Who was Enslaved in Egypt/2

Who was Enslaved in Egypt?

Exegetical Approaches

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Everyone

The entire Israelite nation was enslaved to the State.

Rotation

The Israelites worked for Paroh in shifts.  Each labored at the palace for several weeks or months and then was free to go home until his next shift.

Sources:R. Yosef Bekhor ShorShemot 1:11-14About R. Yosef Bekhor Shor, RambanShemot 1:10-14Shemot 5:4About R. Moshe b. Nachman

Those Who Could Not Afford the Monetary Tax

The Israelites were expected to pay a monetary tax to Paroh; only those who could not afford it worked instead.

Sources:RalbagShemot Beur HaMilot 1:11-14Shemot Beur HaParashah 1:11-22About R. Levi b. Gershom