Parashat Shemot – Opening Questions

• What was the religious character of the Israelites in Egypt?
• Why did Hashem decide to enslave the Children of Israel? What were Paroh's motivations?
• What was the duration of the Israelite stay in Egypt, and how long did the actual slavery last?
• Was Moshe justified in killing the Egyptian taskmaster?
• Why did Hashem instruct Moshe to request only a three day holiday?
• How could Hashem punish Paroh if He was the one who hardened his heart?
• Who did Hashem try to kill in the incident at the inn and why?