Vayishlach
Genesis 32:4-36:43
This weeks discussion covers the Torah portion of Vayishlach, Genesis 32:4-36:43.
This weeks discussion covers the Torah portion of Vayishlach, Genesis 32:4-36:43.
This weeks discussion covers the Torah portion of Vayigash, Genesis 44:18-47:27. In this climactic Portion in which Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, Gordon critically examines the Midrashic explanation for Jacob’s spirit reviving upon seeing the wagons Joseph sent for him. Does this benign example of Talmudic gymnastics portend other dangers of not being rooted solely in the word of God? The trio debate why Jacob described his 130 years on earth as “few and evil” and parse the following words and phrases: “the one you sold,” “made a father to Pharaoh,” “seventy,” “shepherds,” “silver” and “servants.” In closing, Gordon, Johnson, and Vandor rejoice that their disparate paths led to common ground and a place to witness the worldwide revival of people waking up to the truth and joining themselves to the preserved remnant.
This weeks discussion covers the Torah portion of Vayechi, Genesis 47:28-50:26. In the final Genesis portion, Gordon provides the cultural and geographical significance of the blessings to the 12 tribes. We learn the special inheritance given to the Levites, why their descendants are still traceable, why Reuben’s portion went to Joseph’s sons, and the significance of the “right hand.” From Jacob’s insistence that Joseph “swear” to him, we learn that the patriarchs knew God’s name and how to use it.
While Jacob’s artful use of the Hebrew poetic form is soul-stirringly beautiful in the original language, it leaves us with some guesswork in English. Gordon takes us on a literary tour of the quadruple alliterations, the sophisticated triple-plays on words, the dropped prepositions, and the use of rare words (or common words with rare connotations) that could be translated in wildly different ways. Other word studies include: “blessing,” “Shechem,” “Shiloh,” “gathered to his people,” the rare context of “angel,” and the unique structure of the name “Issachar.”
In closing, Gordon pronounces the traditional Sabbath blessing—“May you be like Ephraim and Manasseh”—and encourages listeners to receive from Yehovah—as a child at his knee with his hand on our head.
This week Nehemia Gordon, Keith Johnson, and Jono Vandor discuss the Torah portion of Vaeira covering Exodus 6:2-9:35. At face value, the first sentence of Vaeira appears to contradict other Scripture but several common-sense explanations clear things up. We learn why Moses’ lineage was important—particularly to the original audience—and that his “why me?” attitude was a sign of greatness. Gordon reveals a key verse for understanding the month of Aviv and the significance of its place on the Hebrew calendar. He also reads a poetic passage from the Portion that contains God’s name and where the rhyme of the divine is evident. As the trio examines each plague, Gordon translates the three Hebrew words for what was done to Pharaoh’s heart. Johnson speculates if the livestock taken to a place of shelter—a “migdal-oz”—hints at the mixed multitude and wonders if any Egyptians took shelter in the wondrous redemption to be found in Goshen.
This week’s program is dedicated to Nehemia’s faithful canine companion, Georgia the Rhodesian Ridgeback, who sadly passed away the day of this recording. The outro 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.
After discovering our original recording for Behar was missing we quickly reassembled to discuss topics such as: How is one to observe the Sabbatical year and when is it anyway? Is the Jubilee year 49 or 50 years? We also proclaimed the “Lord of sabaoth” our Redeemer! (oh, and somewhere in there we mentioned Martin
In this week’s Torah Pearls we discuss the ifs and buts of blessings and curses, as well as the meaning and gravity of vows and dedications. Lastly, how does one redeem their tithe?
What is the meaning of the terms Bamidbar and Shaddai? Who is Shlameel & Shlamazel and the “camel of God”? Is there a problem with the numbers in Numbers? What are the emblems and standards of the twelve tribes? Why is it that the tribe of Levi is selected? How does currency and money differ?
In this episode Nehemia shares a sneak preview of his highly anticipated book Shattering the Conspiracy of Silence: The Hebrew Power of the Priestly Blessing Unleashed. Also, does the Pope have a use-by date? What is holy water used for? Can the Law of Jealousy be explained? Was Yeshua a Nazarite? In Numbers 7:89 who
Where are the teaching priests today? Move with the cloud – what was the purpose of the trumpets? Quail and “the graves of lust” – was the mixed multitude framed? Why did Miriam, and not Aaron, suffer the consequences of speaking against Moses? Also, listen to Nehemia as he highlights God’s grace during the 2nd
Is there a red heifer in Israel? What is the water of menstruation for cleansing? Does a corrupt priesthood invalidate the water of purification and are we cut off without it? Is the site of the Temple off limits today? What exactly did Moses do wrong when Yehovah brought water from the rock? How did
What is the qualification of the first born? Who inherits the land if a father has no sons but only daughters? Did Pinchas impale a princess of Midian? Double portion or two thirds – what did it mean for Moses to impart some of his glory to Joshua, or Elijah’s spirit to Elisha?