in the middle

In this final episode on the Bamidbar Torah portion, Roy breaks down the Rabbinic law on criticism and Cedric speaks to what it means to be a beacon of hope. References: Proverbs 29:7, Romans 12:1, 8:19-25

In this continuation of the Bamidbar Torah portion, Roy and Cedric talk about how with more responsibility comes a higher standard and Roy talks about having an understanding of one’s station in life. Roy speaks to his experiences in having to choose his character. Cedric talks about what he’s learned about the significance of integrity in ministry. References: Numbers 3:16-31

In this continuation of the Bamidbar Torah portion, Roy and Cedric note the association of the different tribes with different animals. They analyze the scripture itself and analyze numerical representation of names and the importance of directionality. Roy also speaks to the significance of the 30 day mark when a child could be counted in the census. References: Numbers 2, 3:1-15

In this continuation of the Bamidbar Torah portion, Roy and Cedric continue to talk about lineage and discuss how and why the Levites were separated out from the Israelites. They also touch on the role of the firstborn and Roy identifies aspects of organized religion in the scripture. References: Numbers 1:16-20, 1:47-54, Exodus 12:3-7, 19:5-6, 24:4-8

Roy and Cedric begin discussion on the Bamidbar Torah portion by establishing the importance of receiving what God is saying. Roy talks about the standard of Sukkot and his experience with it. Cedric analyzes the idea of  lost culture and the significance of heritage. References: Numbers 1:1-15

In the final episode covering the Tazria portion, Roy and Cedric establish the responsibility of the church to regulate its own people and not uphold people outside of the community to its rules. Roy talks about the Jewish approach to prayer.  Passages referenced: Leviticus 14:3, 1 Corinthians 5, Psalm 118:24 Robert E. Lee Descendant Resigns as Pastor Over Racial Justice Comment

In this continuation of the Tazria portion, Roy and Cedric discuss what it takes to get tzaraat and what it takes to remove it. They also dig deeper into why one could be considered clean, even with the presence of tzaraat. Cedric considers the representation of the different elements used in the ceremony of cleansing. Roy clarifies the difference between tzaraat and leprosy. Passages referenced:...

Roy and Cedric continue analysis of the Tazria portion with a discussion on how easily people engage in lashon hara. They also begin to discuss the handling of leprosy and who determines if someone is “unclean,” as well as establishing the difference between a condition and a natural state. Passages referenced: Leviticus 13:2-14, Proverbs 29:7, Hebrews 4:12

Roy begins this continuation of the Tazria portion by explaining the sin offering. He and Cedric begin to discuss the process of restoration from leprosy. Roy talks about how tzaraat does not have a remedy provided in scripture. Cedric speaks to the ease of the spread of lashon hara. Passages referenced: Leviticus 13, Proverbs 24:17-18

To start their discussion of the Tazria Torah portion, Roy talks specifics in the Hebrew translation, and Cedric speaks to the significance of the portion. Roy goes on to explain the importance of a child being born female and clarifies the context of what it means to be clean or unclean. Passages referenced: Leviticus 12:1-8, 15:19-30, Matthew 4:1-3, 16:13-20

In the final episode of the Ki Tisa portion, Roy talks about the names of God and the divine name given to Moshe. He and Cedric discuss Moshe’s experience with God on Mount Sinai. They go on to discuss the attributes of God, and Cedric relates these to the fruits of the Spirit. Passages referenced: Exodus 33:18-23, 34:4-7, Galatians 5:22-23, Acts 15:24-29, 19:14-15, Matthew 25:14-30

In this episode reviewing the Ki Tisa portion, Roy and Cedric explore Moshe’s relationship with God and his intentions and desires. They also establish Moshe’s status both on earth and in heaven. Passages referenced: Exodus 33:7-16, Numbers 24:4

In this continuation of the Ki Tisa portion, Roy and Cedric discuss the Sabbath, and Roy points out that observance of Shabbat is a practice. Cedric talks about the nature of Moshe’s relationship with God and the promise given to Moshe by God. They further analyze the differences between the first and second sets of tablets on which the 10 Commandments were provided.  Passages referenced: Exodus 3...

In this episode of the Ki Tisa portion, Roy and Cedric discuss the responsibility of believers to be representative of Mashiach on earth. Roy notes the “presence” of Mashiach in this section of Torah. Cedric speaks to Jesus’s communicative nature.  Passages referenced: Exodus 30:30-32, 31:1-6

In this episode of the Ki Tisa portion, Roy and Cedric review the process of development to get closer to God. They also discuss the materials withheld by the women when the calf was being made and the difference between a father’s and a mother’s approach to their community. Roy shows curiosity in Cedric’s and others’ interpretations of what the laver looks like. Passages referenced: Exodus 30:13-...

In this episode, Roy and Cedric begin discussion on the Ki Tisa Torah portion. Roy points out the influences of Kabbalah and establishes that the Torah is not chronological. Cedric talks about his appreciation for the equalizing moment of the offering of atonement for the Israelites and what set Moshe apart. Passages referenced: Exodus 32, Exodus 30:11-15

In the final episode exploring the Terumah portion, Roy and Cedric mull over the temporary state of the physical tabernacle and show appreciation for its mobility. Roy relates to the experience through his participation in Sukkot. Elaine interjects to speak to the importance of the Holy Spirit in the new covenant. Cedric talks about the issue of dispensationalism in Christianity’s history. Roy tie...

In this continuation of the Terumah portion, Roy and Cedric discuss how the law still applies even after the new covenant was established. Roy digs into the details of the language used in the establishment of the new covenant and why it was established. Cedric talks about the sacrifices made to provide the covenants and how the sacrifice of the new covenant benefits us. Passages referenced: Hebre...

Roy and Cedric continue the Terumah portion, discussing the details of the colors used in the materials used for the tabernacle and the significance of the copper used in the laver. They contemplate the perpetuity of God’s Word and humans’ responsibility of earthly resources. They also stress the temporary status of the physical Tabernacle. Roy shares additional thoughts on the importance of under...

Cedric gives his take on the beginning of the Terumah portion in this episode and talks about the purpose of offering. He considers the symbolism of the Ark of the Covenant. He and Roy discuss the construction and materials of the tabernacle, particularly focusing on the mysterious animal, tachash, as well as what everything is meant to represent. Passages referenced: Exodus 25:1-2, Genesis 2:25

In this episode, Roy begins the discussion of the Terumah portion by establishing the necessity of context to read Hebrew. Cedric speaks to the general trouble of translations and interpretations of the Bible. They also talk about the conflicts and ties between the Old and New Testaments, and the importance of both. Roy speaks to his consideration of details in his studies of Torah. Finally, they...

In this episode, Roy and Cedric close out their discussion of the Parashat Bo Torah portion by discussing the plague of the death of the firstborn. They also touch on the consolidation of people as the Israelites left Egypt. Roy talks about how he came to understand Jesus Christ and the issue with trying to explain who He is. They talk about the actual requirement of being born again. Cedric consi...

In this continuation of the Parashat Bo Torah portion, Roy and Cedric discuss the plague of darkness that fell over Egypt and what set it apart from a typical darkness. Cedric ponders the conceptual difference between the identity of “Christian” versus “believer.” Roy revisits what it means to be a lover of the truth. Passages referenced: Exodus 10:21-22, 11:4

In this continuation of the Parashat Bo Torah portion, Roy and Cedric talk about how we will be held accountable for our actions and history and establish that repentance is a requirement of having a relationship with God. They further discuss the battle between Pharaoh and God, moving from the locust plague to the plague of darkness. Passages referenced: Exodus 10:5-21, Psalms 33:12 Thomas Jeffer...

In this continuation of the Parashat Bo Torah portion, Roy discusses the idea that God's Word does not return to Him void. Cedric speaks to the plagues being representative of the different Egyptian gods. They discuss the difference between being a slave and being enslaved and which the Isrealites in Egypt were. Roy speaks to the importance of that difference in acknowledging poor work treatment a...