In the first episode of the Lashon HaKodesh series, I will be examining the introducion to the Sefer Ha-Egron of Sa'adyah Gaon (b. 882) where we find the first discussion on the nature of Lashon HaKodesh by a medieval Rabbinic Jewish thinker.

References:

Allony, N. [Ed.] (1969). Ha-Egron. The Academy of the Hebrew Language.

Brody, R. (1998). The geonim of Babylonia and the shaping of medieval Jewish culture. Yale University Press. pp. 317-318; idem. (2013). Sa'adyah Gaon. Liverpool University Press. pp.79-84 [translation of Egron from these pages].

Glinert, L. (2017). The story of Hebrew. In The Story of Hebrew. Princeton University Press. pp. 81-85.

Septimus, B. (1994). Maimonides on Language. in Aviva Doron, ed., The Culture of Spanish Jewry: Proceedings of the First International Congress. Tel Aviv: Levinsky College of Education. pp. 38-39.

In this new mini-series, I will be looking at the nature of Lashon HaKodesh (Hebrew Language) through the eyes of various medieval Jewish thinkers. I will be paying particular attention to how their views about this topic relate to their broader theological positions.

Citations for Podcast: Dan, J. (Ed.). (2002). The heart and the fountain: An anthology of Jewish mystical experiences. Oxford University Press. pp.9-11.

On this episode, Rabbi Shnayor Burton discusses the difference between the Torah (5 books of Moses) and the Prophet's perspective on knowing and seeing God. Topics discussed include the purpose of the sacrificial services (Korbanot), Moses' knowledge of God and much more. Rabbi Burton opens a new perspective that he hopes will solve many difficulties and contradictions between the Torah and the Prophets. Rabbi Burton's own podcast can be found here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-great-sources-with-rabbi-shnayor-burton/id1493232233 See Torah vs Prophets

Maimonides of Sacrifices: Guide For the Perplexed 3:32

Talmud on Moses vs Isaiah: Yevamot 49b