Hebrew Voices #32 – City of Rockets (Rebroadcast)

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In this episode of Hebrew Voices, City of Rockets, Nehemia Gordon journeys to the Israeli town of Sderot on the border of Gaza. With the help of Hands of Mercy, an international humanitarian organization, Nehemia brings you the real-life experiences of this war-torn community. You will meet the innocent people who have been suffering for over eighteen years from brutal rocket attacks, perpetrated by the radical Islamic militants who rule Gaza. City of Rockets is an inspiring message of hope, faith, and co-existence in the face of brutal terrorism. This episode contains sensitive material, which may not be suitable for young children. Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #4 – Vayeira (2 Kings 4:1-37)

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In this week's episode of Prophet Pearls, Vayeira (2 Kings 4:1-4:37), the miracles of Elisha yield fascinating pearls as Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the similarities and differences of Elisha’s and Elijah’s stories, the measure of spirit that Elisha really asked for, whether the Shunammite was full of faith or just evasive—and why her travels on Shabbat present problems for both rabbis and Karaites. Gordon looks at other instances of resurrection in the Tanakh and gives chapter and verse explaining how the books of the Tanakh are grouped according to three fields of knowledge. We also learn that whether the prophets are considered “classical” or “literary,” these guys completely expected to be kept in the loop. Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #4 – Vayeira (Genesis 18:1-22:24)

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In 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 Sodom left it covered in salt to this day. With information about Abraham’s place and time, Gordon brings understanding to the more baffling events in this portion—particularly Lot’s approach to hospitality. Other Torah pearls include: the significance of Abraham bargaining with the number ten, Ishmael’s “mocking” of Isaac, and word puns that prove the Creator not only has a keen sense of humor but that he’s willing to work with us.  The trio ends by exploring the “blessing” that Abraham bequeathed to the world—the opportunity to be grafted in. Continue reading →

Thanksgiving to Yehovah

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thanksgiving-350x200In this special Support Team Study, Thanksgiving to Yehovah, I discuss whether Thanksgiving is a pagan holiday, look at the Hebrew words for "turkey" and “thanks”, and what the Tanach teaches us about humility, gratitude, and salvation.

Peggy wrote: "Nehemia, this is so profound, one of those gems that brings fresh light into the lives we all walk. I truly thank you for all you do in bringing a deeper understanding of Yah’s words and ways to us and to me every week." Continue reading →

Hebrew Voices #101 – Torah Scrolls from the Holocaust

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In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Torah Scrolls from the Holocaust, we learn how 1,564 Torah Scrolls escaped the Nazi's attempt to make the Jews extinct. The chairman of the Memorial Scrolls Trust in London explains how these scrolls survived the Holocaust, gives us a VIP tour of the museum, and we look at an ancient scroll they didn't even know they had until my visit. Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #3 – Lech Lecha (Genesis 12:1-17:27)

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In 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. Then the cliffhanger—the God-who-sees promises to make an everlasting covenant with a yet-to-be-conceived son, and to make him the father of 12 princes. Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #3 – Lech Lecha (Isaiah 40:27-41:16)

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In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Lech Lecha (Isaiah 40:27-41:16), as Isaiah spoke consolation to invaded Israel, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson console the listener with the deep wells contained in the original Hebrew—nuances that bring even greater comfort from the promises of the Creator. Word studies include: “renewed” strength, “first and last,” “righteousness,” and “eternity”—with the significance of its second root. Gordon and Johnson consider the options concerning “who stirred up from the east” and discuss how the ancient Israelites knew who was speaking in this Portion’s fast-paced dialog. Gordon concludes with the comforting news implied by the winnowing process—not all nations will be carried away. Continue reading →

Hebrew Voices #79 – The Truth About the Seven Noachide Laws

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In this episode of Hebrew Voices, The Truth About the Seven Noachide Laws, Nehemia Gordon talks about how the Noachide Laws are actually a Rabbinic construct, how in-fact we see in Isaiah 56 that there is one law for the native born and the sojourner, and the incredible number of people around the world who are joining themselves to Yehovah. Daniel wrote: “I really appreciate you explaining the origins of these noachide laws. Blessings to you Nehemia!!!” Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #2 – Noach (Isaiah 54:1-55:5)

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In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Isaiah 54:1-55:5, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson revel in the glorious promises to Israel and explore the various ways the Tanakh allegorizes her: as a barren and abandoned woman, a maidservant, a slave, an owned animal, and yet, wholly and eternally a beloved wife. Original language brings insight to the following words: “foaming” anger, Yehovah of “hosts,” mercy, kibbutz, and “brief” moment. Despite differing views on some issues, Gordon and Johnson stand firmly on common ground concerning the messianic promise as Yehovah connects his eternal covenant with Israel to the seed of David. Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #2 – Noach (Genesis 6:9-11:32)

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In 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 best answer for our bad selves? Does the post-flood diet really include the “all”-you-care-to eat buffet?  What was the sign of the curse and what is the sign of the covenant? When the whole earth spoke one language, what language was it? What are the implications of the 70 nations that sprung from Noah’s three sons? In closing, Gordon discusses the belief that Adam was a Talmudic scholar as well as other historical views concerning what we knew and when we knew it. Continue reading →