Nehemia's Wall Podcast

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. I look forward to reading … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #166 – What is Reform Judaism? appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

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 … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #165 – Open Siddur Project appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #164 – A Karaite Jew on Mormonism: Part 1, Nehemia brings on the foremost historian of early Mormonism, Dan Vogel. They discuss what Bible scholars can learn from Joseph Smith's cultural background of treasure … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #164 – A Karaite Jew on Mormonism: Part 1 appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #163, Treasures of the Hebrew Library in Cincinnati: Part 1, Nehemia gets an exclusive look at an 11th century Masoretic manuscript, the “Ibn Musa Bible,” a 13th century Chumash, and other rare Hebrew treasures. … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #163 – Treasures of the Hebrew Library in Cincinnati: Part 1 appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #162, Writing the Name of God in Torah Scrolls, Nehemia shows how blank spaces were left for Yehovah's holy name, which were then filled in during a second stage of writing. Nehemia presented this … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #162 – Writing the Name of God in Torah Scrolls appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #161, The Moses Scroll, Nehemia and Ross Nichols discuss the “Book of Moses” mentioned in Deuteronomy and its possible relation to the controversial “Shapira scrolls.” They also reminisce about how they met decades ago … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #161 – The Moses Scroll appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #160, Does God Have a Body?, Nehemia talks to Dr. Gabriel Wasserman about a medieval Karaite epistle. Their discussion explores Jewish moneylending, Sabbath observance, and a rabbinical Midrash about the size of God's body … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #160 – Does God Have a Body? appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #159, Messianic Jews in Israel, Nehemia joins with David Serner who carried out the first survey of “Jesus-believing Israelis”. They discuss whether Messianic Judaism in Israel is a sincere belief or a ploy to … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #159 – Messianic Jews in Israel appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

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 → The post Released From the Support Team Study Vault! – Shavuot Feast of Oaths appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In 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 at … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #158 – Sassoon Codex Under a Microscope appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In 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 really … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #157 – SBL Reactions 2022: Part 1 appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In 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 be … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #156 – Bibles Written by Medieval Jewish Kids 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 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 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 Hebrew Voices #153, Sighting the New Moon in the Middle Ages, Nehemia speaks with a scholar at Cambridge University about why Jews transitioned from sighting the new moon to a precalculated calendar, how Karaites remained faithful … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #153 – Sighting the New Moon in the Middle Ages appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

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 … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Gospel Pearls Special – Tricks of Translation 1 appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #152, The Mount Ebal Curse Tablet: Part 1, Nehemia speaks with archeologist Dr. Scott Stripling about the most important discovery of 2022, the unearthing of Joshua's altar, and the debate about ancient Israelite literacy. … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #152 – The Mount Ebal Curse Tablet: Part 1 appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Gospel Pearls, The Seduction of Sin, Nehemia and Keith discuss the strange confusion around the word “eye” in the Hebrew text of Matt. 5:29-30, the unusual manner in which Hebrew describes sin as enticing, and … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Gospel Pearls #32 – The Seduction of Sin appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #151, Royal Attire 1: Lost Tribes and Magical Names, Nehemia talks about an 18th century Karaite letter to the king of Sweden with Dr. Gabriel Wasserman. They discuss how the Jewish concept of “peoplehood” … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #151 – Royal Attire 1: Lost Tribes and Magical Names appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this week's episode of Prophet Pearls, Vayeishev (Amos 2:6-3:8), with seven rhetorical questions and a very straight stick, the shepherd prophet draws an unwavering line between cause and effect. Amos's rebuke of those who “sell the righteous for silver” … Continue reading → The post Prophet Pearls #9 – Vayeishev (Amos 2:6-3:8) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #150, The Oldest Hebrew Inscription? Part 1, Nehemia talks to Frankie Snyder about her discovery of the Mount Ebal curse tablet, its biblical significance, and the impact it could have on understanding the archeological … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #150 – The Oldest Hebrew Inscription? Part 1 appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices #150, The Oldest Hebrew Inscription? Part 1, Nehemia talks to Frankie Snyder about her discovery of the Mount Ebal curse tablet, its biblical significance, and the impact it could have on understanding the archeological … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #150 – The Oldest Hebrew Inscription? Part 1 appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Looking Under the Hood of a Torah Scroll: Part 2, Nehemia and research assistant Nelson Calvillo launch a series on the oldest (nearly) complete surviving Torah. They unpack Nehemia's lecture at the World Congress … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #149 – Looking Under the Hood of a Torah Scroll: Part 2 appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Looking Under the Hood of a Torah Scroll: Part 2, Nehemia and research assistant Nelson Calvillo launch a series on the oldest (nearly) complete surviving Torah. They unpack Nehemia's lecture at the World Congress … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #149 – Looking Under the Hood of a Torah Scroll: Part 2 appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Looking Under the Hood of a Torah Scroll: Part 1, Nehemia and research assistant Nelson Calvillo launch a series on the oldest (nearly) complete surviving Torah. They unpack Nehemia's lecture at the World Congress … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #148 – Looking Under the Hood of a Torah Scroll: Part 1 appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Looking Under the Hood of a Torah Scroll: Part 1, Nehemia and research assistant Nelson Calvillo launch a series on the oldest (nearly) complete surviving Torah. They unpack Nehemia's lecture at the World Congress … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #148 – Looking Under the Hood of a Torah Scroll: Part 1 appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices, What is the Sacred Name of God?, Bible Scholar Dr. Nehemia Gordon gives an interview at the World Congress of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. Nehemia answers the most common questions about the sacred name … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #147 – What is the Sacred Name of God? appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices, What is the Sacred Name of God?, Bible Scholar Dr. Nehemia Gordon gives an interview at the World Congress of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem. Nehemia answers the most common questions about the sacred name … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #147 – What is the Sacred Name of God? appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices, A Physicist on Creation, Evolution, and the Human Soul, Nehemia Gordon continues a conversation with orthodox Jewish physicist Dr. Gerald Schroeder. Because modern Bible commentators tend to bend the Bible to match science, Schroeder studied Nachmanides which … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #22 – Creation, Evolution, and the Human Soul (Rebroadcast) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Camp Ephraim Sukkot, Bible Scholar Nehemia Gordon meets with people from among the nations who made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to worship the God of Israel on Sukkot in fulfillment of the prophecy in … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #123 – Camp Ephraim Sukkot appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Gospel Pearls, The Road to Rome, Nehemia shares about using X-rays to uncover the fingerprints of the most important New Testament manuscript at the Vatican, Keith announces a unique opportunity to learn Biblical Hebrew, and … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Gospel Pearls #30 – The Road to Rome appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Gospel Pearls, The Road to Rome, Nehemia shares about using X-rays to uncover the fingerprints of the most important New Testament manuscript at the Vatican, Keith announces a unique opportunity to learn Biblical Hebrew, and … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Gospel Pearls #30 – The Road to Rome appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

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 … Continue reading → The post Prophet Pearls #53 – Ha’azinu (2 Samuel 22:1-51) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

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 … Continue reading → The post Torah Pearls #53 – Ha’azinu (Deuteronomy 32:1-32:52) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this special episode of Hebrew Voices, The Trumpet: Yom Teruah 2021, Bible Scholar Dr. Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson detail why Yom Teruah marks one of the most powerful teachings they have ever done, search the Torah to peel … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #146 – The Trumpet: Yom Teruah 2021 appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

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 … Continue reading → The post Prophet Pearls #52 – Vayelech (Isaiah 55:6-56:8) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

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 … Continue reading → The post Torah Pearls #52 – Vayelech (Deuteronomy 31:1-31:30) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Yom Teruah Bible Study, Bible Scholar Nehemia Gordon looks at whether this is a day for crying or being joyous, how we know we are supposed to call on the name Yehovah on this … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #133 – Yom Teruah Bible Study appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

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 … Continue reading → The post Prophet Pearls #51 – Nitzavim (Isaiah 61:10-63:9) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20), we revel in the five verses that sum up the entire Bible - the wonderful and terrible responsibility given to mankind to choose. But what qualifies one to choose the … Continue reading → The post Torah Pearls #51 – Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9-30:20) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices, Decorative Doohickeys, Bible Scholar Dr. Nehemia Gordon discusses with Jewish scribe Marc Michaels, an ancient scribal instruction manual for Torah scroll calligraphy, his search for lost fragments of this ancient tome, and the sketchy … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #145 – Decorative Doohickeys appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Prophet Pearls,  Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Ki Tavo, covering Isaiah 60:1-22. Gordon and Johnson revel in this sixth in a series of seven “Haftarot of Consolation,” as the prophet Isaiah details … Continue reading → The post Prophet Pearls #50 – Ki Tavo (Isaiah 60:1-22) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8), after revealing the identity of the “wandering Aramean,” we discuss the name commanded to be spoken seven times during the first fruits offering. A vivid picture is painted of … Continue reading → The post Torah Pearls #50 – Ki Tavo (Deuteronomy 26:1-29:8) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Gospel Pearls, Amazing Grace, Nehemia and Keith explain the meaning of the Hebrew word “korban”, recount the time Nehemia “evangelized” Keith, and reveal the testimonies of God's mercy and the power of true repentance in … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Gospel Pearls #29 – Amazing Grace appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Ki Teitzei covering Isaiah 54:1-54:10. Gordon and Johnson revel in the glorious promises to Israel, explore the various ways the Tanakh allegorizes her, and stand firmly on … Continue reading → The post Prophet Pearls #49 – Ki Teitzei (Isaiah 54:1-54:10) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19), an uninformed reading of the archaic civil and domestic laws in this portion might leave one scratching the head, but the trio deftly removes cultural and language barriers so … Continue reading → The post Torah Pearls #49 – Ki Teitzei (Deuteronomy 21:10-25:19) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Shoftim covering Isaiah 51:12-52:12. Gordon and Johnson begin with the elephant in the room: Why does Shoftim (and Ki Teitzei following) decisively leapfrog over Isaiah … Continue reading → The post Prophet Pearls #48 – Shoftim (Isaiah 51:12-52:12) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

This episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9), begins focusing on judgment and law and Nehemia Gordon shares the origin of the Hebrew word for “grace.” Discussions include: Must we always have two or three witnesses? Who has the … Continue reading → The post Torah Pearls #48 – Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18-21:9) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

In this episode of Hebrew Voices, The Scribe of the Leningrad Codex, Bible Scholar Dr. Nehemia Gordon talks with Dr. Kim Phillips about how he made international headlines and discovered new manuscripts by the famous scribe Samuel ben Jacob. They … Continue reading → The post Hebrew Voices #144 – The Scribe of the Leningrad Codex appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.

This bonus episode of Prophet Pearls looks at Isaiah 66:1-24, which is read in synagogues around the world whenever the weekly Sabbath coincides with Rosh Chodesh (New Moon Day). Join Nehemia Gordon and Yoel Halevy of Hebrew in Israel, for a riveting … Continue reading → The post Prophet Pearls #47 – Re’eh Bonus (Isaiah 66:1-24) appeared first on Nehemia's Wall.