Hebrew Voices #107 – The Mishnah and the New TestamentSeptember 6, 2023In this episode of Hebrew Voices #107, The Mishnah and the New Testament, Bible Scholar Nehemia Gordon speaks with Rabbi Dr. David Moster about how the early rabbis dealt with supposed Biblical contradictions, what we can learn from the MishnahContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #52 – Vayelech (Isaiah 55:6-56:8)September 5, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Vayelech (Isaiah 55:6-56:8), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson rejoice in this portion that heralds good news for the wicked, the unrighteous, the outcasts of Israel, the eunuch and the foreigner. And if none ofContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #51 – Nitzavim (Isaiah 61:10-63:9)September 5, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nitzavim (Isaiah 61:10-63:9), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson, recount their most recent visit to the Temple Mount and Nehemia gives the historical background of Muslim-control of the only holy site in Judaism. They alsoContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #52 – Vayelech (Deuteronomy 31:1-31:30)September 4, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Vayelech (Deuteronomy 31:1-31:30), we discuss traditions we were taught concerning the Torah—a Law so simple ancient Israelites were expected to obey just by hearing it every seven years. They examine how religious traditionsContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #51 – Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20)September 4, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20), we revel in the five verses that sum up the entire Bible – the wonderful and terrible responsibility given to mankind to choose. But what qualifies one to choose theContinue Reading
Support Team Study – A Karaite Jew on Mormonism: Part 2August 30, 2023In this Support Team Study – A Karaite Jew on Mormonism: Part 2, Nehemia continues his discussion with Dan Vogel about early Mormon history. They talk about the critical view of Joseph Smith’s “First Vision,” the unorthodox folk magic beliefsContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #50 – Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8)August 28, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8), after revealing the identity of the “wandering Aramean,” we discuss the name commanded to be spoken seven times during the first fruits offering. A vivid picture is painted ofContinue Reading
Hebrew Voices #164 – A Karaite Jew on Mormonism: Part 1August 23, 2023In this episode of Hebrew Voices #164 – A Karaite Jew on Mormonism: Part 1, Nehemia brings on the foremost historian of early Mormonism, Dan Vogel. They discuss what Bible scholars can learn from Joseph Smith’s cultural background of treasureContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #49 – Ki Teitzei (Isaiah 54:1-54:10)August 22, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Ki Teitzei covering Isaiah 54:1-54:10. Gordon and Johnson revel in the glorious promises to Israel, explore the various ways the Tanakh allegorizes her, and stand firmly onContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #49 – Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19)August 21, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19), an uninformed reading of the archaic civil and domestic laws in this portion might leave one scratching the head, but the trio deftly removes cultural and language barriers soContinue Reading
Hebrew Voices #91 – The Aramaic Name of GodAugust 16, 2023In this episode of Hebrew Voices #91, The Aramaic Name of God, Nehemia Gordon discusses a cache of papyri written by a garrison of Jewish soldiers on the southern border of Egypt in the 5th century BCE. Hebrew University Professor EmeritusContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #48 – Shoftim (Isaiah 51:12-52:12)August 15, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Shoftim covering Isaiah 51:12-52:12. Gordon and Johnson begin with the elephant in the room: Why does Shoftim (and Ki Teitzei following) decisively leapfrog over IsaiahContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #48 – Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9)August 14, 2023This episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9), begins by focusing on judgment and law and Nehemia Gordon shares the origin of the Hebrew word for “grace.” Discussions include: Must we always have two or three witnesses? Who hasContinue Reading
Support Team Study – Treasures of a Hebrew Library in Cincinnati: Part 2August 9, 2023In this Support Team Study – Treasures of a Hebrew Library in Cincinnati: Part 2, Nehemia gets exclusive access to illuminated Passover haggadot including the “bird Head Haggadah” and the “Cincinnati Haggadah,” as well as the “Rothschild Miscellany.”Continue Reading
Prophet Pearls #47 – Re’eh Bonus (Isaiah 66:1-24)August 8, 2023This bonus episode of Prophet Pearls looks at Isaiah 66:1-24, which is read in synagogues around the world whenever the weekly Sabbath coincides with Rosh Chodesh (New Moon Day). Join Nehemia Gordon and Yoel Halevy of Hebrew in Israel, for a rivetingContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #47 – Re’eh (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17)August 7, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Re’eh (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17), we focus on Moses’ command to “see”—to clearly understand that life gives us only two choices—to create a god from our own hearts or to obey and worship the trueContinue Reading
Hebrew Voices #163 – Treasures of the Hebrew Library in Cincinnati: Part 1August 2, 2023In this episode of Hebrew Voices #163, Treasures of the Hebrew Library in Cincinnati: Part 1, Nehemia gets an exclusive look at an 11th century Masoretic manuscript, the “Ibn Musa Bible,” a 13th century Chumash, and other rare Hebrew treasures.Continue Reading
Prophet Pearls #46 – Eikev (Isaiah 49:14-51:3)August 1, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Eikev covering Isaiah 49:14-51:3. The gender rules of Hebrew grammar are explored in this portion as well as Isaiah’s (and Moses’) metaphorical references to GodContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #46 – Eikev (Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25)July 31, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Eikev (Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25), using language, history, context and common sense, Nehemia Gordon provides insight into Hebrew slang as well as certain words from the portion, including “because,” “disease,” and “hornet.” The…Continue Reading
Hebrew Voices #162 – Writing the Name of God in Torah ScrollsJuly 26, 2023In this episode of Hebrew Voices #162, Writing the Name of God in Torah Scrolls, Nehemia shows how blank spaces were left for Yehovah’s holy name, which were then filled in during a second stage of writing. Nehemia presented thisContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #45 – Va’etchanan (Isaiah 40:1-26)July 25, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Va’etchanan covering Isaiah 40:1-26. ”Nachamu, nachamu, / Comfort, comfort ye my people” begins this portion as well as the theme of Haftarah readings forContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #45 – Va’etchanan (Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11)July 24, 2023This episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Va’etchanan (Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11), is perhaps the crown jewel of Torah portions. It contains the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4. But what do the Hebrew words “Shema” and “Echad” mean and why is this single verseContinue Reading
Hebrew Voices #51 – How Do I Convert to Judaism?July 19, 2023In this episode of Hebrew Voices #51, How Do I Convert to Judaism? Nehemia Gordon talks with Dev Daniel about this question. They leave behind man-made religious systems, look at what the Tanakh says about becoming an Israelite, and DevContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #44 – Devarim (Isaiah 1:1-27)July 18, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Devarim, covering Isaiah 1:2-27. Devarim kicks off the “Isaiah series” of haftarah readings—the preacher-prophet with a flair for the poetic. Word studies include theContinue Reading
Support Team Study – The Shapira ScrollsJuly 12, 2023In this Support Team Study – The Shapira Scrolls, Nehemia and Ross Nichols continue discussing the controversy behind the “Shapira Scrolls,” These scrolls, which should have been the most important biblical manuscript find of the last 300 years, were proclaimedContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #43 – Masei (Jeremiah 2:4-28; 3:4)July 11, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Masei covering Jeremiah 2:4-28; 3:4. Gordon gives eyewitness accounts of the springs and cisterns of Israel—springs that are sources and fountains of living waterContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #42 – Matot (Jeremiah 1:1-2:3)July 11, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Matot, covering Jeremiah 1:1-2:3. Gordon and Johnson provide copious context for the life and times of Jeremiah and the heart-wrenching message he delivered toContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #43 – Masei (Numbers 33:1-36:13)July 10, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Masei (Numbers 33:1-36:13), we reach the final portion for the Book of Numbers! Among the topics we discuss is, how are the gentiles who join themselves to Yehovah (Isaiah 56) assigned toContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #42 – Matot (Numbers 30:2-32:42)July 10, 2023In this episode of the The Original Torah Pearls, Matot (Numbers 30:2-32:42), we explore the relationship between the Midianites and Israel and the laws on vows.Continue Reading
Hebrew Voices #161 – The Moses ScrollJuly 5, 2023In this episode of Hebrew Voices #161, The Moses Scroll, Nehemia and Ross Nichols discuss the “Book of Moses” mentioned in Deuteronomy and its possible relation to the controversial “Shapira scrolls.” They also reminisce about how they met decades agoContinue Reading