Prophet Pearls #31 – Emor (Ezekiel 44:15-31)May 2, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Emor covering Ezekiel 44:15-31. Apparent contradictions about linen garments, wild hair and blue dye are overshadowed by a more challenging textual variance concerning marriage.Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #31 – Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23)May 1, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23), we discuss the standards and conduct of the Priests and acceptable offerings, as well as the appointed times of Yehovah and the issue of the Lunar Sabbath. Lastly, we addressContinue Reading
Hebrew Voices #157 – SBL Reactions 2022: Part 1April 26, 2023In this episode of Hebrew Voices #157, SBL Reactions 2022: Part 1, Nehemia joins with Rabbi Dr. David Moster and Nelson Calvillo to discuss a new study about 1st century Christianity in 21st century Africa, whether the Hebrew Bible reallyContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #30 – Kedoshim (Amos 9:7-15)April 25, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Kedoshim covering Amos 9:7-15. The nine verses of Kedoshim yield riveting questions for Gordon and Johnson to explore: Why were the Philistines brought from Caphtor?Continue Reading
Prophet Pearls #29 – Acharei Mot (Ezekiel 22:1-19)April 25, 2023This episode of Prophet Pearls, is on the Prophets portion of Acharei-Mot covering Ezekiel 22:1-19. Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the root of the God’s Holy Name, and how the Hebrew word for inheritance provides the finale to the crucibleContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #30 – Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1-20:27)April 24, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1-20:27), we discuss what it means to profane the name of the Lord, who is “the Lord sabaoth”, the difference between rob and steal, lie and deceive, and the originContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #29 – Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16:1-18:30)April 24, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16:1-18:30), we center in on the Day of Atonement and discuss the two goats and what they represent. Listen in as Nehemia recounts the miracle of the 1973 YomContinue Reading
Support Team Study – How Medieval Jewish Children Read HebrewApril 19, 2023In this Support Team Study – How Medieval Jewish Children Read Hebrew, Nehemia talks to Cambridge University researcher Dr. Estara Arrant about vowel discrepancies in “informal Bibles”, shifts in Hebrew pronunciation, and the influence of Aramaic and Arabic.Continue Reading
Prophet Pearls #28 – Metzora (2 Kings 7:3-20)April 18, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Metzora covering 2 Kings 7:3-20. The duo strongly connects aspects of this ancient prophecy and its unimaginable fulfillment to 21st century headlines. The names ofContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #27 – Tazria (2 Kings 4:42-5:19)April 18, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls on the prophet portion of Tazria covering 2 Kings 4:42-5:19, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson unpack the Biblical nuances behind ‘baptism” and “mikvah,” and find out what a pita bread and a leper haveContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #28 – Metzora (Leviticus 14:1-15:33)April 17, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Metzora (Leviticus 14:1-15:33), we wrap up the subject of leprosy and summarize the laws regarding bodily discharges.Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #27 – Tazria (Leviticus 12:1-13:59)April 17, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Tazria (Leviticus 12:1-13:59), we talk about the meaning of tazria, do women “produce seed”, why is there a difference in the time of uncleanness concerning the birth of a boy versus aContinue Reading
Hebrew Voices #156 – Bibles Written by Medieval Jewish KidsApril 12, 2023In this episode of Hebrew Voices #156, Bibles Written by Medieval Jewish Kids, Nehemia talks with Dr. Estara Arrant about her research at Cambridge University into “informal Bibles” discovered in the Cairo Genizah. They discuss the insights that can beContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #26 – Shemini (2 Samuel 6:1-7:17)April 11, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, on the Prophets portion of Shemini, covering 2 Samuel 6:1-7:17, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson provide background and insight into this portion focusing on the Ark of the Covenant. Gordon tracks the movements and usesContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #26 – Shemini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47)April 10, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Shemini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47), we discuss the blessing of fire falling from Heaven, the sin of strange fire offered by Aaron’s sons, and the judgement of fire from Yehovah! Also, listen in as NehemiaContinue Reading
Support Team Study – The Samaritans and the Name of GodApril 5, 2023In this Support Team Study – The Samaritans and the Name of God, Nehemia has an animated discussion with Samaritan scholar Benyamim Tsedaka about key differences between the Masoretic Text and the Samaritan Torah, the origin of the script andContinue Reading
Support Team Study – Meet the Samaritan High Priest!March 29, 2023This lost Support Team Study – Meet the Samaritan High Priest!, involves a rare encounter between a Karaite and a Samaritan with an exploration of the Samaritan practice of tithing, modern-day sacrifice of the Paschal lamb on Mount Gerizim, andContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #25 – Tzav (Jeremiah 7:21-8:3; 9:22-23)March 28, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Tzav covering Jeremiah 7:21-8:3, 9:22-23. In this portion paralleling the sacrifices in Leviticus, Gordon traipses through millennia to offer explanations for the perplexing…Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #25 – Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36)March 27, 2023In this week’s episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36), we discuss what exactly is the JEPD theory otherwise known as the Documentary Hypothesis? What is the role of the the Aaronic priest and is it fulfilled byContinue Reading
Hebrew Voices #155 – Meet the Samaritans!March 22, 2023In this episode of Hebrew Voices #155, Meet the Samaritans!, Nehemia sits down with a real-life Samaritan scholar to discuss the origins of this ancient community, the religious significance of Mount Gerizim, and how an emergency Samaritan Torah crisis requiredContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #24 – Vayikra (Isaiah 43:21-44:23)March 21, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Vayikra covering Isaiah 43:21-44:23. This portion parallels the Torah’s central section on sacrifices. Gordon and Johnson delve deep into the issues of sacrifice, obedienceContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #24 – Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26)March 20, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26), we share our recommendations of English translations and how to use them responsibly. What is really going when we see Leviticus chapter 5 ending with verse 19 in theContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #22-23 – Vayakhel-Pekudei (1 Kings 7:40-8:21)March 14, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Vayakhel-Pekudei (1 Kings 7:40-8:21), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson examine the major concepts in this week’s double-header portion – primarily what the Tanakh calls the “House of Yehovah” and how history, tradition, and culturesContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #23 – Pekudei (Exodus 38:21-40:38)March 13, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Pekudeim (Exodus 38:21-40:38), we discuss how should we respond to the replication and/ or fabrication of Tabernacle items in places of meeting today? What on earth is “carbuncle”? The Aaronic Priesthood is theContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #22 – Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20)March 13, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20), we begin with asking what it means to “kindle a fire” on the Sabbath. Then we ask what it means for someone’s heart to be stirred, and how the variousContinue Reading
Hebrew Voices #154 – Reaping the Benefits of the Medieval Aviv Calendar: Part 1March 8, 2023In this episode of Hebrew Voices #154, Reaping the Benefits of the Medieval Aviv Calendar: Part 1, Nehemia speaks with a scholar at University College London about why Jews transitioned from sighting the new moon to a precalculated calendar, howContinue Reading
Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #31 – Look But Don’t TouchMarch 6, 2023In Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #31, Look But Don’t Touch, Nehemia and Keith sing a song about the Messiah, delve into the Catalan Hebrew Gospels, and reveal the profound meaning of Yeshua’s words about lust.In this episode…Be sure to firstContinue Reading
Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #29 – Confession Time!March 6, 2023In Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #29, Confession Time!, Nehemia and Keith explore whether Yeshua taught to profess your sins to the man behind the curtain, whether the blood of the sacrifice cleanses the evildoer, and whether the Sunday altar callContinue Reading
Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #27 – Faithful ObedienceMarch 6, 2023In Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #27, Faithful Obedience, Nehemia and Keith discuss the “survival kit” that got Nehemia through his Orthodox Jewish high school, do a deep dive on the semitic meaning behind the word “Pharisee”, and read in theContinue Reading
Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #11 – Matthew 4:17-22March 6, 2023In Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #11, Matthew 4:17-22, Nehemia and Keith discuss the Jewish understanding of the “kingdom of heaven”, the steps involved in repentance, and proclaiming the “good news” in the Hebrew context.Be sure to first watch Hebrew GospelContinue Reading