In this episode of Hebrew Voices, How to Keep Shabbat, Nehemia Gordon discusses what it means “not kindle a fire on Shabbat”, where the Rabbinic tradition of lighting “Shabbat candles” come from, and a reminder to show grace to those who don’t keep Shabbat the same way you do. Continue reading
In episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Beshalach covering Judges 4:4-5:31. Although not a “military commander” like the other judges, Deborah coolly commands the military in this portion’s reading—and then writes a lovely song about it to boot. We learn the context of her years as a judge and prophetess and how her administration fits into the life cycle of ancient Israel. Continue reading
In 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. There follows an interesting discussion of the meaning and origin of Shabbat and the understanding of Manna. Continue reading
In Hebrew Voices, The Raëlians UFO Jews of Israel, Nehemia Gordon encounters the Raëlian UFO Jews of Israel. He interviews Kobi Drori, a native Hebrew speaking Jewish Israeli who says “the Jews prayed for the Messiah to come and when he finally came, they didn’t accept him.” Drori believes that Yahweh sent a man named Yeshua of Nazareth to bring good news to the world and that his faith contains “the most important message mankind ever received.” Continue reading
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Bo (Jeremiah 46:13-28) Jeremiah, the prophet to the nations, foretells another “smiting” for Egypt—providing the connection to the Torah portion where the Lord, with a strong hand, brought his people out of Egypt. This time though, the smiting is at the hand of the Babylonians—a fact that provides another glimpse into the ways and means of Yehovah. Continue reading
This 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 to the death of the firstborn, and explore some of the amazing acts of The LORD providing for the Hebrew people prior to their departure. The group then speaks at length on the determining of the New Year based on the Hebrew calendar, which allows us to determine when Passover comes. This leads to a wonderful discussion of being humble enough to admit when one is wrong. Continue reading
This episode of Prophet Pearls, (Ezekiel 28:25-29:21), reveals Yehovah as maestro—orchestrating kings, nations and events to further the day when the house of Israel, and all mankind, will know who he is. Ezekiel’s prophecy that a revelation of God would result from the ingathering can be witnessed today. However, not all who see believe, and Nehemia Gordon draws an ominous parallel between Pharaoh claiming the Nile as his own and those who boast about modern-day Israel without giving credit to Yehovah. Continue reading
Shalom Support Team! Thank you for standing with me on the Wall! In my Support Team Study, The Secret Abraham Didn't Know, I explore the depths of Exodus 6:3 and consider over a dozen possible explanations found in Jewish sources throughout the ages. This verse became pivotal in the deconstruction of the Torah by 19th Century German scholars who denied its Mosaic authorship. This anti-Torah latent antisemitism is predominant in universities and seminaries around the world, so addressing it is no trivial matter. I also talk about some aspects of this in chapter 2 of my book "Shattering the Conspiracy of Silence". Join me as I turn scholarly confusion into an intimate knowledge of God's holy name and essence! Continue reading
This 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 was important—particularly to the original audience—and that his “why me?” attitude was a sign of greatness. Gordon reveals a key verse for understanding the month of Aviv and the significance of its place on the Hebrew calendar. He also reads a poetic passage from the Portion that contains God’s name and where the rhyme of the divine is evident. As the trio examines each plague, Gordon translates the three Hebrew words for what was done to Pharaoh’s heart. Johnson speculates if the livestock taken to a place of shelter—a “migdal-oz”—hints at the mixed multitude and wonders if any Egyptians took shelter in the wondrous redemption to be found in Goshen. Continue reading
In this episode of Hebrew Voices, A Geneticist's Perspective on the Tree of Life, Nehemia Gordon talks with Dawn Irion who studied genetics research and went from believing in evolution to creation science, about her perspective on the Tree of Life. Continue reading