Prophet Pearls #34 – Bamidbar (Hosea 1:10-2:20[2:1-22])May 16, 2023In 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 ofContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #34 – Bamidbar (Numbers 1:1-4:20)May 15, 2023In 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 secret of Hasenpfeffer Incorporated. We also explore the questions: WhoContinue Reading
Support Team Study – Hebrew Bible Manuscript Gold RushMay 10, 2023In this Support Team Study – Hebrew Bible Manuscript Gold Rush, Nehemia joins forces with University of Cambridge scholar Vincent Beiler to understand the Sassoon Codex, expected to become the most valuable book ever sold at auction. They talk aboutContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #33 – Bechukotai (Jeremiah 16:19-17:14)May 9, 2023In 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 deceptionContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #32 – Behar (Jeremiah 32:6-27)May 9, 2023In 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 howContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #33 – Bechukotai (Leviticus 26:3-27:34)May 8, 2023In 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
Torah Pearls #32 – Behar (Leviticus 25:1-26:2)May 8, 2023In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Behar (Leviticus 25:1-26:2), we discuss when is Shemitah (the Sabbatical Year) and whether it should be observed outside of Israel, whether the Yovel (Jubilee Year) is in the 49th or 50th year, andContinue Reading
Hebrew Gospel Pearls Plus #25 – Connecting the DotsMay 6, 2023In Hebrew Gospel Pearls Plus #25, Connecting the Dots, Nehemia and Keith explore the confusion around the words “one jot and one tittle” in Matt. 5:18, discuss one of the major debates of Jewish history – the question of theContinue Reading
Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #23 – Lighting the LampsMay 6, 2023In Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #23, Lighting the Lamps, Nehemia and Keith tackle a 2000-year old misconception about one of the vessels in the Temple and consider evidence from archeological artifacts to gain a glimpse at what Moses saw onContinue Reading
Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #19 – Sons of GodMay 6, 2023In Hebrew Gospel Pearls PLUS #19, Sons of God, Nehemia and Keith discuss Yeshua’s line of defense against a mob that wanted to stone him, the richness of meaning of the Hebrew word for God (Elohim), and a bizarre passageContinue Reading
Hebrew Voices #158 – Sassoon Codex Under a MicroscopeMay 3, 2023In this episode of Hebrew Voices #158, Sassoon Codex Under a Microscope, Nehemia speaks with Nelson Calvillo of the Institute for Hebrew Bible Manuscript Research about the most important Hebrew Bible manuscript in private hands, about to be sold atContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #31 – Emor (Ezekiel 44:15-31)May 2, 2023In 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.Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #31 – Emor (Leviticus 21:1-24:23)May 1, 2023In 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 addressContinue Reading
Hebrew Voices #157 – SBL Reactions 2022: Part 1April 26, 2023In this episode of Hebrew Voices #157, SBL Reactions 2022: Part 1, Nehemia joins with Rabbi Dr. David Moster and Nelson Calvillo to discuss a new study about 1st century Christianity in 21st century Africa, whether the Hebrew Bible reallyContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #30 – Kedoshim (Amos 9:7-15)April 25, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Kedoshim covering Amos 9:7-15. The nine verses of Kedoshim yield riveting questions for Gordon and Johnson to explore: Why were the Philistines brought from Caphtor?Continue Reading
Prophet Pearls #29 – Acharei Mot (Ezekiel 22:1-19)April 25, 2023This 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 crucibleContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #30 – Kedoshim (Leviticus 19:1-20:27)April 24, 2023In 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 originContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #29 – Acharei Mot (Leviticus 16:1-18:30)April 24, 2023In 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 YomContinue Reading
Support Team Study – How Medieval Jewish Children Read HebrewApril 19, 2023In this Support Team Study – How Medieval Jewish Children Read Hebrew, Nehemia talks to Cambridge University researcher Dr. Estara Arrant about vowel discrepancies in “informal Bibles”, shifts in Hebrew pronunciation, and the influence of Aramaic and Arabic.Continue Reading
Prophet Pearls #28 – Metzora (2 Kings 7:3-20)April 18, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Metzora covering 2 Kings 7:3-20. The duo strongly connects aspects of this ancient prophecy and its unimaginable fulfillment to 21st century headlines. The names ofContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #27 – Tazria (2 Kings 4:42-5:19)April 18, 2023In 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 haveContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #28 – Metzora (Leviticus 14:1-15:33)April 17, 2023In 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
Torah Pearls #27 – Tazria (Leviticus 12:1-13:59)April 17, 2023In 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 aContinue Reading
Hebrew Voices #156 – Bibles Written by Medieval Jewish KidsApril 12, 2023In this episode of Hebrew Voices #156, Bibles Written by Medieval Jewish Kids, Nehemia talks with Dr. Estara Arrant about her research at Cambridge University into “informal Bibles” discovered in the Cairo Genizah. They discuss the insights that can beContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #26 – Shemini (2 Samuel 6:1-7:17)April 11, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, on the Prophets portion of Shemini, covering 2 Samuel 6:1-7:17, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson provide background and insight into this portion focusing on the Ark of the Covenant. Gordon tracks the movements and usesContinue Reading
Torah Pearls #26 – Shemini (Leviticus 9:1-11:47)April 10, 2023In 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 NehemiaContinue Reading
Support Team Study – The Samaritans and the Name of GodApril 5, 2023In this Support Team Study – The Samaritans and the Name of God, Nehemia has an animated discussion with Samaritan scholar Benyamim Tsedaka about key differences between the Masoretic Text and the Samaritan Torah, the origin of the script andContinue Reading
Support Team Study – Meet the Samaritan High Priest!March 29, 2023This lost Support Team Study – Meet the Samaritan High Priest!, involves a rare encounter between a Karaite and a Samaritan with an exploration of the Samaritan practice of tithing, modern-day sacrifice of the Paschal lamb on Mount Gerizim, andContinue Reading
Prophet Pearls #25 – Tzav (Jeremiah 7:21-8:3; 9:22-23)March 28, 2023In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Tzav covering Jeremiah 7:21-8:3, 9:22-23. In this portion paralleling the sacrifices in Leviticus, Gordon traipses through millennia to offer explanations for the perplexing…Continue Reading
Torah Pearls #25 – Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36)March 27, 2023In this week’s episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36), we discuss what exactly is the JEPD theory otherwise known as the Documentary Hypothesis? What is the role of the the Aaronic priest and is it fulfilled byContinue Reading