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 […]