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In 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 statement, … Continue reading → The post Prophet Pearls #25 – Tzav (Jeremiah 7:21-8:3; 9:22-23) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In 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 by … Continue reading → The post Torah Pearls #25 – Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #155, Meet the Samaritans!, Nehemia sits down with a real-life Samaritan scholar to discuss the origins of this ancient community, the religious significance of Mount Gerizim, and how an emergency Samaritan Torah crisis required … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #155 – Meet the Samaritans! appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Vayikra covering Isaiah 43:21-44:23. This portion parallels the Torah’s central section on sacrifices. Gordon and Johnson delve deep into the issues of sacrifice, obedience … Continue reading → The post Prophet Pearls #24 – Vayikra (Isaiah 43:21-44:23) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26), we share our recommendations of English translations and how to use them responsibly. What is really going when we see Leviticus chapter 5 ending with verse 19 in the … Continue reading → The post Torah Pearls #24 – Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Vayakhel-Pekudei (1 Kings 7:40-8:21), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson examine the major concepts in this week’s double-header portion - primarily what the Tanakh calls the “House of Yehovah” and how history, tradition, and cultures … Continue reading → The post Prophet Pearls #22-23 – Vayakhel-Pekudei (1 Kings 7:40-8:21) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Pekudeim (Exodus 38:21-40:38), we discuss how should we respond to the replication and/ or fabrication of Tabernacle items in places of meeting today? What on earth is “carbuncle”? The Aaronic Priesthood is the … Continue reading → The post Torah Pearls #23 – Pekudei (Exodus 38:21-40:38) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20), we begin with asking what it means to "kindle a fire" on the Sabbath.  Then we ask what it means for someone's heart to be stirred, and how the various … Continue reading → The post Torah Pearls #22 – Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #154, Reaping the Benefits of the Medieval Aviv Calendar: Part 1, Nehemia speaks with a scholar at University College London about why Jews transitioned from sighting the new moon to a precalculated calendar, how … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #154 – Reaping the Benefits of the Medieval Aviv Calendar: Part 1 appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Ki Tisa (1 Kings 18:1-39), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson convene in Jerusalem to examine the brassiest display of prophetic prowess in the Tanakh. We are drawn into Elijah’s confrontation with Ahab as if … Continue reading → The post Prophet Pearls #21 – Ki Tisa (1 Kings 18:1-39) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35), we begin with a passionate discussion on "Tradition" vs. Scripture, which leads to the golden calf of the Exodus event.  Who was the calf supposed to represent? There follows … Continue reading → The post Torah Pearls #21 – Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Tetzaveh (Ezekiel 43:10-27), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss Ezekiel describing the sin offering and the building plan for the Temple. Nehemia and Keith consider whether a spiritual or literal interpretation fits best with … Continue reading → The post Prophet Pearls #20 – Tetzaveh (Ezekiel 43:10-27) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10), we begin with a discussion of how modern day synagogues and churches attempt to emulate the commandments for the decoration of the Biblical priests and the Temple.  This leads … Continue reading → The post Torah Pearls #20 – Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this special episode of Hebrew Gospel Pearls, Tricks of Translation 2, Nehemia and Keith compare translations of a verse in Hosea, discuss the tricks and difficulties of translation, and recount the struggles of 19th century Jews in America. I … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Gospel Pearls Special – Tricks of Translation 2 appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Terumah (1 Kings 5:12[26]-6:13), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson provide volumes of contextual insight into this seemingly straight-forward “How to Build a Temple” portion. We learn the importance of the “480 years” date given … Continue reading → The post Prophet Pearls #19 – Terumah (1 Kings 5:12[26]-6:13) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

This episode of The Original Torah Pearls is on the Torah portion of Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19). The episode opens with a lively discussion on the difference between tithes and offerings.  There follows a brilliant discussion of the "Mercy Seat" of … Continue reading → The post Torah Pearls #19 – Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Prophet Pearls,  Mishpatim Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:25-26, ever obedient servants of context, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson begin at the beginning—with two verses moved to the end of this Portion by the Rabbis.  In these two verses … Continue reading → The post Prophet Pearls #18 – Mishpatim (Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:25-26) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

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. … Continue reading → The post Torah Pearls #18 – Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

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 … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #153 – Sighting the New Moon in the Middle Ages appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

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 … Continue reading → The post Prophet Pearls #17 – Yitro (Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-6) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.