Did the Israelites cross the Red Sea, the Gulf of Suez, the Gulf of Aqaba, or did this narrative originate from the imagery of the Battle of Kadesh? In Beshallach (Exodus 13:17–17:16), we examine the scholarly perspectives on the Exodus route, the pillar of cloud, and the role of the Philistines in the narrative. We…
We explore the dramatic final plagues in Egypt, the first Passover, and the theological tension between Pharaoh’s hardened heart—was it his choice, or did God override his free will? What is the mysterious unnamed festival the Israelites seek to observe? Who—or what—is The Destroyer? We also tackle biblical contradictions: How many times can the same…
We discuss the theological implications of hardening Pharaoh’s heart, explore the significance of the phrase "these ten times," and examine how different sources and traditions address the number and order of the plagues. We also tackle the meaning behind “uncircumcised lips,” the divine name YHVH, and the “finger of God.” Adding to the intrigue, we…
Exodus! We'll explore the significance of the "seventy souls," the puzzling identity of the Pharaoh who "did not know Joseph," and the intriguing anachronisms of places like Pithom and Rameses. Discover the power behind the names in the text—those revealed, concealed, or debated, including Moses' identity as Hebrew or Egyptian, and God's declaration of a…
In this episode we explore the final Torah portion in Genesis, Vayechi (Genesis 47:28–50:26). We dive into Jacob’s last moments, his blessings of Ephraim, Manasseh, and his twelve sons, and the profound numerology woven into the narrative. We discuss whether Joseph’s story was a later addition, the theological implications of "the angel who redeemed Jacob,"…
This week on Torah Pearls we unpack the emotional climax of the Joseph narrative—his dramatic revelation to his brothers. High drama unfolds as the brothers stand before Joseph, unaware of his identity. Judah steps forward with a heartfelt plea, but pay close attention: while Judah shows concern for Benjamin, his ultimate focus is on their…