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Prophet Pearls #33 – Bechukotai (Jeremiah 16:19-17:14)

May 9, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Bechukotai covering Jeremiah 16:19-17:14. Gordon and Johnson discuss the lies that Jeremiah refers to and who inherited them—including the biggest lie of all—the deception … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #32 – Behar (Jeremiah 32:6-27)

May 9, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Behar covering Jeremiah 32:6-27. To shed light on Jeremiah’s purchase of a field in this portion, Gordon provides information about archaeological discoveries and how … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #33 – Bechukotai (Leviticus 26:3-27:34)

May 8, 2023

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Bechukotai (Leviticus 26:3-27:34), we discuss the “if”s and “but”s of the blessings and curses, the meaning and gravity of vows and dedications, and how does one redeem their tithe.

Torah Pearls #32 – Behar (Leviticus 25:1-26:2)

May 8, 2023

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Behar (Leviticus 25:1-26:2), we discuss when is Shemitah (the Sabbatical Year) and whether it should be observed outside of Israel, whether the Yovel (Jubilee Year) is in the 49th or 50th year, and … Continue reading →

Hebrew Gospel Pearls Plus #25 – Connecting the Dots

May 6, 2023

In Hebrew Gospel Pearls Plus #25, Connecting the Dots, Nehemia and Keith explore the confusion around the words “one jot and one tittle” in Matt. 5:18, discuss one of the major debates of Jewish history – the question of the … Continue reading →

Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #23 – Lighting the Lamps

May 6, 2023

In Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #23, Lighting the Lamps, Nehemia and Keith tackle a 2000-year old misconception about one of the vessels in the Temple and consider evidence from archeological artifacts to gain a glimpse at what Moses saw on … Continue reading →

Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #19 – Sons of God

May 6, 2023

In Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #19, Sons of God, Nehemia and Keith discuss Yeshua’s line of defense against a mob that wanted to stone him, the richness of meaning of the Hebrew word for God (Elohim), and a bizarre passage … Continue reading →

Hebrew Voices #158 – Sassoon Codex Under a Microscope

May 3, 2023

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #158, Sassoon Codex Under a Microscope, Nehemia speaks with Nelson Calvillo of the Institute for Hebrew Bible Manuscript Research about the most important Hebrew Bible manuscript in private hands, about to be sold at … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #31 – Emor (Ezekiel 44:15-31)

May 2, 2023

In 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, 2023

In 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 address … Continue reading →

Hebrew Voices #157 – SBL Reactions 2022: Part 1

April 26, 2023

In 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 really … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #30 – Kedoshim (Amos 9:7-15)

April 25, 2023

In 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, 2023

This 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 crucible … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

Support Team Study – How Medieval Jewish Children Read Hebrew

April 19, 2023

In 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.

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

Support Team Study – The Samaritans and the Name of God

April 5, 2023

In 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 and … Continue reading →

Support Team Study – Meet the Samaritan High Priest!

March 29, 2023

This 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, and … Continue reading →

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 statement, … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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