In this episode of Hebrew Voices #186 - The Hamas Prophecy: Part 1, Nehemia and Lynell explore the prophetic meaning of the word Hamas in the Hebrew Bible with striking comparisons between modern headlines and the words of the ancient Hebrew prophets.
Category Archives: Holidays
Hebrew Voices #185 – A Biblical Understanding of Passover Leaven (Chametz)
In this episode of Hebrew Voices #185 - A Biblical Understanding of Passover Leaven (Chametz), Nehemia does a deep-dive into what exactly is or isn’t prohibited during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. He distinguishes the 3 Hebrew words all translated into English as “leaven”, describes how drastically different modern food production is from ancient times, and cuts through the controversy about alcohol.
Hebrew Voices #78 – Chinese Origin of the Sukkot Etrog
In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Chinese Origin of the Sukkot Etrog, Nehemia Gordon talks with ordained-rabbi Dr. David Moster about the "fruit" we are commanded to use on the Feast of Tabernacles (Lev 23:40). They discuss how the Citron or "Esrog" arrived in the Land of Israel in the Persian Period, how it played an important role in the rise of the Pharisees, and how it eventually became the distinctive symbol of Judaism - replacing God's holy name. Their conversation explores the Orthodox, Samaritan, and Karaite interpretations of Lev 23:40, its function in the Feast of Booths, and why a southeast Asian-Jewish fruit is a key ingredient in traditional Christmas cakes.
Continue readingHow Yom Teruah Became Rosh Hashanah
On the 1st day of the Seventh Month (Tishrei) the Torah commands us to observe the holy day of Yom Teruah which means “Day of Shouting” (Leviticus 23:23-25; Numbers 29:1-6). Yom Teruah is a day of rest on which work is forbidden. Continue reading
Released From the Support Team Study Vault! – Shavuot Feast of Oaths
Released From the Support Team Study Vault! - Shavuot Feast of Oaths, where I look at whether the revelation at Sinai was given on Shavuot. May Yehovah cover us with His garment and bring us into His covenant by oath! Continue reading
Counting the Omer
Torah Pearls #15 – Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16)
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
Support Team Study – Christmas, Hanukkah, and other Fire Festivals
In this brand-new Support Team Study, Christmas, Hanukkah, and Other Fire Festivals, I discuss with Rabbi Dr. Paul Shrell-Fox what Jews mean when they say “drive out the darkness”, take a look at early fire festivals in Rabbinic texts, and speculate whether Christmas and Hanukkah have the same origin.
Continue readingHebrew Voices #136 – Hanukkah Under Attack
In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Hanukkah Under Attack, Nehemia Gordon talks with with Rebekah and Isaac Garvin of Teshuvah Ministries, about the significance of the Feast of Dedication for those coming from a New Testament perspective and hears how Hanukkah changed their lives and set them free from pagan sun-god worship. This interview came in response to last week's episode "Pagan Origins of Hanukkah?".
Continue readingHanukkah: Fact and Fiction
In this Special Study, Hanukkah: Fact and Fiction, Nehemia Gordon explains that the real story of Hanukkah, where the Rabbinic tradition of lighting candles for eight days comes from, and how the victory should be celebrated today. Sandra wrote: “This is excellent information! Thank you for your dedication in getting the truth out and helping to dissolve fiction so that fact can shine through!” Continue reading