Trim the fat cap off the brisket, leaving just 1/3 inch. Cut into 3-inch cubes. Season the brisket with salt and pepper. Sear the brisket fat-side down until nicely browned, about 2 minutes on the first side. Brown the brisket on the additional sides, about 1 minutes per. Remove to a plate. Add the cider and scrape up the brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the cumin, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, garlic, and 2 teaspoons salt. Return the beef to the pot, fat-side up. Pour in enough water to come at least 2/3's of the way up the beef.