israelites see Pharaoh and his armies pursuing them. The waters part, and the Israelites cross on dry land. The armies of Pharaoh continue after them and are drowned. Moses and the children of Israel sing a song of praise, the Song of the Sea. Miriam and the woman dance, and Miriam sings a song of her own. God sends manna to the Israelites as food for their wanderings. God shows Moses how to make bitter water sweet, and how to draw water from a rock. Finally, the Israelites are attacked by the Amalekites at Rephidim and prevail.
Summary: Additional laws concerning ownership of slaves; capital crimes; rules of damages, and various other rules form the law code in this parashah. The Israelites accept the law.
Summary: Gifts to construct a portable sanctuary, the Mishkan (Tabernacle) are described. The measurements and description of the Ark, the table and the menorah are given.
Summary: Aaron and his sons are appointed to serve as priests. Details concerning the priests' clothing are described: their tunic, belt, breastplate, mantle, etc. The sacrifices to consecrate the priests are also specified.
Summary: God instructs Moses to take a census. The basin for washing is described. Moses goes up the mountain to receive the two tablets. The Israelites, impatient for Moses' return, build the Golden Calf. When Moses sees this, he breaks the tablets and punishes the Israelites. Moses then returns to get a second set of tablets.
Summary: Rules about Shabbat are given, and the building of the Mishkan is described in great detail.
Summary: In the concluding chapters of the Book of Exodus, the Mishkan is established. God's presence is indicated by a cloud that covers the Mishkan by day, and a fire that burns by night.