Podcast

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 →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

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 … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #16 – Beshalach (Judges 4:4-5:31)

January 31, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Judges 4:4-5:31, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss how although not a “military commander” like the other judges, Deborah coolly commands the military in this portion’s reading and then writes a lovely song about … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #16 – Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16)

January 30, 2023

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16), we get some fascinating insights from the Hebrew in the story of the Exodus from Egypt and dig up a pearl regarding the poetic form of the Name of Yehovah. … Continue reading →

Hebrew Gospel Pearls Special – Tricks of Translation 1

January 25, 2023

In this special episode of Hebrew Gospel Pearls, Tricks of Translation 1, Nehemia and Keith introduce the oldest English translation of the Hebrew Bible by Jews and for Jews in America and how a famous medieval rabbi altered the text … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #15 – Bo (Jeremiah 46:13-28)

January 24, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Bo (Jeremiah 46:13-28) Jeremiah, the prophet to the nations, foretells another “smiting” for Egypt—providing the connection to the Torah portion where the Lord, with a strong hand, brought his people out of Egypt. This time … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #15 – Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16)

January 23, 2023

This episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16), begins with the plague of locusts in Egypt. From the stories of Moses stretching his hands toward Egypt we gain some fascinating insights on the power of prayer. The discussion then moves … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #14 – Vaeira (Ezekiel 28:25-29:21)

January 17, 2023

This episode of Prophet Pearls, (Ezekiel 28:25-29:21), reveals Yehovah as maestro—orchestrating kings, nations and events to further the day when the house of Israel, and all mankind, will know who he is. Ezekiel’s prophecy that a revelation of God would … Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #14 – Vaeira (Exodus 6:2-9:35)

January 16, 2023

This episode of The Original Torah Pearls is on the Torah portion of Vaeira (Exodus 6:2-9:35). At face value, the first sentence of Vaeira appears to contradict other Scripture but several common-sense explanations clear things up. We learn why Moses’ lineage … Continue reading →

Hebrew Voices #152 – The Mount Ebal Curse Tablet: Part 1

January 11, 2023

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #152, The Mount Ebal Curse Tablet: Part 1, Nehemia speaks with archeologist Dr. Scott Stripling about the most important discovery of 2022, the unearthing of Joshua’s altar, and the debate about ancient Israelite literacy.

Prophet Pearls #13 – Shemot (Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-23)

January 10, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Shemot (Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-23), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the theme of exile and restoration as this Prophet’s portion corresponds to the turning point in the Egyptian exile when the midwives were told to … Continue reading →

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