Torah Pearls #53 – Ha’azinu (Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52)September 18, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #52 – Vayelech (Deuteronomy 31:1-31:30)September 4, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #51 – Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20)September 4, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #50 – Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8)August 28, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #49 – Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19)August 21, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #48 – Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9)August 14, 2023This 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #47 – Re’eh (Deuteronomy 11:26-16:17)August 7, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #46 – Eikev (Deuteronomy 7:12-11:25)July 31, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #45 – Va’etchanan (Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11)July 24, 2023This 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #44 – Devarim (Deuteronomy 1:1-3:22)July 17, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #43 – Masei (Numbers 33:1-36:13)July 10, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #42 – Matot (Numbers 30:2-32:42)July 10, 2023In 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.Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #41 – Pinchas (Numbers 25:10-30:1)July 3, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #40 – Balak (Numbers 22:2-25:9)June 26, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #39 – Chukat (Numbers 19:1-22:1)June 19, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #38 – Korach (Numbers 16:1-18:32)June 12, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Korach (Numbers 16:1-18:32), we discuss whether in the rebellion against Moses & Aaron, Korah, Dathan and Abiram established a rival tabernacle? Who are the “men of renown”? Were Korah’s sons also among … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #37 – Shlach (Numbers 13:1-15:41)June 5, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Shlach (Numbers 13:1-15:41), we discuss what does the name Hoshea mean? Is there Hebrew slang in the Torah? What is God’s perspective of forgiveness? Caleb and Jesus went into the land? What does … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #36 – Beha’alotecha (Numbers 8:1-12:16)May 29, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Beha’alotecha (Numbers 8:1-12:16), where are the teaching priests today? Move with the cloud – what was the purpose of the trumpets? Quail and “the graves of lust” – was the mixed multitude framed? … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #35 – Naso (Numbers 4:21-7:89)May 22, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Naso (Numbers 4:21-7:89), Nehemia Gordon shares a peak into his book Shattering the Conspiracy of Silence: The Hebrew Power of the Priestly Blessing Unleashed. What is holy water used for? Can the … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #34 – Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1-4:20)May 15, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1-4:20), we talk about the meaning of the terms Bamidbar and Shaddai, decipher the names Schlemiel and Schlimazel, and uncover the secret of Hasenpfeffer Incorporated. We also explore the questions: Who … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #33 – Bechukotai (Leviticus 26:3-27:34)May 8, 2023In 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.Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #32 – Behar (Leviticus 25:1-26:2)May 8, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #31 – Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23)May 1, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #30 – Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1-20:27)April 24, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #29 – Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16:1-18:30)April 24, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #28 – Metzora (Leviticus 14:1-15:33)April 17, 2023In 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.Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #27 – Tazria (Leviticus 12:1-13:59)April 17, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #26 – Shemini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47)April 10, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #25 – Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36)March 27, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #24 – Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26)March 20, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading