Once upon a time, during a famine Jacob and his family fled to Egypt where food was plentiful. Jacob's son Joseph had risen to high position in Pharaoh’s court, interpreting his dreams, and Jewish people were well-respected and integrated into Egyptian society.

Generations passed and our people remained in Egypt. In time, a new Pharaoh ascended to the throne. He found Jewish people threatening, and ordered them to be enslaved. In fear of rebellion, Pharaoh decreed that all Hebrew baby boys be killed. Two midwives named Shifrah and Puah defied his orders and helped the baby Moses to survive. Fearing for his safety, his family placed him in a basket and he floated down the Nile. He was found, and adopted, by Pharaoh’s daughter, who named him Moses because she drew him forth from the water. Moses survived to adulthood, and was raised as Prince of Egypt.

Although a child of royalty, as he grew he became aware of Pharoah's slaves. When he saw an overseer mistreat a slave, Moses struck the overseer and killed him. Fearing retribution, he set out across the Sinai Desert alone. In the Desert, Moses found a bush that was on fire and God spoke to him through that bush. God told Moses to lead the Hebrew people to freedom. Moses argued with God, pleading that he was inadequate, but God disagreed and convinced Moses to talk to Pharoah.

When Moses went to Pharoah, he said "Let my people go". Pharaoh said "No". So, God sent the 1st plague -Blood. Moses went to Pharoah. He said, "Let my people go". Pharaoh said "No". So, God sent the 2nd plague - Frogs. Moses went to Pharoah. He said, "Let my people go". Pharoah said, "No". The 3rd plague was Lice. Moses went to Pharoah. He said, "Let my people go". Pharaoh said, "No". The 4th plague was Wild Beasts. Moses went to Pharoah. He said, "Let my people go". Pharoah said, "No". The 5th plague was Cattle Disease. Moses went to Pharoah. He said, "Let my people go". Pharoah said, "No". The 6th plague was Boils. Moses went to Pharoah. He said "Let my people go". Pharaoh said," No". The 7th plague was Hail stones. Moses went to Pharoah. He said, "Let my people go". Pharoah said, "No". The 8th plague was Locusts. Moses went to Pharoah. He said, "Let my people go". Pharaoh said, "No". The 9th plague was Darkness. Moses went to Pharoah. He said, "Let my people go". Pharoah said, "No". The last plague was Death. Pharoah said "Yes" The people got ready to leave very quickly, so quickly that their bread didn't have time to rise; it baked into matzah. They walked through the desert to the sea. Pharoah's soldiers chased after them. When they got to the sea, Moses held up his his staff and the sea divided. The Jewish people walked through the sea to freedom and a new future.


haggadah Section: -- Exodus Story