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Torah Pearls #30 – Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1-20:27)

April 24, 2023

In 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 origin

Torah Pearls #29 – Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16:1-18:30)

April 24, 2023

In 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 Yom

Prophet Pearls #28 – Metzora (2 Kings 7:3-20)

April 18, 2023

In 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 of

Prophet Pearls #27 – Tazria (2 Kings 4:42-5:19)

April 18, 2023

In 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 have

Torah Pearls #28 – Metzora (Leviticus 14:1-15:33)

April 17, 2023

In 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.

Torah Pearls #27 – Tazria (Leviticus 12:1-13:59)

April 17, 2023

In 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 a

Hebrew Voices #156 – Bibles Written by Medieval Jewish Kids

April 12, 2023

In 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 be

Prophet Pearls #26 – Shemini (2 Samuel 6:1-7:17)

April 11, 2023

In 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 uses

Torah Pearls #26 – Shemini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47)

April 10, 2023

In 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 Nehemia

Prophet Pearls #25 – Tzav (Jeremiah 7:21-8:3; 9:22-23)

March 28, 2023

In 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…

Torah Pearls #25 – Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36)

March 27, 2023

In 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 by

Hebrew Voices #155 – Meet the Samaritans!

March 22, 2023

In 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 required

Prophet Pearls #24 – Vayikra (Isaiah 43:21-44:23)

March 21, 2023

In 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, obedience

Torah Pearls #24 – Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26)

March 20, 2023

In 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 the

Prophet Pearls #22-23 – Vayakhel-Pekudei (1 Kings 7:40-8:21)

March 14, 2023

In 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 cultures

Torah Pearls #23 – Pekudei (Exodus 38:21-40:38)

March 13, 2023

In 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 the

Torah Pearls #22 – Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20)

March 13, 2023

In 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 various

Hebrew Voices #154 – Reaping the Benefits of the Medieval Aviv Calendar: Part 1

March 8, 2023

In 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, how

Prophet Pearls #21 – Ki Tisa (1 Kings 18:1-39)

March 7, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Ki Tisa (1 Kings 18:1-39), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson convene in Jerusalem to examine the brassiest display of prophetic prowess in the Tanakh. We are drawn into Elijah’s confrontation with Ahab as if

Torah Pearls #21 – Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35)

March 6, 2023

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35), we begin with a passionate discussion on “Tradition” vs. Scripture, which leads to the golden calf of the Exodus event. Who was the calf supposed to represent? There follows

Prophet Pearls #20 – Tetzaveh (Ezekiel 43:10-27)

February 28, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Tetzaveh (Ezekiel 43:10-27), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss Ezekiel describing the sin offering and the building plan for the Temple. Nehemia and Keith consider whether a spiritual or literal interpretation fits best with

Torah Pearls #20 – Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10)

February 27, 2023

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10), we begin with a discussion of how modern day synagogues and churches attempt to emulate the commandments for the decoration of the Biblical priests and the Temple. This leads

Hebrew Gospel Pearls Special – Tricks of Translation 2

February 22, 2023

In this special episode of Hebrew Gospel Pearls, Tricks of Translation 2, Nehemia and Keith compare translations of a verse in Hosea, discuss the tricks and difficulties of translation, and recount the struggles of 19th century Jews in America.

Prophet Pearls #19 – Terumah (1 Kings 5:12[26]-6:13)

February 21, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Terumah (1 Kings 5:12[26]-6:13), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson provide volumes of contextual insight into this seemingly straight-forward “How to Build a Temple” portion. We learn the importance of the “480 years” date given

Torah Pearls #19 – Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19)

February 20, 2023

This episode of The Original Torah Pearls is on the Torah portion of Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19). The episode opens with a lively discussion on the difference between tithes and offerings. There follows a brilliant discussion of the “Mercy Seat” of

Prophet Pearls #18 – Mishpatim (Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:25-26)

February 14, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Mishpatim Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:25-26, ever obedient servants of context, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson begin at the beginning—with two verses moved to the end of this Portion by the Rabbis. In these two verses

Torah Pearls #18 – Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18)

February 13, 2023

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18), we tackle the Biblical issue of slavery and then move on to issues of debt, abortion, and end with a discussion about the process of the revelation of Scripture.

Hebrew Voices #153 – Sighting the New Moon in the Middle Ages

February 8, 2023

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #153, Sighting the New Moon in the Middle Ages, Nehemia speaks with a scholar at University College London about why Jews transitioned from sighting the new moon to a precalculated calendar, how Karaites remained

Prophet Pearls #17 – Yitro (Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-6)

February 7, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Yitro (Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-60), Nehemia Gordon compares Isaiah’s succinct vision of heaven to accounts in Kings, Ezekiel and Daniel. We see a “real” Adonai in this Portion and learn about the importance of the

Torah Pearls #17 – Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23)

February 6, 2023

This episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23), is dedicated to Nehemia’s faithful canine companion, Georgia the Rhodesian Ridgeback, who sadly passed away the day of this recording. In her honor, the trio has a fascinating discussion on the

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