Exodus (שמות)

Parashiot in Exodus (שמות)

Shemot (שמות)

Verses: Exodus (שמות) 1:1 - 6:1

Parashat Shemot begins the Book of Exodus, detailing the enslavement of Bnei Yisrael in Egypt and the birth of Moshe. Pharaoh, fearing Israel’s growth, imposes harsh labor and decrees the drowning of male infants. Moshe is saved by his mother and raised in Pharaoh’s palace. After killing an Egyptian taskmaster, he flees to Midian, where he marries Tzipporah. At the burning bush, Hashem reveals His Name (Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh) and commands Moshe to demand Pharaoh free Israel. Moshe hesitates, citing speech difficulties, but Aharon is appointed as his spokesman. The parasha ends with initial confrontations worsening Israel’s suffering, setting the stage for redemption.

Va'era (וארא)

Verses: Exodus (שמות) 6:2 - 9:35

In Parashat Va'era, Hashem reveals His four expressions of redemption to Moshe, promising to free Bnei Yisrael from Egyptian bondage. Despite initial reluctance from Pharaoh and increased hardship for the Jews, Moshe and Aharon confront Pharaoh with signs and the first seven plagues: blood, frogs, lice, wild beasts, pestilence, boils, and hail. Each plague demonstrates Hashem's supremacy over Egyptian deities. Pharaoh's heart hardens repeatedly, illustrating the principle of free will and divine justice. The parasha emphasizes emunah (faith) in Hashem's promises and the gradual process of redemption, setting the stage for Yetziat Mitzrayim (the Exodus). Rashi and other commentators highlight the precision of divine retribution midah k'neged midah (measure for measure).

Bo (בא)

Verses: Exodus (שמות) 10:1 - 13:16

Parashat Bo details the final three plagues—locusts, darkness, and the death of the firstborn—leading to the Exodus from Egypt. Pharaoh’s stubbornness persists despite escalating devastation, demonstrating Hashem’s absolute control over nature and human rulers. The parasha introduces the mitzvah of Rosh Chodesh, marking the first national commandment, and details the Korban Pesach (Paschal sacrifice), emphasizing its preparation, consumption, and the blood on doorposts as a sign of faith. The Exodus occurs at midnight on the 15th of Nissan, fulfilling Hashem’s promise. The parasha concludes with laws of consecrating firstborns and tefillin, eternal reminders of divine redemption and our covenantal bond with Hashem.

Beshalach (בשלח)

Verses: Exodus (שמות) 13:17 - 17:16

Parashat Beshalach recounts the Israelites' departure from Egypt, their miraculous crossing of the Red Sea, and their early challenges in the wilderness. Pharaoh pursues them, but Hashem splits the sea, allowing Bnei Yisrael to pass through safely before drowning the Egyptians. Moshe and Miriam lead the people in song praising Hashem. In the desert, they face hunger and thirst, and Hashem provides manna and quail, along with the mitzvah of Shabbat. At Rephidim, they battle Amalek, symbolizing the eternal struggle against evil. The parashah emphasizes emunah (faith) in Hashem's providence and the importance of gratitude amidst trials.

Yitro (יתרו)

Verses: Exodus (שמות) 18:1 - 20:23

Parashat Yitro describes Yitro (Jethro), Moshe’s father-in-law, joining Bnei Yisrael in the wilderness. Observing Moshe’s overwhelming judicial burden, Yitro advises him to establish a hierarchical court system, appointing judges to handle minor cases while Moshe adjudicates major disputes—a model later adopted in Jewish law. The parasha then recounts the pivotal revelation at Har Sinai, where Hashem gives the Aseret HaDibrot (Ten Commandments), forming the foundation of the Torah. The event is marked by thunder, lightning, and the awe-inspiring Divine presence, emphasizing the covenant between Hashem and Klal Yisrael. The parasha underscores the importance of Torah leadership and the eternal bond between G-d and His people.

Mishpatim (משפטים)

Verses: Exodus (שמות) 21:1 - 24:18

Parashat Mishpatim follows Matan Torah (the giving of the Torah) and details a comprehensive system of civil, ethical, and ritual laws. It begins with laws concerning Hebrew servants, emphasizing their eventual freedom and dignified treatment. The parasha includes monetary laws (damages, theft, loans), moral obligations (protecting the vulnerable, honesty in justice), and ritual commandments (Shabbat, festivals). A key theme is the intertwining of interpersonal laws (bein adam l’chavero) and divine service (bein adam la’Makom), underscoring that a just society is foundational to avodat Hashem. The parasha concludes with Bnei Yisrael reaffirming their covenant with Hashem, declaring, "Naaseh v’nishma.

Terumah (תרומה)

Verses: Exodus (שמות) 25:1 - 27:19

Parashat Terumah details Hashem's command to Moshe to collect voluntary donations (terumah) from Bnei Yisrael to construct the Mishkan (Tabernacle). The materials—gold, silver, copper, fabrics, oils, and precious stones—are to be used for the Ark, Table, Menorah, Altar, and other sacred vessels. The Ark, housing the Luchot, is to be overlaid with pure gold and adorned with golden cherubim. The Mishkan symbolizes Hashem's dwelling among His people, emphasizing holiness and divine connection. Orthodox interpretation highlights the Mishkan as a microcosm of creation and a model for personal and communal dedication to divine service, where every detail reflects spiritual ideals and divine order.

Tetzaveh (תצוה)

Verses: Exodus (שמות) 27:20 - 30:10

Parashat Tetzaveh details the command to prepare pure olive oil for the menorah in the Mishkan and describes the garments of the Kohanim, particularly the Kohen Gadol (High Priest). The parasha emphasizes the sanctity of the priestly vestments—including the ephod, breastplate (choshen), robe (me’il), and headplate (tzitz)—each imbued with symbolic meaning and crafted with divine precision. The Kohen Gadol’s role as an intermediary for atonement is highlighted, especially through the choshen’s Urim and Thummim. The parasha concludes with instructions for the consecration of Aharon and his sons, underscoring their eternal priesthood. The absence of Moshe’s name is noted, linking to his later plea for atonement (Ki Tisa).

Ki Tisa (כי תשא)

Verses: Exodus (שמות) 30:11 - 34:35

In Parashat Ki Tisa, Hashem commands Moshe to take a census of Bnei Yisrael by collecting half-shekels from each male over twenty. The parasha details the construction of the Mishkan, including the kiyor (laver) and the anointing oil. While Moshe is on Har Sinai receiving the luchot, the people sin by creating the golden calf. Moshe pleads for their forgiveness, and Hashem relents, though consequences follow. Moshe smashes the luchot, destroys the calf, and the Levites execute idolaters. After further supplication, Moshe ascends again to receive a second set of luchot, witnessing Hashem’s Thirteen Attributes of Mercy. The parasha concludes with Moshe’s radiant face after encountering the Divine Presence.

Vayakhel (ויקהל)

Verses: Exodus (שמות) 35:1 - 38:20

Parashat Vayakhel recounts Moshe assembling Bnei Yisrael to instruct them about Shabbat observance and the construction of the Mishkan. Emphasizing Shabbat as a day of rest, Moshe warns against melachah (creative labor), reinforcing its sanctity. The people generously donate materials for the Mishkan, demonstrating their repentance after the sin of the Golden Calf. Betzalel and Oholiav, endowed with divine wisdom, oversee the skilled craftsmanship. The detailed account of the Mishkan’s construction reflects its spiritual significance as a dwelling place for the Shechinah. The parasha highlights the unity of Klal Yisrael in fulfilling Hashem’s commandments with devotion and precision.

Pekudei (פקודי)

Verses: Exodus (שמות) 38:21 - 40:38

Parashat Pekudei concludes the Book of Shemot by detailing the final accounting of materials used for the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and its construction. Betzalel and Oholiav, under Moshe’s supervision, complete the Mishkan’s components, including the priestly garments. The Torah emphasizes meticulous adherence to Hashem’s commands, reflecting the principle of hiddur mitzvah (beautifying commandments). Moshe inspects and blesses the work, and the Mishkan is erected on the first of Nisan, symbolizing a new beginning. The cloud of Hashem’s Presence descends, signifying Divine approval. Pekudei underscores the importance of integrity in communal projects and the sanctity of dedicating one’s efforts to Divine service.

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