Torah Pearls #23 – Pekudei (Exodus 38:21-40:38)March 13, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #22 – Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20)March 13, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #21 – Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35)March 6, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #20 – Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10)February 27, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #19 – Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19)February 20, 2023This 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #18 – Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18)February 13, 2023In 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.Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #17 – Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23)February 6, 2023This 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #16 – Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16)January 30, 2023In 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #15 – Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16)January 23, 2023This 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #14 – Vaeira (Exodus 6:2-9:35)January 16, 2023This 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 →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #13 – Shemot (Exodus 1:1-6:1)January 9, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls Shemot (Exodus 1:1-6:1), we clear away centuries of clutter left by mistranslations, Halacha, and Cecil B. DeMille’s version of events. In the spotlight is the burning bush scene where very clearly God revealed … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #12 – Vayechi (Genesis 47:28-50:26)January 2, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls Vayechi (Genesis 47:28-50:26), the final Genesis portion, Nehemia Gordon provides the cultural and geographical significance of the blessings to the 12 tribes. We learn the special inheritance given to the Levites, why their … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #11 – Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27)December 26, 2022In this climactic episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Vayigash (Genesis 44:18-47:27), Joseph reveals himself to his brothers and Nehemia Gordon critically examines the Midrashic explanation for Jacob’s spirit reviving upon seeing the wagons Joseph sent for him. Does this benign example … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #10 – Mikeitz (Genesis 41:1-44:17)December 19, 2022In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Mikeitz (Genesis 41:1-44:17), we learn about the earliest manipulation of Hebrew translation in history and Joseph’s plot to fulfill his own dream. Linda wrote: “Nehemia, thank you so much for your explanation for Joseph … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #9 – Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1-40:23)December 12, 2022In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1-40:23), The trio examine Joseph’s dreams, Judah’s indiscretions, and a selective translation agenda that would send the patriarch Jacob down into the pit of Hell. Qadry wrote: “Boy this is a strong … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #8 – Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4-36:43)December 5, 2022In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4-36:43), Nehemia Gordon explains the truth about the “613 commandments”, Jacob’s prayer for salvation, and the identity of who appeared to Jacob and Joshua.Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #7 – Vayeitzei (Genesis 28:10-32:3)November 28, 2022In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Vayeitzei (Genesis 28:10-32:3), everything old is new again as Gordon and crew release the vacuum-seal and allow the fresh air of language, history and context to inform Jacob’s time in Haran. Jacob’s servitude … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #6 – Toldot (Genesis 25:19-28:9)November 21, 2022In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Toldot (Genesis 25:19-28:9), God’s desire and ability to establish a universal and eternal plan within three generations of a mere human family comes to the forefront. Discussions include: Are three related nations depicted among … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #5 – Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23:1-25:18)November 14, 2022In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23:1-25:18) learn about love, romance, marriage, death, laden camels, and the power of specific prayers. Chayei Sarah unfolds dramatically as the trio examine its many pearls. The portion begins … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #4 – Vayeira (Genesis 18:1-22:24)November 7, 2022In The Original Torah Pearls, Vayeira (Genesis 18:1-22:24), the trio sheds light on interpreting the words and actions of “messengers” by comparing the three men who visited Abraham with other examples in scripture. They debate which of the many depravities of … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #3 – Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1-17:27)October 31, 2022In The Original Torah Pearls, Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1-17:27), we revel in the extraordinary drama of Abraham’s epic: a call from heaven, famine, war, plagues, dreadful and great darkness, bisected animals, flaming torches, battles with vultures, sister wives and kings. … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #2 – Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32)October 24, 2022In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Noach (6:9-11:32), the trio discusses the following questions and more: While Noah was a righteous man—relatively speaking—what spiritual disease was the rest of the world infected with? Is doing what comes naturally the … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Hebrew Voices – Passover Special (Rebroadcast)March 30, 2022In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Passover Special, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson delve into the story of the exodus, beginning with Ex 12:21. They start off by sharing the time they personally experienced “darkness so dark, it could be … Continue reading →Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #54 – Vezot Haberachah (Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12)September 24, 2018In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Vezot Haberachah (Deuteronomy 33:1-34:12), the trio connects viscerally with this emotional portion that begins with Moses’ farewell blessings to the 12 Tribes and ends with his death. The poetic, the strange, the … Continue reading →Continue Reading