Mixed Multitude at Mount Sinai

Question

Hello,

First off I want to state I am Christian researching and studying my bible, specifically Old Testament and the book of Exodus as of now. I apologise for any ignorance on my part and seeking advice from here where I deem it more appropriate for my questions. In my denomination (Roman Catholic), we date the exodus around 1446. Looking into this I ended up seeing correlation with research presented by ‘Simcha Jacobovici’ also known as the ‘Naked Historian’.

Did the Exodus Happen? | Simcha Jacobovici (Naked Archaeologist)

I share an interview where he outlines his views around such dating but what stood out for me was his claim of the Talmud where he states; ‘ The Talmud states that only 20% of the people standing at mount Sinai were Israelites ‘. This is around the 01:07:18 point.

My question is where are the sources for such a claim as upon google and self research I have not found anything which correlates. I also understand that the Talmud can be complex and a touchy subject online and want to reach out to my Jewish Brothers directly for the information instead. What is the consensus on what distinguished an Israelite at Mount Sinai, and further was this distinct from titles/labels such as ‘Hebrew’.

Additionally further I would like to bring attention to the following article:

How Many Israelites Actually Left Egypt? | Mayim Achronim

Here the claim is made that; ‘ the word אלף should not be read as elef, “thousand”, but as aluf, “chief”, or alef, “clan” ‘. Could this be a more sincere way of interpreting the Exodus. and the number involved, as well as the Mixed Multitude.

 

Best regards,

E Potter

0

Answers

  1. The Just Ask! - AskTheRabbi.org Team

    I am not familiar with such a citation in the Talmud. However, the Talmud does state that only twenty percent of the Jews in Egypt left, while the rest died during the Plague of Darkness. However, what the figure of twenty percent is actually referring to is the source of much debate among the commentaries.

    Personally, I think that the best option is to contact the one who made the comment and ask him for the exact source.

    Best wishes from the AskTheRabbi.org Team