Podcast

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 →

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 →

Hebrew Voices #51 – How Do I Convert to Judaism?

July 19, 2023

In 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 Dev … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #44 – Devarim (Isaiah 1:1-27)

July 18, 2023

In 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 the … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #44 – Devarim (Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22)

July 17, 2023

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls Devarim (Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22), we begin by noting how the Greek mistranslation of the title of Devarim as “Deuteronomy” muddles its meaning. With the book’s title settled, a puzzle appears in the very … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #43 – Masei (Jeremiah 2:4-28; 3:4)

July 11, 2023

In 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 water … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #42 – Matot (Jeremiah 1:1-2:3)

July 11, 2023

In 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 to … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #43 – Masei (Numbers 33:1-36:13)

July 10, 2023

In 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 to … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #42 – Matot (Numbers 30:2-32:42)

July 10, 2023

In 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.

Hebrew Voices #161 – The Moses Scroll

July 5, 2023

In 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 ago … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #41 – Pinchas (1 Kings 18:46-19:21)

July 4, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Pinchas covering 1 Kings 18:46-19:21. Following the smack-down at Mount Carmel, Elijah flees to the desert. But was he “afraid” or did he just … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #41 – Pinchas (Numbers 25:10-30:1)

July 3, 2023

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Pinchas (Numbers 25:10-30:1), we discuss what is the qualification of the first born? Who inherits the land if a father has no sons but only daughters? Did Pinchas impale a princess of … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #40 – Balak (Micah 5:7[6]-6:8)

June 27, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Balak covering Micah 5:6-6:8. The portion begins with Micah drawing from the song of Moses to illustrate what the remnant of Jacob will look … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #40 – Balak (Numbers 22:2-25:9)

June 26, 2023

In The Original Torah Pearls, Balak (Numbers 22:2-25:9), we discuss was Yehovah Balaam’s God? What kind of prophet was Balaam? Why did God seek to kill Balaam? Does Numbers 22:22 really say that the angel of Yehovah was Satan? Did … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #39 – Chukat (Judges 11:1-33)

June 20, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Chukat covering Judges 11:1-33. Gordon and Johnson draw parallels between events in this portion and current diplomatic strategies over the land of Israel. For … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #39 – Chukat (Numbers 19:1-22:1)

June 19, 2023

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Chukat (Numbers 19:1-22:1), we discuss, is there a red heifer in Israel? What is the water of menstruation for cleansing? Does a corrupt priesthood invalidate the water of purification and are we … Continue reading →

Hebrew Voices #160 – Does God Have a Body?

June 14, 2023

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #160, Does God Have a Body?, Nehemia talks to Dr. Gabriel Wasserman about a medieval Karaite epistle. Their discussion explores Jewish moneylending, Sabbath observance, and a rabbinical Midrash about the size of God’s body … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #38 – Korach (1 Samuel 11:14-12:22)

June 13, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Korach covering 1 Samuel 11:14-12:22. Gordon and Johnson’s insight into the language, history, and context surrounding Samuel’s trip to Gilgal not only inform the … Continue reading →

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