Torah Stories

The Setting: A People on the Run After centuries of slavery in Egypt, the Israelites were finally free. Led by Moses, they began their journey toward the Promised Land. But freedom was not immediate safety. Pharaoh, having second thoughts about releasing his labor force, sent his army to pursue them. The Israelites found themselves trapped between the sea and the approaching Egyptian forces. Fear gripped them. It seemed like their newfound freedom would be short-lived. In this moment of crisis, Moses turned to the heavens and was instructed to raise his staff over the waters. As he did, the sea...

The Journey to Egypt: From Joseph to a New Pharaoh The roots of the Hebrew presence in Egypt begin with the story of Joseph, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. Sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph eventually rose to become a powerful figure in Egypt due to his ability to interpret dreams. His wisdom helped Egypt prepare for a devastating famine, and in gratitude, Pharaoh appointed him as a high-ranking official. When famine struck the land of Canaan, Joseph’s family traveled to Egypt seeking food. Thanks to Joseph’s position, they were welcomed and allowed to settle in the...

The Historical Context of Ancient Egypt Ancient Egypt was one of the most powerful civilizations in the ancient world. With its rich culture, monumental architecture, and complex society, it stood as a beacon of human achievement. But like many empires, its strength was built on the backs of laborers—often those who were marginalized or seen as outsiders. The Hebrews, a distinct and growing community within Egypt, became one such group. The Hebrews had originally come to Egypt during a time of famine, welcomed due to the high position of Joseph, a Hebrew who had risen to prominence in Pharaoh’s court....