Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does the verse mention '600,000 men on foot' when counting the Israelites leaving Egypt?
A: The Torah specifies '600,000 men on foot' to emphasize the enormous size of the Jewish people at the Exodus. According to Rashi, this number refers only to adult males between 20-60 years old, excluding women, children, and the elderly. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah) teaches that this fulfilled Hashem's promise to Avraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars.
Q: What is the significance of the Israelites traveling from Raamses to Sukkot?
A: Raamses was where the Israelites were enslaved (Exodus 1:11), and Sukkot represents their first stop toward freedom. The Ramban explains that Sukkot was both a physical location and symbolic of the 'sukkot' (booths) Hashem would later command us to dwell in during Sukkot, reminding us of His protection during the Exodus.
Q: Why does the Torah count the Israelites when they left Egypt?
A: The counting demonstrates the fulfillment of Hashem's promise to make Avraham's descendants numerous (Genesis 15:5). The Talmud (Bava Batra 121a) also teaches that counting shows each individual's importance - just as one counts precious jewels. This census begins the Jewish people's journey as a nation.
Q: How could 600,000 men leave Egypt if they entered as only 70 people?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 1:7) explains this miraculous growth through the verse 'the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied' (Exodus 1:12). Despite harsh slavery, Jewish women miraculously gave birth to six children at once (Rashi on Exodus 1:7). This shows Hashem's blessing overcoming nature.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Israelites' departure from Egypt?
A: The Sforno teaches that this verse reminds us of Hashem's ability to redeem us from exile. Just as He took a slave nation and made them into a great people overnight, He can redeem us in any generation. The large number also teaches that every Jew is essential to the nation's mission.
The Departure from Ra'amses to Sukkot
The verse describes the journey of Bnei Yisrael from Ra'amses to Sukkot, emphasizing the large number of adult men—approximately 600,000—excluding children. This moment marks the beginning of their exodus from Egypt, a pivotal event in Jewish history.
Significance of the Numbers
Rashi (Exodus 12:37) explains that the count of 600,000 men corresponds to the number of adult males over the age of 20, as later enumerated in the census (Numbers 1:46). This figure excludes women, children, and the elderly, suggesting the total population was likely in the millions. The Torah highlights this number to underscore the miraculous growth of Bnei Yisrael from a small family (70 souls) to a vast nation, fulfilling Hashem's promise to Avraham (Genesis 15:5).
The Route: Ra'amses to Sukkot
Ra'amses was a city built by Bnei Yisrael as slaves (Exodus 1:11), and Sukkot was their first stop after leaving Egypt. The Midrash (Mechilta d'Rabbi Yishmael 12:37) notes that Sukkot symbolizes divine protection ("sukkah" means shelter), as Hashem shielded them during their journey. Ramban (Exodus 12:37) adds that Sukkot was a temporary encampment, reflecting the transitional nature of their journey toward redemption.
Exclusion of "Taf" (Children)
The phrase "לְבַד מִטָּף" ("besides children") is interpreted in several ways:
Spiritual Significance of the Journey
The departure from Ra'amses to Sukkot represents not only a physical exodus but also a spiritual transition from slavery to freedom. The Talmud (Pesachim 116b) teaches that recounting the exodus is a mitzvah, as it reinforces faith in Hashem's redemption. The large number of people further demonstrates that the exodus was a national miracle, witnessed by all of Bnei Yisrael.