Alex Tseitlin of KEDEM interviews Professor Idan Dershowitz from the Australian Centre for Jewish Civilisation, Monash University, and author of The Valediction of Moses. They take a deep dive into the amazing story of Moses Shapira and the so-called “Shapira Scrolls.” Professor Dershowitz has dedicated several years to studying this captivating saga and its controversial…
In "The Mysterious Death of Moses Shapira," we delve into Chapter 12 of The Moses Scroll and uncover the dramatic events of August 1883. Amidst a whirlwind of rejections from prominent European scholars, Moses Shapira remained unwavering in his belief in the manuscript's authenticity. The plot thickens with Shapira’s mysterious death in a Rotterdam hotel…
This episode delves into Chapter 11 of The Moses Scroll, focusing on the rapid rejection of Shapira's manuscript by Conder, Clermont-Ganneau, and Ginsburg in August 1883. Despite widespread backlash, Shapira stood firm in his belief, writing a detailed letter from Amsterdam to Edward Augustus Bond, advocating for unbiased examination. Shapira argued, “The sin of believing…
This episode delves into Chapter 11 of The Moses Scroll, focusing on the rapid rejection of Shapira's manuscript by Conder, Clermont-Ganneau, and Ginsburg in August 1883. Despite widespread backlash, Shapira stood firm in his belief, writing a detailed letter from Amsterdam to Edward Augustus Bond, advocating for unbiased examination. Shapira argued, “The sin of believing…
Based on Chapter 10 of Ross's book, The Moses Scroll, this episode focuses on a pivotal moment in August 1883, a period marked by rapid dismissals from Claude Conder, Monsieur Clermont-Ganneau, and Christian David Ginsburg. Each scholar rejected the Shapira manuscript strips within two whirlwind days, as detailed in the chapter "Thrice Rejected in Two…
Dive into the pivotal twelfth episode of "INFAMOUS: The Shapira Saga," where Ross & Jono dissect Charles Simon Clermont-Ganneau's decisive rejection of the Shapira Fragments. As skepticism casts long shadows, this episode unravels the tensions and repercussions of a scholarly showdown that challenges the authenticity of a historical enigma. Watch as the drama of discovery…
As Dr. Ginsburg's analysis of the manuscript strips intensifies. Public fascination grows, with fragments displayed in the British Museum drawing crowds, including Prime Minister Gladstone. However, the scholarly storm brews; despite Ginsburg's silence on its authenticity, debates ignite, echoing the controversies of the Moabite Stone. With scholars split, accusations of forgery surface, challenging the scroll's…
Delve into the sensational global reaction to Moses Shapira's presentation of a mysterious leather scroll to London's scholars in 1883. Described intriguingly as a "very curious Phœnician copy of Deuteronomy," this artifact quickly captivated the world's imagination. Was it possible that Shapira had acquired the oldest known biblical manuscript, predating even the famed Dead Sea…
Ross & Jono journey with Moses Shapira as he steps into the heart of London, unwavering and convinced of the authenticity of his biblical manuscript. Arriving unannounced at the Palestine Exploration Fund (PEF) headquarters in July 1883, Shapira sets the stage for what William Simpson would describe as 'Shapira’s Grand Performance.' Through meticulous historical accounts,…
In this episode, Ross & Jono explore a captivating story from Leipzig, Germany, in 1883, where German scholars at Hotel Hauffe examined the Shapira Fragments, ancient texts that challenge our understanding of the Bible entirely! Despite their conviction, Berlin's academic authorities dismissed the fragments as forgeries, sparking a scholarly rebellion. The episode uncovers the mysteries…
This episode unfolds the captivating tale of Moses Shapira's quest to validate his ancient manuscript strips. Spurred by Friedrich Bleek's insights and facing scholarly skepticism, Shapira embarks on a dramatic journey to Germany, challenging the academic world with his belief in the biblical significance of his discovery. It begins with a ten-page letter to Hermann…
This episode promises to weave together the lesser-known connection of Moses Shapira with one of Jerusalem's most ancient treasures, the Siloam Inscription, and the poignant story of a young boy whose discovery in 1880 leads to an adoption by the Spafford family, known for their tragic narrative and enduring faith. Explore the fascinating intersections of…
Ross & Jono delve into the enigmatic actions of Moses Shapira upon his realisation that his sixteen leather fragments may well be the oldest manuscript of the Bible. On September 24, 1878, Shapira sent a transcription of part of the manuscript to Professor Schlottmann in Halle, only to receive a stern rebuke on October 17,…
Following the 1868 discovery of the Mesha Stele, a series of artifacts emerged, suggesting a rich Moabite culture. These finds, known as the Moabitica, quickly caught the attention of collectors and scholars, igniting a fervent race among nations to secure these treasures. At the heart of this tale is Moses Wilhelm Shapira, an antiquities dealer…
Four biblical kings (Israel, Judah, Edom, and Moab) face off in the Battle of Moab. The story has long been known to us because of the Second Book of Kings, but in the latter half of the nineteenth century, an archaeological treasure surfaced that provided another account of this battle. Explore an extraordinary discovery made…
In "The Moses Scroll: A Prelude to the Dead Sea Scrolls," hosts Ross & Jono delve into the captivating story of Moses Wilhelm Shapira and his intriguing acquisition of sixteen ancient leather fragments. This instalment bridges Shapira's enigmatic find, often referred to as the Shapira Scrolls, with the landmark discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls…
Episode One of "INFAMOUS: XVI Fragments" - Revisiting The Moses Scroll Controversy; introduces the mysterious world of Moses Wilhelm Shapira. This episode rewinds to December 2019, marking a shift in Shapira's story from a mere historical intrigue to the heart of our project. Here, Ross and Jono recount their paths to discovering Shapira, setting up…
In The Moses Scroll, Ross presented evidence that Moses Wilhelm Shapira was involved in early efforts to decipher the Siloam Inscription. In this video, Ross and Jono discuss the details from 19th Century reports that prove beyond doubt that Shapira was the first to recognize the meaning of the ancient inscription and was correct about…
Shortly after the discovery of the Mesha Stele (Moabite Stone) in 1868, artifacts purportedly discovered in Transjordan and testifying to an ancient Moabite culture made their way to the Jerusalem shop of Moses Wilhelm Shapira. They were initially believed to be authentic. The Germans, having recently failed in their attempt to acquire the Mesha Stele,…
It was my privilege to speak at the 79th United Israel World Union annual conference in Louisiana last week. I spoke on some of the things that blew my mind about The Moses Scroll over the last couple of years of studying the manuscript. It was a challenge to choose what to include in my…
Biblical archaeology is abuzz with news of a new find upon Mount Ebal. What does it say? How old is it? Also, recent news reported that the Siloam Inscription was going to be returned to Israel from Istanbul. But why is it there in the first place and what does it have to do with…
Fragment F of The Moses Scroll is literally a crossword puzzle. It is entirely unreadable but for a scattering of identified letters in the first column. Listen to Ross as he explains how he solved the puzzle to reconstruct the paragraph that appears immediately after the Decalogue. His reconstruction reads as follows: [… “Y]ou [speak]…
The final two commandments, as they appear in The Moses Scroll, are as follows: You shall not desire • [your neighbor’s] woman, • his maidservant, • or anything • that is • his. • I am • Elohim • your Elohim. • You shall not hate • your brother • in your heart. • I…
Ever since Moses Shapira brought The Moses Scroll to the public in 1883 it has been and continues to be, keenly debated in the scholarly world. One point of contention, the commandment as it appears in the document: "You shall not respond • against your brother • with a testimony of • deceit. • I…
Ezekiel 18:20 states that "The son shall not bear the guilt of the father, nor the father bear the guilt of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be upon himself, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon himself." How does this resolve with passages such as Exodus 20:5, 34:7, and Deuteronomy…
In this program, Ross & Jono make an exciting announcement and also discuss the next commandment "You shall not steal" discussing how The Moses Scroll's rendering of the commandment has more in common with Leviticus 19 and Zechariah 5 than Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5. https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B0967DYGC4&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_PNR9AMMJ75TC6TVWE8DX&fbclid=IwAR22YpXe2395eBlyNRQ0-LePi5SfszheqC2wD12aGSCPn060ZhY4bdMo91g&reshareId=PRNX2G12M86854HDTY7D&reshareChannel=system JOIN ROSS, TOVIA, & JONO IN ISRAEL ON THE…
In this week's show, Ross & Jono address the 5th Commandment as it appears in The Moses Scroll, "You shall not commit adultery • with the woman • of your neighbor. • I am • Elohim • your Elohim. •" What does it mean to adulterate? Why include the qualifier "of your neighbor"? and who…
The 4th Commandment as it appears in The Moses Scroll is, "You shall not kill • the soul of • your brother. • I am • Elohim • your Elohim. •" But what does it mean to "kill the soul" and what exactly is a soul? Why does the Moses Scroll include the qualifier "of…
In this episode of their current series discussing the Ten Words according to The Moses Scroll, Ross and Jono discuss the command regarding "parents." Typically translated as honor/honour, the Hebrew word actually means "give weight." Does this "command" contain a promise of reward? What was the original reading? TOUR ISRAEL WITH TANAKH TOURS!
On the lid of the Ark of the Covenant are two formed images of heavenly creatures known as Cherubim. They guard the two stone tablets upon which God inscribed the Ten Commandments. The first of these commandments states "You shall not make for yourselves a carved thing or any formed thing which is in the…
Ross and Jono have finally reached the focal point of the text of The Moses Scroll: the Ten Words. In this episode, they provide details about what set THIS version of the Decalogue apart from all others. https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B0967DYGC4&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_PNR9AMMJ75TC6TVWE8DX&fbclid=IwAR22YpXe2395eBlyNRQ0-LePi5SfszheqC2wD12aGSCPn060ZhY4bdMo91g&reshareId=PRNX2G12M86854HDTY7D&reshareChannel=system
In Deuteronomy, the Shema comes after the Ten Commandments. In The Moses Scroll, it comes before. Which is more consistent? Is there a detectable pattern in the Pentateuch when it comes to instruction? Find out in this week's episode. https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B0967DYGC4&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_PNR9AMMJ75TC6TVWE8DX&fbclid=IwAR22YpXe2395eBlyNRQ0-LePi5SfszheqC2wD12aGSCPn060ZhY4bdMo91g&reshareId=PRNX2G12M86854HDTY7D&reshareChannel=system JOIN ROSS NICHOLS, TOVIA SINGER, & JONO VANDOR ON TANAKH TOURS!
Ross & Jono continue with a careful study of the journeys of the Children of Israel contained within the text of The Moses Scroll. Comparing this text to the canonical version found within the Pentateuch, they reveal some interesting variants ... variants that resolve discrepancies observed by scholars. What does Zamzumim mean? What is the…
The Pentateuch contains several sections that purportedly describe the travel itinerary of the Children of Israel in their wilderness journeys. Sorting the route has proven most difficult due to inconsistencies between books, conflicting place names in the various sources, confused geographical references, and occasional references from later scribes. Numbers 33:1-2 informs us in the third…
"...and God committed adultery"?!? How did this highly controversial mistranscription from the paleo-Hebrew text of The Moses Scroll occur? What did it actually say and did it concur with the canonical text? Find out in this week's episode! https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B0967DYGC4&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_PNR9AMMJ75TC6TVWE8DX&fbclid=IwAR22YpXe2395eBlyNRQ0-LePi5SfszheqC2wD12aGSCPn060ZhY4bdMo91g&reshareId=PRNX2G12M86854HDTY7D&reshareChannel=system
Whose idea was it to send the spies? Whose idea was it to delegate leadership? Who are the Anakites and is there any archaeological evidence to even support their existence? More importantly, are any of the above narratives derived from the Moses Scroll? Find out in this week’s episode! https://read.amazon.com/kp/embed?asin=B0967DYGC4&preview=newtab&linkCode=kpe&ref_=cm_sw_r_kb_dp_PNR9AMMJ75TC6TVWE8DX&fbclid=IwAR22YpXe2395eBlyNRQ0-LePi5SfszheqC2wD12aGSCPn060ZhY4bdMo91g&reshareId=PRNX2G12M86854HDTY7D&reshareChannel=system
In this episode, Ross answers excellent questions from the following comment left by a Truth2U listener: I find this subject fascinating, but so far have failed to grasp what it is that has both of you believing it is an authentic predecessor to our modern Deuteronomy. We don’t have the originals to perform any tests…
This week, Ross and Jono work through the opening verses of The Moses Scroll. They discuss some of the notable readings in the text, comparing and contrasting them with the Masoretic text. One of the interesting points of the manuscript is that aside from the opening and closing lines, it uses Elohim rather than the…
This week, Ross and Jono begin to introduce their listeners to the text of a fascinating manuscript. Called The Moses Scroll by Ross in his recently published book, and The Valediction of Moses by Harvard scholar Idan Dershowitz - both of whom believe that it is ancient and authentic. Could this manuscript be the earliest…
Sometime in early spring of 1883, Moses Shapira came upon a book that made him reconsider the objections of Schlottmann and Delitzsch. As he put it in a letter to Hermann Strack dated 9 May 1883, “A short time ago a book called Einleitung in das Alte Testament [Introduction to the Old Testament] von [by] Friedrich Bleek…
In 1878, Moses Wilhelm Shapira, a Jerusalem antiquities dealer and scroll merchant came to possess a fascinating collection of leather strips. He believed that these leather strips, written in Paleo Hebrew were an ancient form of the Bible’s Book of Deuteronomy. He made a transcription of the manuscript and carefully noted variations between the message…
Two mounts, Gerizim and Ebal, are associated with a ceremony to be performed when the children of Israel cross into the promised land. The details of the ceremony are mentioned in Deuteronomy chapters 11 and 27, and also in Joshua chapter 8 where, according to the narrative, the ceremony actually takes place. The narratives contained…
In this podcast, "Here We Ganneau Again," Ross and Jono cover some of the old theories that have been rehashed again and again, even recently. In 1883, Monsieur Clermont-Ganneau, put forth a theory that the forger cut the bottom off of a Torah scroll to make his "fake" manuscript. We also discuss whether or not…
Ross Nichols comes onto Truth2U for his first-ever discussion on his recently published #1 Amazon Bestseller, The Moses Scroll. Ross pays tribute to the memory of Moses Shapira and brings us up to date regarding today's news articles on the topic that has the world buzzing with heightened curiosity, just as it did when Shapira…
The Moses Scroll - Reopening the Most Controversial Case in the History of Biblical Scholarship In 1878, a Jerusalem antiquities dealer named Moses Wilhelm Shapira acquired a curious biblical manuscript consisting of sixteen leather strips. The manuscript, written in ancient, Paleo-Hebrew contained what appeared to be a form of the Bible’s Book of Deuteronomy but…