Judaism has no over-arching statement of faith, catechism or official creed. This passage from Deuteronomy, however, may be the closest thing it has of that variety. We might think of this as the core of a biblical system of belief.
Deuteronomy 6.4-9.pdf
We sometimes think of cities as dangerous places. (I don’t think that’s nearly as true as some claim.) Still, the City of Refuge in ancient Israel was a notable place of safety. God has provided a refuge for us today in Christ.
There is much we can learn – most of it negative – from one of the oddest characters, in one of the oddest stories in the Bible.
During the wilderness wandering, the Israelites fall into severe discontentment, becoming critical of both Moses and God. Their complaining and rebellion lead to deep lessons about sin, its consequences and the cross.
Central Reflections 