Shemot (Names) (Exodus 1:1–6:1) introduces the beginning of Israel’s enslavement in Mitzrayim. A new Pharaoh, who did not know Joseph, rose to power and saw Israel’s growing population as a threat. In his fear, he set taskmasters over them to oppress them with forced labor. Pharaoh even ordered that every male child born to the Hebrews be killed to prevent Israel from becoming too numerous. Amid this decree, Moshe was born. His mother hid him for three months, then placed him in a basket along the riverbank, where Pharaoh’s daughter found and adopted him (Exodus 1:8–2:10).

As Moshe grew, key events shaped his life. Seeing an Egyptian beating a Hebrew, he intervened and killed the Egyptian. When Pharaoh learned of this, Moshe fled to Midian, where he married Zipporah and had two sons. Many years later, G-d called to Moshe from a burning bush, revealing His awareness of His people’s suffering. He appointed Moshe as the deliverer of Israel and laid out a plan for him to follow upon returning to Mitzrayim. Despite G-d’s assurances, Moshe felt hesitant, so G-d assigned Aharon, Moshe’ brother, to speak on his behalf (Exodus 2:11–4:17).

Moshe and Aharon approached Pharaoh with G-d’s command to let Israel go and worship. Pharaoh refused and responded by increasing the burden on the Hebrews, forcing them to make bricks without straw, which intensified their hardship. Moshe returned to G-d in despair, questioning why G-d had allowed further suffering. G-d responded, promising that Pharaoh would soon see His power: “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh… I am the L-rd” (Exodus 5:22–6:1).