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Hebrew Voices #168 – Israelite Archaeology at the Israel Museum

October 3, 2023

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #168- “Israelite Archaeology at the Israel Museum,” Nehemia takes us on a tour tracing archaeological history from ancient Israel all the way through the Roman Exile. Pieces include the oldest surviving texts of the … Continue reading →

Hebrew Voices #78 – Chinese Origin of the Sukkot Etrog

October 2, 2023

In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Chinese Origin of the Sukkot Etrog, Nehemia Gordon talks with ordained-rabbi Dr. David Moster about the “fruit” we are commanded to use on the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23:40). They discuss how the Citron … Continue reading →

Support Team Study – Are Messianic Jews Really Jews?

September 27, 2023

In this Support Team Study – Are Messianic Jews Really Jews?, Nehemia continues his discussion with Dr. Yaakov Ariel about the attitudes of Reform Judaism towards Messianics, traditional Jewish suspicions about the sincerity of converts to Christianity, and the unique … Continue reading →

Hebrew Voices #167 – Ancient Idolatry at the Israel Museum

September 26, 2023

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #167 – “Ancient Idolatry at the Israel Museum,” Nehemia shows us exhibits that bring to life the idolatry in the land of Canaan condemned by Yehovah throughout the Bible. Pieces include some familiar bronze … Continue reading →

Hebrew Voices #166 – What is Reform Judaism?

September 20, 2023

Prophet Pearls #53 – Ha’azinu (2 Samuel 22:1-51)

September 19, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Haazinu (2 Samuel 22:1-51), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson compare this portion to its parallel in Psalm 18, so we can learn more about the contexts of these living, breathing prayers and prophecies and … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #53 – Ha’azinu (Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52)

September 18, 2023

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Ha’azinu (Deuteronomy 32), the song of Moses provides a lyrical backdrop for discussing the beauty and message of Moses’ last words to the people. Nehemia Gordon explains poetic structure and rhythm as … Continue reading →

Hebrew Voices #165 – Open Siddur Project

September 13, 2023

In this lost episode of Hebrew Voices #165 – Open Siddur Project, Dr. Nehemia Gordon interviews Aharon Varady of the Open Siddur Project, a free database of Jewish prayers. They discuss the difference between spontaneous prayer and liturgy, the concept … Continue reading →

Hebrew Voices #107 – The Mishnah and the New Testament

September 6, 2023

In 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 Mishnah … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #52 – Vayelech (Isaiah 55:6-56:8)

September 5, 2023

In 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 of … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #51 – Nitzavim (Isaiah 61:10-63:9)

September 5, 2023

In 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 also … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #52 – Vayelech (Deuteronomy 31:1-31:30)

September 4, 2023

In 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 traditions … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #51 – Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20)

September 4, 2023

In 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 the … Continue reading →

Support Team Study – A Karaite Jew on Mormonism: Part 2

August 30, 2023

In 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 beliefs … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #50 – Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8)

August 28, 2023

In 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 of … Continue reading →

Hebrew Voices #164 – A Karaite Jew on Mormonism: Part 1

August 23, 2023

In 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 treasure … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #49 – Ki Teitzei (Isaiah 54:1-54:10)

August 22, 2023

In 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 on … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #49 – Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19)

August 21, 2023

In 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 so … Continue reading →

Hebrew Voices #91 – The Aramaic Name of God

August 16, 2023

In 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 Emeritus … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #48 – Shoftim (Isaiah 51:12-52:12)

August 15, 2023

In 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 Isaiah … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #48 – Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9)

August 14, 2023

This 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 has … Continue reading →

Support Team Study – Treasures of a Hebrew Library in Cincinnati: Part 2

August 9, 2023

In 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.”

Prophet Pearls #47 – Re’eh Bonus (Isaiah 66:1-24)

August 8, 2023

This 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 riveting … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #47 – Re’eh (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17)

August 7, 2023

In 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 true … Continue reading →

Hebrew Voices #163 – Treasures of the Hebrew Library in Cincinnati: Part 1

August 2, 2023

In 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.

Prophet Pearls #46 – Eikev (Isaiah 49:14-51:3)

August 1, 2023

In 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 God … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #46 – Eikev (Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25)

July 31, 2023

In 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 question of when … Continue reading →

Hebrew Voices #162 – Writing the Name of God in Torah Scrolls

July 26, 2023

In 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 this … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #45 – Va’etchanan (Isaiah 40:1-26)

July 25, 2023

In 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 for … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #45 – Va’etchanan (Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11)

July 24, 2023

This 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 verse … Continue reading →

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