What was the culture of the Israelites during the Exodus?

Answer 1

If we look at the Book of Exodus as a literal history of the Exodus, we could say that the Israelites were an argumentive, irreligious and ungrateful people, who quickly forgot the favours done to them by God and apparently even the evident proof that God was their only god. In spite of this, with only one or two minor exceptions over a period of forty years, they uncomplainingly followed their leader as they wandered aimlessly from place to place through the harsh desert, with the original members of the Exodus, and perhaps even many of their successors, knowing that they would die there.

If we take the view which Israel Finkelstein says is held by over 90 per cent of scholars, we would say there never was an Exodus from Egypt, and that the story of the Exodus only took shape many centuries after the supposed events. On this view, it is the culture of the Hebrews of later times, who dreamed of a glorious past for Israel, that is important.

Answer 2

Israelite society (the society in ancient Israel) was based upon the covenant with God, as set forth in the Torah (Exodus ch.19, Deuteronomy 26:16-19). There was always a learned class among the Israelites, and virtually all men and boys (and a good percentage of women) could read and write. A portion of each day was spent praying; and a larger part of the day was spent studying Torah (by a good part of the populace). Religious questions (and torts) were brought to one of the many Rabbis or Jewish courts. (See also: Social classes among the Israelites.)
Having a large family was an ideal, as was welcoming guests into the home, giving charity, and many other forms of kindness. A portion of crops was given to the poor. The calendar year was replete with the Sabbaths and festivals; and blessings were said before and after eating and on many other occasions.
In brief, there was no such thing as a secular part of life, since the Torah's laws cover every form of activity, including business. (See: some examples of the Torah's laws)