This episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Va'etchanan (Deuteronomy 3:23-7:11), is perhaps the crown jewel of Torah portions. It contains the Shema in Deuteronomy 6:4. But what do the Hebrew words “Shema” and “Echad” mean and why is this single verse so important? Also in this program: Is Jesus/ Yeshua a victim of character assassination? What are the Noahide laws? Was the covenant made with us or our fathers? What is the 1st commandment?

Va'etchanan is adorned with an especially long strand of pearls and each gem is held to the light. After examining, “he pleaded,” the trio gets to the nitty-gritty of why Moses didn’t cross over. After noting the differences between the Ten Commandments in this portion and the listing in Exodus, the command not to add nor take away from the Torah is examined—as well as Jesus’ words on the subject. The provenance of the Noahide laws is revealed—with instances in the Tanakh (Old Testament) where these laws are contradicted. Discussions include: What does Moses’ 3,500 year-old prophecy prove? Regarding Sinai: would you just have to be there? How can we keep God’s word on our hearts? (see also Tefillin link below) What does it mean to take God’s name in vain? To covet? We have to pay for whose sins? (see also Ezekiel 18 & 33 link below) Is there more than one reason to keep the Sabbath day? Is there a better reason to honor one’s parents than the blessing of a longer life? Gemstones also include the “Shema” (6:4) in context, in tradition, and as spoken by Jesus. Gordon reveals a fossil from tradition that proves a time when the name of Yehovah was freely spoken. This especially long and lustrous string of pearls shows that Israel accepted the Torah as good—as love, light, wisdom and beauty for all mankind.

I look forward to reading your comments!

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Tefilllin (Phylacteries)

The Ways of the Lord Are Not Fair (Ezekiel 18 & 33)

Torah and Prophet Pearls