Seeking Refuge?
While we Jews are known repeat that same old story hundreds of times, G‑d is not known for repetitiveness in the Torah. And yet, in no less than four places (the last one being in this week’s portion), the Torah discusses the “Cities of Refuge”, the safe havens established for those guilty of an accidentally causing the death of fellow human being.
What is the eternal relevance of these cities? What powerful lesson is G‑d teaching us by placing such an emphasis on these cities? And lastly, what insights can we glean from these cities to help us prepare for the upcoming New Year?
Dear friends, we are all human and, by definition, imperfect (except for my wife!). Haunted and pursued by past indiscretions, unhealthy habits, and unspiritual tendencies, we seek and desperately need a ‘safe haven’; a city of refuge.
But where to run?
“The words of Torah are a refuge”, our tradition teaches us. Indeed, the Torah is a heavenly gift. By studying and immersing ourselves in it, we rise above our finite limitations, we successfully fend off all the impulses that hound us, and we find true serenity.
Perhaps this is why G‑d emphasizes the importance of these cities in His eternal Torah and why we always read about these cities right before Rosh Hashanah. Seeking refuge in the Torah helps us overcome our mortal shortcomings and enables us freshen our slate for the start off the new year.
As we venture towards this new year, I’d like encourage you to consider strengthening your connection to the Torah. In addition to our weekly learning opportunities at Chabad, our website is filled with an incredible selection of classes, insights, and Torah wisdom. Give it a try and experience a modern city of refuge!
Fruma and our children – Malka, Yankele, Shimi, Mendel, Mushka, Riva & Rachmiel –join me in wishing you a Shabbat Shalom. May you and your family be inscribed and sealed for a Shana Tova – a sweet new year!
