In Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #18, What is Shekinah Glory, Nehemia and Keith discuss why the idea of seeing God is highly problematic in Jewish theology, how some ancient Jewish philosophers believed that the world was created by God’s shekinah and not by God Himself, and how a failure to understand metaphor has led some to believe that God will come to the Earth riding on a spaceship! Continue reading
In Hebrew Gospel Pearls #18, Seeing God with a Pure Heart, Nehemia and Keith discuss whether Yeshua preached the Sermon on the Mount entirely for the benefit of future Christians in the West, what olive oil, frankincense and the human heart have in common, and how, according to the Tanakh, our thoughts come not only from our minds, but also from our kidneys! Continue reading
In this episode of Hebrew Voices, The Origin of Sin, Nehemia Gordon discusses with Dr. Miryam Brand the origin of sin and her book, Evil Within and Without: The Source of Sin and Its Nature as Portrayed in Second Temple Literature. Gordon keeps the gems accessible to non-scholars as they track revelations about the origin of sin through the centuries. Continue reading
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Haazinu (2 Samuel 22:1-51), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson compare this portion to its parallel in Psalm 18, so we can learn more about the contexts of these living, breathing prayers and prophecies and the families of Levites who read and sang them in the Temple and in synagogues. Continue reading
In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Ha’azinu (Deuteronomy 32), the song of Moses provides a lyrical backdrop for discussing the beauty and message of Moses’ last words to the people. Nehemia Gordon explains poetic structure and rhythm as well as how poetic names are formed in Hebrew. The trio explores the repeated references to the “rock” in this song and clarifies who “they” refers to—Israel or the nations. Johnson expounds on the beauty inherent in the Tanach for Christians—with no retrofits needed—while Gordon highlights the passage equating “calling out the name of Yehovah” with “giving greatness” to the Name. The trio concludes with all the conviction of Moses—that there simply are not any other gods out there. Continue reading
On the 10th day of the Seventh Month (Tishrei) is the holiday known as Yom Ha-Kipurim (or Yom Kippur), "The Day of Atonement". This is a day dedicated to fasting and prayer on which we ask Yehovah to atone for our sins. Continue reading
In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Finding the Missing Vowel on 9/11, Bible Scholar Nehemia Gordon explains how he was able to glorify Yehovah’s name at the very moment Islamic extremists were carrying out the deadliest terror attack on American soil, how many sought refuge in a church bearing the name Yehovah on that day, and the shocking origin of Yaweh. Continue reading
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Vayelech (Isaiah 55:6-56:8), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson rejoice in this portion that heralds good news for the wicked, the unrighteous, the outcasts of Israel, the eunuch and the foreigner. And if none of these describe you, feel free to check “other.” Continue reading
In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Vayelech (Deuteronomy 31:1-31:30), we discuss traditions we were taught concerning the Torah—a Law so simple ancient Israelites were expected to obey just by hearing it every seven years. They examine how religious traditions can stray from the intent of Torah—to hear, to learn, to fear, and to do. Regarding who “crossed over,” God or Joshua, Gordon discusses the Hebrew concept of dual causality—where the actions of the sender and the messenger are equal—a perk when partnering with the Creator of the universe. Gordon also provides Hebrew word studies that both boggle and thrill the mind—God “puts on” the suit of a man? All nations will be grafted in? The trio concludes by discussing the livability of Torah and the strength and courage required to keep it. Continue reading
In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Heroes of 9/11, First Responder Detective David Brink (NYPD Retired) takes us on a private tour of the 9/11 Memorial Museum at Ground Zero and walks us through the events of that day. He also shares how he ran into the "9/11 Church" to find refuge from the cloud of toxic dust that formed when the Twin Towers collapsed and gives us a glimpse into how his faith gave him strength during such difficult times. Danilo wrote: “This episode is very revealing, and is a perspective I never heard.” Continue reading