The bondage of the Israelites in Egypt from BL Or 2737, f. 62v

Full page miniature of the Israelites building the Egyptian cities, a taskmaster holding a stick and instructing the slaves, in an architectural frame. Image taken from f. 62v of Haggadah for Passover (the 'Hispano-Moresque Haggadah'). Written in Hebrew.

The Israelites' escape from Egypt is a central event in the history of the Jewish people, as described in the Old Testament in the book of Exodus. According to the biblical account, the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt for many years, but God chose Moses to lead them out of slavery and back to the land promised to their ancestors. After a series of plagues and divine interventions, Pharaoh agreed to let the Israelites go, but later changed his mind and chased after them with his army. At the Red Sea, God parted the waters to allow the Israelites to escape, but the pursuing Egyptian army was drowned as the waters closed in on them. The Israelites' escape from Egypt is marking the beginning of their journey to the Promised Land and their liberation from slavery. It is celebrated as a major holiday in the Jewish calendar, Passover.