In this Support Team Study - Are Messianic Jews Really Jews?, Nehemia continues his discussion with Dr. Yaakov Ariel about the attitudes of Reform Judaism towards Messianics, traditional Jewish suspicions about the sincerity of converts to Christianity, and the unique social challenges for Messianic Jews.
In this episode of Hebrew Voices #167 - “Ancient Idolatry at the Israel Museum,” Nehemia shows us exhibits that bring to life the idolatry in the land of Canaan condemned by Yehovah throughout the Bible. Pieces include some familiar bronze serpents, one of the “high places” to Yehovah, and the earliest surviving reference to the House of David.
In this episode of Hebrew Voices #166 - What is Reform Judaism?, Nehemia learns from Dr. Yaakov Ariel about the historical development of Reform Judaism, its views on Jesus, and the “Jewish authenticity” of Messianics.
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.
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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.
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In this lost episode of Hebrew Voices #165 - Open Siddur Project, Dr. Nehemia Gordon interviews Aharon Varady of the Open Siddur Project, a free database of Jewish prayers. They discuss the difference between spontaneous prayer and liturgy, the concept of learning from everyone, and the problem of source attribution in Judaism.
In this episode of Hebrew Voices #107, The Mishnah and the New Testament, Bible Scholar Nehemia Gordon speaks with Rabbi Dr. David Moster about how the early rabbis dealt with supposed Biblical contradictions, what we can learn from the Mishnah and New Testament's approaches to the text of the Hebrew Bible, and why a famous rabbi made a cameo-appearance in the New Testament.
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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.”
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In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nitzavim (Isaiah 61:10-63:9), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson, recount their most recent visit to the Temple Mount and Nehemia gives the historical background of Muslim-control of the only holy site in Judaism. They also discuss the Isaiah passage read by Yeshua in the synagogue—which confirms first-century Haftarah readings. We learn statistics on named and unnamed angels in the Tanakh and Nehemia provides three rabbinical traditions for the “angel of his presence” mentioned in this passage. In closing, Nehemia asks Yehovah to turn the hearts of those who desecrate the Temple Mount—and to send his messengers to help those on the wall do his work.
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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.
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