In this Support Team Study, Shavuot Feast of Oaths, Nehemia Gordon looks at whether the revelation at Sinai was given on Shavuot. May Yehovah cover us with His garment and bring us into His covenant by oath! Continue reading
In episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Bamidbar covering Hosea 1:10-2:20 [2:1-22]. Gordon and Johnson begin by establishing a place and time: The Northern Kingdom, its capital Jezreel and the days of Jeroboam II. Enter Hosea, a prophet who offers his whole life as a witnessing tool, his wife Gomer the prostitute, their children: Jezreel, Lo-ruhamah (Not Pitied), and Lo-ammi (Not My People). We learn that the rebuke to Gomer/Israel for “adorning herself with jewelry” is an example of the dangers of syncretism—the spiritual mixing of seed (see link below). Word studies include “hishbati / I will cause to cease” and its root shin-bet-tav and “aras / I will betroth you” with its symbolic spiritual meaning. Gordon and Johnson close by discussing the legalities of betrothal in the Torah as well as the wonderment of being eternally betrothed. Continue reading
In 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 the secret of Hasenpfeffer Incorporated. We also explore the questions: Who is the mysterious Gamaliel in the Book of Numbers? Is there a problem with the numbers in Numbers? What are the emblems and standards of the twelve tribes? Why is it that the tribe of Levi is selected? How does currency and money differ? What does it mean to be the redeemed of Yehovah? The answers to all this and more in this week’s Torah Pearls! Continue reading
In this Support Team Study, Cutting Through the Confusion from the 'Show Me' State, Nehemia Gordon answers twelve burning questions about the Name of Yehovah. Find out when the vowels were added to the Bible, what Josephus tells us about the Name, and the mystery of the inseparable preposition. A comprehensive source sheet has been included to assist in your study. Continue reading
This is a special preview of the Support Team Study, Cutting Through the Confusion from the 'Show Me' State. In this study, Nehemia Gordon answers twelve burning questions about the Name of Yehovah. Find out when the vowels were added to the Bible, what Josephus tells us about the Name, and the mystery of the inseparable preposition. Angella wrote: “I look forward to watching the whole thing! This is awesome!” Continue reading
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Bechukotai covering Jeremiah 16:19-17:14. Gordon and Johnson discuss the lies that Jeremiah refers to and who inherited them—including the biggest lie of all—the deception concerning God’s name. Gordon addresses Hebrew plural endings and answers the question of every Hebrew 1 student: Why is “Elohim” not always plural? Continue reading
In 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
In this episode of Hebrew Voices, When is Shemitah (Sabbatical Year), Nehemia Gordon discusses why we don’t know when the Shemitah and Yovel (Jubilee) years are today, whether Shemitah should be observed outside of Israel, and the problem with the Rabbinical observance of Shemitah in modern Israel. Continue reading
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Behar covering Jeremiah 32:6-27. To shed light on Jeremiah’s purchase of a field in this portion, Gordon provides information about archaeological discoveries and how they substantiate and clarify the ancient deeding practices Jeremiah details in this portion. But of course, the portion isn't solely about the challenges of conducting business while imprisoned in a besieged city; Gordon and Johnson expound on and revel in Jeremiah’s epiphany, “There is nothing too hard for thee.” (Which brings us to the word-of-the-week: “yipale,” from the root pei-lamed-aleph—that which is wonderful, hidden, or difficult.) The duo debate their differing interpretations of Jeremiah’s catchphrase, “Aha” and Gordon closes in prayer that captives will continue to return to Israel and that rejoicing will increase in the streets of Jerusalem. Continue reading
In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Behar (Leviticus 25:1-26:2), we discuss we discuss when is Shemitah (the Sabbatical Year) and whether it should be observed outside of Israel, whether the Yovel (Jubilee Year) is in 49th or 50th year, and we proclaim the “Lord of sabaoth” our Redeemer! Oh, and somewhere in there we mentioned Martin Luther. Michael wrote: “This Torah Portion. WOW brother PREACH IT! Continue reading