We tend, in the midst of our disdain for Egyptian, anti-Semitic conspiracy theories, to overlook the fact that one of the biggest events of the Jewish calendar is predicated upon reminding the next generation every year of how the Egyptians were our cruel slave-masters, in a bondage that likely never happened. The reality is that there is no evidence whatsoever that the Jews were ever enslaved in Egypt. Yes, there's the story contained within the bible itself, but that's not a remotely historically admissible source. I'm talking about real proof; archeological evidence, state records and primary sources. Of these, nothing exists. It is hard to believe that 600,000 families (which would mean about two million people) crossed the entire Sinai without leaving one shard of pottery (the archeologist's best friend) with Hebrew writing on it. It is remarkable that Egyptian records make no mention of the sudden migration of what would have been nearly a quarter of their population, nor has any evidence been found for any of the expected effects of such an exodus; such as economic downturn or labor shortages. Furthermore, there is no evidence in Israel that shows a sudden influx of people from another culture at that time. No rapid departure from traditional pottery has been seen, no record or story of a surge in population. In fact, there's absolutely no more evidence to suggest that the story is true than there is in support of any of the Arab world's conspiracy theories and tall tales about Jews. So, as we come to Passover 2012 when, thanks to the “Arab Spring,” our relations with Egypt are at a nearly 40 year low, let us enjoy our Seder and read the story by all means, but also remind those at the table who may forget that it is just a metaphor, and that there is no ancient animosity between Israelites and Egyptians. Because, if we want to re-establish that elusive peace with Egypt that so many worked so hard to build, we're all going to have to let go of our prejudices. http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world...laves-in-egypt-or-is-passover-a-myth-1.420844
I go to Seder every year, I have not once heard mention of any animosity or ill will towards Egyptians. Always, it's just discussed that we must stand and remember those across the globe who are in bondage. Always.
people tended to exaggerate in Biblical texts (just look at how old people supposedly lived until.) I'm willing to guess that 600,000 families was more like 600.
I'm very glad you asked and congratulate you on noticing that. This article was posted 4 hours ago on Reddit. That's how I found. I found some of the discussions very interesting. http://www.reddit.com/r/todayilearned/comments/1grmen/til_that_there_is_no_archaeological_evidence/ Also that thread pointed me in the direction of this - http://www.amazon.com/Asimovs-Guide-Bible-Isaac-Asimov/dp/051734582X
OK. Thanks. Are we supposed to join Reddit to discuss this topic from over a year ago? In other news... [video=youtube;bOdpX6dcrU4]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOdpX6dcrU4&list=RD02AcHDASRDBcw[/video]
Okay, I'll jump right in and get my feet wet. Who gives a rat's ass about either? Egyptians are simply anyone who ever lived in Egypt, regardless of their beliefs or actions or ethnicity or religion. Quite a few Egyptians were Jews. So I doubt that Egyptians collectively did anything to anybody. Jews are another huge melting pot of various races and peoples who share almost nothing in common except their chosen religion. Well, that and their annoying penchant for always being the first to play the pity card.
The paragraph is from the viewpoint of leaders; you've talked to the common people. Why does the article in a leading Israeli paper take its source as the Bible, not the Torah?
