This episode explores the theological shift that begins with the Joseph saga, where divine encounters give way to vivid dreams and human drama. Discover the symbolic garment changes in Joseph’s story, untangle the mystery of Jacob referencing Joseph’s mother posthumously, and examine the multiple sources woven into the narrative by ancient scribes. We also touch…
We explore Jacob’s mysterious wrestling match and the meaning behind the name "Israel." From the significance of Peniel/Penuel to the renaming of Bethel and the birthplace of Benjamin, we uncover layers of meaning often overlooked in the text. We discuss the demonization of Reuben, the complexities of the tribal hierarchy, and insights from the Moses…
In this episode we journey through Jacob's dream of the heavenly stairway at Bethel, the events surrounding his pillar (later forbidden in the Pentateuch), and insights from an ancient prophet who uniquely recounts Jacob's story. In light of the Moses Scroll, we ask intriguing questions such as, in what order did Jacob's wives become mothers,…
In this episode, we explore Toledot, Genesis 25:19–28:9, and the ancient story of Isaac's life. We discuss the mystery of Rebekah’s age, the flashback opening, and the biblical disdain for Esau—does God hate Esau too? We examine two distinct accounts of Beersheba’s naming, the origins of Esau, Edom, and Seir, and the power of blessing…
In this episode, we examine Abraham’s acquisition of the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron, a site steeped in tradition as the burial place of the patriarchs and matriarchs, and explore whether the Hittites in these narratives are linked to the Anatolian Hittites or the children of Heth. The discussion includes insights into ancient land transactions,…
Did Abraham kill Isaac in the original E source?! Join Jono, Ross, and EZRA as they continue the journey through Abraham's story with an academic lens. They examine doublets such as the divine announcements to Sarah and the Hagar and Ishmael narratives, along with two different accounts for naming Beersheba. They discuss Abraham’s place of…
The consensus among Shapiraologists is that Fragment F of the Shapira Scroll consisted of four columns, the first of which contained sparsely discernable letters. In comparison, the latter three columns contained no discernible letters and thus were regarded as lost text. This paper considers the possibility that Fragment F, column a, connects directly with Fragment…
In this episode, we explore Abram's earliest stories and the textual framework crafted by ancient scribes. We examine anachronisms, identify sources, and uncover the origins behind the story. We ask if the narrative of Kedorlaomer's victories attempts to supply a back story of how Elohim vacated land for Esau and Lot's descendants, as depicted in…
In Parsha Noach, we unravel the layers of Noah's flood story, exploring contradictions, doublets, and distinct sources within the biblical account. We draw fascinating parallels to other ancient Near Eastern flood narratives and discuss a unique flood story preserved in the Genesis Apocryphon from the Dead Sea Scrolls. Join us for an engaging, text-rich conversation…
In this week's episode of Torah Pearls, Ross and Jono, alongside their Textpert, Ezra, dive into the opening chapters of Genesis, exploring the two distinct accounts of creation. The discussion focuses on the use of different names for the Deity by these sources and addresses a common misconception about the Documentary Hypothesis and the name…
The wait is over—Torah Pearls Season Three premieres tonight, and it’s bigger and better than ever! Ross and Jono are back and joined by an exciting new co-host—EZRA, the Textpert (powered by ChatGPT and brought to life by Seth)! In this special kickoff episode, we introduce you to Ezra and give a sneak peek at…
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…
We’re thrilled to unveil the latest season of Torah Pearls, premiering Thursday, 17 October 2024! This groundbreaking series will take an entirely new approach to exploring the weekly Torah portions—and we’re bringing on a unique voice to make it happen! Following in the footsteps of previous seasons, which featured dynamic co-hosts like Keith Johnson and Nehemia…
The consensus among Shapiraologists is that Fragment F of the Shapira Scroll consisted of four columns, the first of which contained sparsely discernable letters. In comparison, the latter three columns contained no discernible letters and thus were regarded as lost text. This paper considers the possibility that Fragment F, column a, connects directly with Fragment…
Not since my days in college have I applied myself to academic writing. But I have decided to do just that after decades of audio and video podcasting, and I am enjoying it immensely. I have published my first paper on my Academia page. It reveals what appears to be an intentional calculation behind the division of…
Ross & Jono explore the fascinating and mysterious journey of Shapira’s manuscript fragments, delving into various theories about their whereabouts. From sales catalogues to auction houses, they’ll trace the chain of custody and uncover the twists and turns that have puzzled scholars for over a century. One intriguing aspect is the connection to the Freemasons.…
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…
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…
Delve into the historical context of the scroll discovered in 622 BCE during King Josiah's reign, coinciding with Jeremiah's early prophetic years. As Jeremiah, a priest in lineage, potentially connects to Hilkiah—the very priest who found the scroll—we examine whether Jeremiah could have been influenced directly by this text. The video builds on the compelling…
Does God pass on the curse of iniquity to an innocent descendant of the guilty party? Following the 81st UIWU Conference, Jono Vandor delves into his third topic, Trans-generational Punishment, in Part 2 of presenting alternative interpretations found within the Moses Scroll. https://youtu.be/a2TSlxVMAIo
At the 81st UIWU annual conference, Jono Vandor presents alternative, and perhaps controversial, interpretations from the Moses Scroll that significantly depart from the traditional view of the canonical texts: The forty years of wandering in the wilderness and the matter of Baal-Peor. https://youtu.be/UBJPAzcpMmI
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…
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,…
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…
Ross & Jono delve into the fascinating world of Hapax Legomena — those enigmatic words that appear just once in the Hebrew Bible. Fresh off their enlightening series on the Ten Words, this episode promises to be another riveting exploration of biblical linguistics. Discover the challenges and mysteries these unique words present to scholars, how…
Join Ross & Jono for the climactic finale of their riveting series on The Ten Words. In this final episode (Episode 14), your hosts bring the spotlight to the Moses Scroll, as they unveil the fascinating intricacies of this enigmatic ancient text's version of the Ten Words. Throughout the series, various versions of The Ten…
Does the Moses Scroll contain 10 or 11 commandments? Join us as we clarify misconceptions and reveal that, contrary to popular belief, the Moses Scroll does contain exactly 10 commandments, as does the Samaritan Exodus and Deuteronomy. We'll dive into a meaningful discussion about the tenth commandment of the Shapira Manuscripts: "do not hate your…
Hosts Ross K. Nichols and Jono Vandor take a close look at the important biblical directive against "bearing false witness." What does it really mean to "bear false witness" according to the ancient Hebrew texts? How have different translations shaped our understanding of this commandment? 📜🤔 Join us as we unpack this "word" by comparing…
Ross & Jono continue their deep dive into the Ten Words, turning their focus towards the often misunderstood commandment of "coveting." Ross presents a unique perspective, suggesting that this commandment reaches beyond mere actions and penetrates deep into the heart's desires. Jono, with his keen insights, may present an engaging counter-argument, adding to the depth…
Watch, as hosts Ross K. Nichols and Jono Vandor continue their deep dive into The Ten Words, turning their focus on the prohibition of theft. What do the ancient Hebrew texts really mean when they say, "thou shalt not steal?" Join us as we explore this intriguing commandment from seven different ancient Hebrew versions, unlocking…
Adultery. What does it mean according to the Bible? What are the differences between polyandry, polygamy, and polygyny? Can a man have more than one woman? Can a woman have more than one man? These are just some of the questions we'll explore. Drawing from seven ancient versions of The Ten Words, we're all set…
Join Ross K. Nichols and Jono Vandor for a fascinating exploration of the commandment "לא תרצח." Often translated as "Thou shalt not kill," the wording has sparked profound debates. Does the original Hebrew refer to 'kill' or 'murder'? How does it align with the numerous biblical references to crimes necessitating the death penalty? In this…
In this episode, we're diving into the heart of the Ten Words with an intriguing exploration of 'The Big Three' – the prohibitions against murder, adultery, and theft. Are you curious about the four unique orders these pivotal commandments appear in across various ancient texts? Join Ross K. Nichols and Jono Vandor as they unpack…
Episode five explores the significant commandment - "Honor Your Father and Your Mother," a unique commandment among the ten, for it holds a promise, or does it? Timed perfectly between Mother's Day and Father's Day, this episode will delve into seven versions of this profound directive, discussing the true meaning behind the Hebrew word often…
Delve into the intriguing depths of biblical history with Jono Vandor and Ross Nichols! As the evening marks the beginning of Shavuot, also known as Pentecost, we invite you to join us for an illuminating discussion about this profound Biblical festival. Traditionally, Shavuot commemorates the giving of the "Ten Words" or the Ten Commandments at…
Remember, observe, or sanctify Shabbat? Join Ross and Jono as they compare ancient documents that claim to record the Ten Commandments accurately. Even Exodus and Deuteronomy contain significant variations from each other. https://youtu.be/RBdgbMqYhV8?list=PLzmklBloXBL8ZPUPmjor5sJ-N4cRvKnDL&t=142 TANAKHTOURS.COM
In this discussion, Ross and Jono cover WORD TWO in their ongoing series on the Ten Words. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GioHv-ngZfQ&list=PLzmklBloXBL8ZPUPmjor5sJ-N4cRvKnDL&index=1 TANAKHTOURS.COM
In this episode, Ross and Jono discuss and compare WORD ONE, the prohibition against idolatry, in their ongoing discussion of the Ten Words. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sExyoPUT8Ts&list=PLzmklBloXBL8ZPUPmjor5sJ-N4cRvKnDL&index=2 TANAKHTOURS.COM
Discover the hidden depths of The Ten Words in a captivating new podcast series! Join Ross K. Nichols and Jono Vandor, as they embark on an engaging and challenging journey through one of the most significant topics in the Hebrew Bible - The Ten Words. Often referred to as The Ten Commandments, these "ten" words…
In this episode, Ross and Jono discuss Ross's recent trip to Israel and Jordan and then get into various textual witnesses of the Hebrew Bible. This past week many media outlets reported the upcoming sale of Codex Sassoon. What do we know about this manuscript? What about other early manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible? https://youtu.be/nB4wTYfiHbM
As keen students of the Hebrew Bible, Moses Scroll enthusiasts, and tour-leaders of the Holy Land, how exactly would we describe ourselves? Find out in our latest show! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DpU71B91Fk Sign up today for our EGYPT/JORDAN and/or ISRAEL tours!
https://youtu.be/2GKQyZS-zfI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFCD6vAzr5c
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…
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…