In the years our ancestors lived in Egypt, our numbers grew, and soon the family of Jacob became the People of Israel. Pharaoh and the leaders of Egypt grew alarmed by this great nation growing within their borders, so they enslaved us. We were forced to perform hard labor, perhaps even building pyramids. The Egyptians feared that even as slaves, the Israelites might grow strong and rebel. 

Moses went to Pharoah and said "Let my people go!", but Pharoah refused.  So God sent plagues upon the Eqyptians - after each one arrived Pharoah would let the Jewish people go free, but each time the plague was gone, he changed his mind.  Until the 10th plague arrived at which point he ordered the Jews to leave.

Fearful that Pharoah would again change his mind, the Jewish people packed quickly.  No time to prepare food, no time to allow dough to rise (matzah).  Pharoah again changed his mind and sent his army after them. The Jewish people arrived at a large sea too big to swim across.  The people prayed and a miracle occurred. The sea opened up. Two walls of water stood in front of them, and a dry, sandy path stretch between the walls.  The Jews ran across. Just as they reached the other side, the walls of water fell and the path disappeared.  The sea now separated the Jews from the land of Egypt. They were free!


haggadah Section: -- Exodus Story