Book of the Torah · Shemot (שְׁמוֹת)
Exodus (Shemot): The Book of Redemption in the Torah
Exodus, known in Hebrew as Shemot (שְׁמוֹת, "Names"), is the second book of the Torah, telling the formative story of Israel's slavery in Egypt, the liberation under Moses, and the covenant at Mount Sinai. It is the Torah's book of redemption: a people forged from slaves into a covenantal nation bound by law.
What Is Exodus (Shemot)?
Exodus is the second of the five books of the Torah. Its Hebrew name, Shemot (שְׁמוֹת), means "Names" and comes from its opening verse, "These are the names of the sons of Israel." The English title Exodus derives from the Greek Septuagint and refers to the book's central event: the departure of the Israelites from Egypt. The book spans 40 chapters and follows a sweeping narrative arc, from enslavement under Pharaoh to the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) as a dwelling place for God's presence among the people. Thematically, Exodus is the story of redemption and the birth of a nation. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks framed it as the supreme power intervening in history on behalf of the powerless, transforming a family of slaves into a free people bound by covenant.
The Story and Structure of Exodus
Exodus is traditionally divided into 11 weekly Torah portions (parashiyot): Shemot, Vaera, Bo, Beshalach, Yitro, Mishpatim, Terumah, Tetzaveh, Ki Tisa, Vayakhel, and Pekudei, covering Exodus chapters 1 through 40. The narrative moves through several major movements: the enslavement in Egypt and the birth of Moses; the burning bush and the revelation of the divine name; the ten plagues and the first Passover; the Exodus itself and the splitting of the Sea, celebrated in the Song of the Sea (Shirat HaYam); the manna in the wilderness; the revelation at Mount Sinai and the giving of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20); the civil and ethical laws of Mishpatim (Exodus 21–24); the sin of the Golden Calf and the renewal of the covenant; and the detailed instructions for building the Tabernacle and the priestly garments across Terumah through Pekudei. (The grouping of these episodes into broad movements is an editorial summary, not a canonical division of the book.)
Practice the Portions of Exodus with Trope on TropeTrainer
TropeTrainer lets you hear and practice every weekly Torah portion in the book of Exodus chanted with trope (cantillation). From Shemot through Pekudei, you can listen to the melody, follow along with the Hebrew text and trope markings, and practice at your own pace, whether you are preparing a specific aliyah, a full parashah, or a special reading. Exodus is especially rich in distinctive readings, including the Song of the Sea in Beshalach and the Ten Commandments in Yitro, which are associated with their own cantillation traditions. Note: special melodies for the Song of the Sea and the Ten Commandments, as well as exact parashah verse boundaries, can vary by community and rite, so confirm details against your congregation's practice.
Frequently asked questions
What is Exodus (Shemot)?
Exodus (Shemot) is the second book of the Torah. It tells the story of the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt, their liberation under Moses through the ten plagues and the Exodus, the revelation and covenant at Mount Sinai including the Ten Commandments, the sin of the Golden Calf, and the building of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). It spans 40 chapters and 11 weekly Torah portions.
What does the name Shemot (Exodus) mean?
Shemot (שְׁמוֹת) is Hebrew for "Names" and comes from the book's opening words, "These are the names of the sons of Israel." The English name Exodus comes from the Greek Septuagint and refers to the central event of the book: the Israelites' departure ("exodus") from Egypt.
How do you pronounce Exodus (Shemot)?
The Hebrew name is pronounced "sheh-MOHT" (שְׁמוֹת). In English, Exodus is pronounced "EK-suh-dus."
What are the weekly Torah portions in the book of Exodus?
The book of Exodus contains 11 weekly portions (parashiyot): Shemot, Vaera, Bo, Beshalach, Yitro, Mishpatim, Terumah, Tetzaveh, Ki Tisa, Vayakhel, and Pekudei. Together they cover Exodus chapters 1 through 40. On TropeTrainer you can hear and practice each of these portions chanted with trope.
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