in the middle

What do you do when you go to war? Roy and Cedric discuss the optional war discussed in the Ki Teitzei portion and what rules were given to the Israelites to hold them to a certain standard. Cedric delves into the instruction the Israelites were given for when they did not follow instruction. Roy talks about the Four Kings in the Midrash and the danger of self-deception in facing one’s own wars. Cedric shares insight on the process of learning to police his own mind.

Passage referenced: Deuteronomy 21:9-13

Roy and Cedric continue to speak on the war between the Israelites and Midianites. They talk about how the Israelites brought back the women who originally seduced them and discuss the different interpretations on how they were told to handle them. They close the series with a discussion of what happened with the land taken in the conclusion of the Matot-Masei portion.

Passages referenced: Numbers 31 & 32

Roy and Cedric discuss the concept of desire and lust, and contextualize the negative connotations of it. Roy speaks to the necessity of looking within oneself to address issues one may take with others. They talk about how God dealt with the Midianites regarding their attack on His relationship with the Israelites and acknowledge the abnormality of this situation. A continuation of the Matot-Masei portion.

Passages referenced: James 5:16, Ephesians 4:25, Numbers 31:1-2

Roy and Cedric begin discussion on the Matot-Masei portion by defining oaths and vows and the differentiations between the two. Roy speaks to the contextual location of the Torah’s specifics on the rules of vows. He also expands on the expectations regarding how vows are made and followed through (within reasonability).

Passages referenced: Numbers 30, Matthew 5:37

Roy and Cedric kick off the Vows & Oaths series by discussing the relationship between the Old Testament law and New Testament interpretation. Roy speaks to the rigidity of systems, versus the necessary pliability of individuals. They summarize the Pinchas Torah portion in preparation for discussion of the Matot-Masei portion, with Cedric explaining how the Midianites disrupted the journey of the Israelites in an effort to overcome them, and how God responded to the Israelites’ idolatry.

Roy and Cedric discuss the true meaning of “the Lord knows my heart.” They also talk about the rules of the tabernacle. Roy connects the dots between the instructions given to Nadab and Abihu and the last days. Cedric talks about how being the light would inherently cause one to stand out. Roy brings it all back to community and how you cannot follow God’s instruction without other people. A continuation of the Acharei Torah portion.

Passages referenced: Leviticus 16:1-2, Revelation 19:7-8, Ephesians 5:26

Roy discusses which good works are meant to be seen and which aren’t and the importance of working on your heart when working on good works. Roy and Cedric deliberate on the difference between good works and works of righteousness. Roy gets into the accessibility of atonement. A continuation of the Acharei Torah portion.

Passages referenced: Matthew 5:13-20, 6:1-16, 1 Timothy 6:17-18

Roy and Cedric delve deeper into interpretation of scripture. Roy talks about apparent contradictions in scripture and how Jewish law was not done away with. They discuss the importance of conduct and participation in the process. A continuation of the Acharei Torah portion.

Passages referenced: 1 Peter 2: 11-12, Ephesians 2:9-10

In this first episode on the Acharei Torah portion, Roy explains the manner of how one is supposed to enter the temple. Cedric speaks to God’s desire for obedience over sacrifice. They discuss the relationship between faith and trust. Roy breaks down some misconceptions of the Jewish faith and the role of the veil in the temple, and Cedric talks about the piecemealing of scripture for personal use.

Passages referenced: Leviticus 16:1, Hebrews 10:16-18, 20-22

Roy and Cedric begin the final episode of The Golden Calf series by setting the scene for a conversation between Moshe and the Lord wherein God proclaims His name. They discuss the possibility of choosing your actions outside of your lineage and further discuss the 13 attributes of God. Roy closes with addressing a parallel to the written Commandments being broken due to the sins of the people. 

Passages Referenced: Exodus 33, Romans 12:2, Exodus 34:5-7