In a Nutshell

Haggadah Section: Introduction

Pesach Story in a Nutshell 

Joseph   is sold by his brothers and ends up in a jail in Egypt. Because he has developed a reputation as a dream interpreter, when Pharaoh has a troubling dream   , Joseph correctly interprets it and becomes the Grand Vizier of Egypt who saves the country from famine. The Jews, suffering from the famine, move to Egypt where they thrive.

But, alas, the good Pharaoh dies and the new Bad Pharaoh is convinced by early anti- Semites   that if he doesn’t get rid of the Jews, they will cause trouble.  The Jews are enslaved for many years and finally the new Pharaoh orders all Jewish male babies killed. Moses is saved when his mother puts him in a basket and floats it down the Nile where he is discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter,   and grows up in the palace.  As an adult, he learns he is a Jew and, coming upon an Egyptian beating a Jewish slave, he kills the Egyptian  and must flee for his life. 

After being in God’s presence at the burning bush,    he returns to Egypt where becomes the leader of the enslaved Jews.  At God’s direction, Moses demands of Pharaoh to “let my people go.” Each time, Pharaoh refuses and a different plague is visited upon the Egyptians.  The final plague, the smiting of the first born finally does the trick and Pharaoh relents.  The Jews hurriedly leave Egypt but Pharaoh reneges and send his troops to bring the slaves back. Pinned against the Red Sea, Moses splits the waters and the Jews pass through unscathed while the pursuing Egyptian soldiers drown as their pursuit takes them to the middle of the Sea just as the waters come back together.   The Jews wander in the desert for 40 years.

Can we eat yet?

Inspired to create
your own Haggadah?

Make your own Haggadah and share with other Seder lovers around the world

Have an idea
for a clip?

People like you bring their creativity to Haggadot.com when they share their ideas in a clip

Support Us
with your donation

Help us build moments of meaning and connection through
home-based Jewish rituals.

OUR TOP CONTRIBUTORS

contributor image
Esther Kustanowitz
4 Haggadahs44 Clips
contributor image
JQ International
1 Haggadah40 Clips
contributor image
MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger
5 Haggadahs109 Clips
contributor image
18Doors
1 Haggadah13 Clips
contributor image
JewishBoston
1 Haggadah78 Clips
contributor image
Truah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights
1 Haggadah36 Clips
contributor image
American Jewish World Service
1 Haggadah44 Clips
contributor image
JewBelong
3 Haggadahs57 Clips
contributor image
Repair the World
12 Clips
contributor image
HIAS
5 Haggadahs48 Clips
contributor image
Be'chol Lashon
2 Haggadahs27 Clips
contributor image
PJ Library
1 Haggadah17 Clips
contributor image
Jewish World Watch
3 Haggadahs42 Clips
contributor image
Secular Synagogue
10 Clips
contributor image
SVIVAH
1 Haggadah9 Clips
contributor image
The Blue Dove Foundation
20 Clips
contributor image
ReformJudaism.org
24 Clips
contributor image
Jewish Emergent Network
1 Haggadah22 Clips

Passover Guide

Hosting your first Passover Seder? Not sure what food to serve? Curious to
know more about the holiday? Explore our Passover 101 Guide for answers
to all of your questions.

Haggadot

Haggadot.com by Recustom, is a free resource for all backgrounds and experiences. Consider making a donation to help support the continuation of this free platform.

Copyright © 2024 Custom and Craft Jewish Rituals Inc, dba Recustom, dba Haggadot.com.
All Rights Reserved. 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. EIN: 82-4765805.