The Portion of Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23)

This portion tells of a visit from Moses’s father-in-law, the eponymous Jethro, and of the Revelation at Sinai. It marks a turning point in the narrative, as from this point forward, more of the text is spent on expounding the law than telling the story. Jethro’s...
The Portion of Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16)

The Portion of Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16)

The portion of Bo is packed with both action and laws. We learn of the last three plagues suffered by the Egyptians, as well as the eponymous Exodus itself. In addition, we are given the laws of Passover, both as they were observed that first time and as they are...
The Portion of Shemot (Exodus 1:1-6:1)

The Portion of Shemot (Exodus 1:1-6:1)

The portion of Shemot tells us of the Israelites’ slavery in Egypt and sets the stage for their redemption over the three following portions. It recounts how Jacob’s small family grew into a mighty nation and how the Egyptians came to oppress them. It also relates...