In 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 of “Love God, love your neighbor” as the summary of the Torah. All this and more in this week’s Torah Pearls. Continue reading
This episode of Prophet Pearls, is on the Prophets portion of Acharei-Mot covering Ezekiel 22:1-19. Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the root of the God's Holy Name, and how the Hebrew word for inheritance provides the finale to the crucible theme of exile, redemption and resettlement. Continue reading
In 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 Kippur War. Also, Keith tells of his recent adventures beneath and upon the Temple Mount, plus a bonus story about his meeting with the Pope. Continue reading
In this episode of Hebrew Voices, The Rebirth of Israel and the Dead Sea Scrolls, Nehemia Gordon speaks on Israel's Independence Day about why he is a "Zionist", and how the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls parallels the rebirth of Israel as a nation. You can watch the video of his address at the public celebrations of Israel's 69th Independence Day in Huntington, West Virginia or listen to the audio as part of his Hebrew Voices podcast. Continue reading
In 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
In this episode of Prophet Pearls on the prophet portion of Tazria covering 2 Kings 4:42-5:19, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson unpack the Biblical nuances behind 'baptism" and "mikvah," and find out what a pita bread and a leper have in common. Continue reading
In 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 girl, and is it a sin to be unclean. Also in this program, regarding leprosy, the stories of Miriam and Naaman. Continue reading
In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Nothing is Forgotten, Nehemia Gordon talks with author and historian Peter Golden who has interviewed world leaders from Ronald Reagan to Yitzchak Rabin. Golden explains the origin of the word "Holocaust" in the trial of Adolf Eichmann, the critical role Soviet Jewry played in the founding of the State of Israel, and how blue jeans and rock music brought down the Soviet Union. Luci wrote: “‘Nothing is Forgotten’ was so good! We listened to it with the kids again last night! It provoked lots of excellent discussion. Thank you Nehemia!” Continue reading
In 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 Gordon eats a grasshopper! And, was Tevye right when he declared in Fiddler on the Roof that in the Good Book, “somewhere there is something about a chicken!” And what about the duck, goose and the swan? Lastly, what does it mean when Peter quotes Leviticus 11:45, “Be Holy for I am Holy” in 1 Peter 1:15? All this and more in this week’s Torah Pearls! Continue reading
In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Easter Miracle of the Holy Fire, Nehemia Gordon speaks again with Dr. Richard Carrier, an historian specializing in ancient philosophy, religion and science. Gordon and Carrier begin by discussing the annual miracle claimed by the Greek Orthodox Church at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre but go on to compare notes on miracles and magic from ancient times through the 21st century. Continue reading