Question: Is there scientific evidence of Moses and of Israelites living in Egypt?
Aside from the Bible, is there evidence that Moses existed or that the Hebrews were in Egypt before Moses' birth? If close to two million Hebrews had lived in and around Goshen, would there not be pottery or some actual evidence they were there for 430 years? The reason I'm asking is, if close to two million Hebrews had lived in and around Goshen, would there not be pottery or some actual evidence they were there for 430 years?
Answer: First of all, there are fundamentalist who believe absolutely in the Biblical account of the Exodus as direct revelation from God to Moses. In the more scientific and historical schools of study, even without the above literalism, the Biblical account is sufficient as the basis for both a legal system and faith system. I personally opt more for the latter than the former.
Therefore, in my book, "scientific proof of the existence of Moses" as described in the Bible is not required in order to be able to teach from the Moses materials of the Bible and the Rabbinic exegesis based upon the Torah. And, it is very meaningful to teach this material.
Once I was asked if I could remain a faithful and observant Jew and also accept the possibility that Moses, as described in the Torah, may be as much legend as historical - perhaps more legendary. It's hard not to consider this as a theoretical possibility if only because of the existence of very responsible and academically sound schools of Biblical studies, e.g. Harvard, that suggest that the books of the Bible from the time of Genesis through the time of King David were redacted by David's court historian.
"Evidence" is a complicated term. To the best of my knowledge, I don't know of any scientific proof of Moses. However, if the "Habiru" mentioned in some historical records are in fact the Hebrews, the children of Israel, then there is some historical evidence.
If the Hebrews lived in Goshen or thereabouts, they would have been using Egyptian materials, equipment, etc., thus it would be difficult to prove a different people lived in Egypt. Furthermore, if there were evidence, I would expect a reluctance on the part of the Egyptians to offer opportunities for Jews to look for evidence of their existence in Egypt and their successful exodus.
Best wishes,
Rabbi Dov
