In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18), we tackle the Biblical issue of slavery and then move on to issues of debt, abortion, and end with a discussion about the process of the revelation of Scripture.
In this episode of Hebrew Voices #153, Sighting the New Moon in the Middle Ages, Nehemia speaks with a scholar at University College London about why Jews transitioned from sighting the new moon to a precalculated calendar, how Karaites remained faithful to sighting the New Moon, and the calendar controversies they confronted.
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Yitro (Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-60), Nehemia Gordon compares Isaiah’s succinct vision of heaven to accounts in Kings, Ezekiel and Daniel. We see a “real” Adonai in this Portion and learn about the importance of the Masoretic notes. Gordon and Johnson tackle the problematic issue of Isaiah actually seeing God and explain where Isaiah got the idea that fire cleanses.
Continue reading
This episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23), is dedicated to Nehemia’s faithful canine companion, Georgia the Rhodesian Ridgeback, who sadly passed away the day of this recording. In her honor, the trio has a fascinating discussion on the character of Caleb and the nature of canine loyalty. They also discuss Moses' father-in-law, Jethro, and challenge the common understanding of the process of Mosaic revelation. This leads to a powerful discussion of the events at Mt. Sinai and culminates in a powerful reading of the Ten Matters that will bring you to your feet. The closing music of this program was specially written in honor of Georgia. It features Yoel ben Shlomo on didgeridoo and Jono Vandor on guitar, and is entitled “Memories of Georgia”. May we all display the faithfulness of Yehovah’s servant, Caleb.
Continue reading
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Judges 4:4-5:31, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss how 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 this special episode of Hebrew Gospel Pearls, Tricks of Translation 1, Nehemia and Keith introduce the oldest English translation of the Hebrew Bible by Jews and for Jews in America and how a famous medieval rabbi altered the text to fit the teachings of the rabbinic sages.
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