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 #34 – Bamidbar (Hosea 1:10-2:20[2:1-22])

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Prophet Pearls Bamidbar, betroth, Yehovah, Hosea, Nehemia Gordon, Keith Johnson, Prophets, Northern Kingdom, Jezreel, Jeroboam, Gomer, prostitute, Lo-ruhamah, Lo-ammi, Israel, syncretism, hishbati, aras, symbolic, spiritual, Torah, torah portion, torah pearlsIn this 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 →

Prophet Pearls #33 – Bechukotai (Jeremiah 16:19-17:14)

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Prophet Pearls - Bechukotai (Jeremiah 16:19-17:14)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 →

Hebrew Voices #127 – Live NOT from Quarantine

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In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Live NOT from Quarantine, Keith escapes from quarantine with his wife to join Nehemia and Lynell for a live unscripted discussion. Nehemia shares how his mother gave Keith a Hebrew name, Keith gets Nehemia to make a statement about his faith in the name "Yeshua", and Lynell recites the prayer that changed her life. Wanda wrote: “Thank you so much for this. What a blessing!” Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #32 – Behar (Jeremiah 32:6-27)

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Prophet Pearls - 32 - BeharIn 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 →

Prophet Pearls #31 – Emor (Ezekiel 44:15-31)

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Prophet Pearls Emor (Ezekiel 44:15-31) with Nehemia Gordon and Keith JohnsonIn this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Emor covering Ezekiel 44:15-31. Apparent contradictions about linen garments, wild hair and blue dye are overshadowed by a more challenging textual variance concerning marriage. But should contradictions (apparent or otherwise) cause divisions, excommunications, or worse—the loss of faith? Despite opposing interpretations, Gordon and Johnson think not, as they settle comfortably with the Jewish method of inquiry where questions are as important as answers and where apparent contradictions only drive understanding. They prove it’s a beautiful thing to interact with the word of God—with the goal of knowing him intimately. That being said, the word-of-the-week is “yarah” (yud-reish-hei). They shall teach. They will torah. Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #31 – Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23)

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In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23), we discuss the standards and conduct of the Priests and acceptable offerings, as well as the appointed times of Yehovah and the issue of the Lunar Sabbath. Lastly, we address the stoning of the blasphemer! Continue reading →

Torah Pearls #30 – Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1-20:27)

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Torah Pearls - Kedoshim ((Leviticus 19:1-20:27)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 →