Human Nature

The Rabbis teach us that human nature is such that many points that should be obvious, are not. Therefore, they must be repeated over and over again, so that the obvious is not forgotten.

An example of what should be obvious is a statement made by the Rabbis that says, אין אדם מורד בהקב״ה אלא מתוך שביעה, “An individual only rebels against Hashem, when he is filled up.”

This means that the most likely time that a person will forget G-d, is when he feels that he has all of the material pleasure that he needs. Since everything is going so well, he foolishly believes that this abundance comes from the work of his hands. He has no need to pray or rely on Hashem, for he doesn’t need Him.

One must avoid this pitfall and not be one who only turns to G-d in time of need. Such a person will have a more difficult time finding favor in the Al-mighty. He will have to rectify the situation of the times when he abandoned Him.

We are witnessing this situation in the Diaspora today. The global rise of anti-Semitism, is removing that sense of complacency and smugness that has existed for many decades. Many Jews “went through the motions” of religious observance, but felt much too comfortable and sure of themselves. They had plenty of money, beautiful houses and cars, and all of the comforts that one could only dream of.

Now, reality has set in. The “welcome mat” for Jews in many countries of the world, is not as welcoming as before. Jews are learning the hard way that this false sense of security, is truly false. Now that the smugness and complacency is removed, Jews will this obvious lesson, and realize that we have no choice but to rely on the G-d of Israel.

Human Nature

The Rabbis teach us that human nature is such that many points that should be obvious, are not. Therefore, they must be repeated over and over again, so that the obvious is not forgotten.

An example of what should be obvious is a statement made by the Rabbis that says, אין אדם מורד בהקב״ה אלא מתוך שביעה, “An individual only rebels against Hashem, when he is filled up.”

This means that the most likely time that a person will forget G-d, is when he feels that he has all of the material pleasure that he needs. Since everything is going so well, he foolishly believes that this abundance comes from the work of his hands. He has no need to pray or rely on Hashem, for he doesn’t need Him.

One must avoid this pitfall and not be one who only turns to G-d in time of need. Such a person will have a more difficult time finding favor in the Al-mighty. He will have to rectify the situation of the times when he abandoned Him.

We are witnessing this situation in the Diaspora today. The global rise of anti-Semitism, is removing that sense of complacency and smugness that has existed for many decades. Many Jews “went through the motions” of religious observance, but felt much too comfortable and sure of themselves. They had plenty of money, beautiful houses and cars, and all of the comforts that one could only dream of.

Now, reality has set in. The “welcome mat” for Jews in many countries of the world, is not as welcoming as before. Jews are learning the hard way that this false sense of security, is truly false. Now that the smugness and complacency is removed, Jews will this obvious lesson, and realize that we have no choice but to rely on the G-d of Israel.

Fear G-d and Not Man

In Moshe Rabbeinu’s final talk to the Jewish people, he addresses the potential problem of being overwhelmed by the mighty nations surrounding Israel.

He tells them that if they ever feel that they are not capable of subduing these nations, they must be reminded not to be afraid. Hashem is in their midst, the great and awesome G-d.

On this point, the “Duties of the Heart, makes an interesting observation. When it comes to the obligation to love Hashem, this love is not diminished, when man shows love towards his fellow man.

This is not the case in connection with fearing G-d. If this individual fears man as well, it is a sign that he really does not have fear of G-d.

If one possesses true fear of Hashem, he will not be capable of fearing one of His creations. This is why Moshe tells the nation not to be afraid of their potential enemies. If their fear of Hashem is intact, they will be certain of His protection. There will be the realization that no force on earth is capable of threatening the G-d of Israel.

If we give in to fear, it is a sign that we need to strengthen our יראת שמים, fear of Heaven. If that fear is strong, then sirens, and threats from our enemies will not move us. We will feel confident of this Divine protection.

This is especially true for us, when we have witnessed so many blatant miracles. There should be no doubt that Hashem is fighting our battle, and we have nothing to fear at all.

No Diseases of Egypt

The Vilna Gaon has an interesting explanation as to why the Passover Hagaddah bothers to tell us of a three way argument regarding the number of plagues that smote the Egyptians. There were opinions of fifty, 200, and even 250.

His answer is related to the promise made by Moshe Rabbeinu. He told the people that all of the diseases of Egypt, (מדוי מצרים) will not be placed on you. All that needs to be done is to diligently observe the commandments.

The point of the Gaon was that if more diseases were delineated, the less the chance, that these same diseases would befall the Jewish people.

As long as they followed the Torah, none of the two hundred and fifty Egyptian diseases would smite. This would minimize the potential for sickness among the Jewish people.

The Torah has previously mentioned that Egypt was the most decadent place on earth. Not only was it filled with physical diseases, but it was equally plagued with moral disease. The Rabbis were hinting to the fact that it was their hope that none of the moral or physical diseases of Egypt, would ever fall on the Jewish people.

We live in a world of moral depravity as well as one of numerous diseases. The Jewish people must build an immunity to all of this, and stay on the path designated for them by the Torah.

No Spirituality-No Joy

Parshat Eikev has a very strong warning for the Jewish people that applies for all time.

When Moshe Rabbeinu recites the famous line, “Man does not live by bread alone,” he wants the people to understand a very real aspect of human nature.

If a person chooses to live a life devoid of spirituality, he will suffer in the end. The pursuit of materialism and comfort, will not give any permanent sense of satisfaction. Physical pleasures are temporary and do not last.

The makeup of a Jew consists of a body and soul. The body is temporary and the soul is eternal. When one satisfies the temporary aspect of his being, the joy will similarly, be temporary.

If the satisfaction of the soul is not part of this joy, it will leave that individual with a sense of emptiness. Something will be missing that will prevent that lasting feeling of contentment.

This is what Moshe meant when he said that, “Man does not live by bread alone.” The bread represents the physical, material world. That alone is not enough. Man will truly live when he is connected to Hashem and his spiritual side.

Many may be in denial of this basic truth. Eventually, things will catch up with him when he recognizes this void. Hopefully, this can be recognized before it’s too late. This recognition is what brings meaning to a person’s life. No longer will he be living a life of futility. Now his life will have meaning, and he can now experience a real sense of peace of mind and contentment.

Two Aspects of Shabbat

The Ten Commandments are mentioned twice in the Torah. There are slight differences in the text each time they are mentioned.

This is most pronounced regarding the laws related to Shabbat. In the first instance, we are commanded to, Remember (זכור) the Sabbath day to keep it holy.” In the second instance we are to, “Observe (שמור) the Sabbath day to keep it holy.”

A more pronounced difference between the two references of Shabbat comes from the reasons given as to why we must observe and cherish this day.

In Shemot, the reason given is that if G-d, who needs no rest, but, nevertheless, rested on the Seventh day, then we, as humans, desperately need rest, should certainly refrain from doing work or constructive activities on the Seventh day.

It is essential that we take pause one day a week and recharge the batteries in a day of spirituality. This allows us to better cope with life’s challenges.

The second reason for Shabbat is to remind us that Hashem took us out of Egypt in order to make us free men. The ability to stop for a twenty-four hour period, and disconnect from the technological world, shows that we are indeed free. We do not answer the phone, text, or check our e-mails. We do not work on this day and do our normal daily activities.

The ability to do this, shows that we are truly free. The inability to do this shows that we are slaves to this material world, and are not really free.

These two messages of Shabbat ring loud and clear for all time. Very simply, we need rest to function, and we need to be totally free.

Prophecy and Graven Images

Moshe Rabbeinu felt it necessary to clarify an important aspect of prophecy as it relates to our perception of Hashem. He does not want there to be any confusion with as it relates to G-d not having any physical form.

Moshe focused on the Revelation at Mount Sinai. He reminds the people that they did not see a physical form of G-d while in a conscious state. This implies that it is possible to have such a perception in a non-conscious state. This takes place when one is transformed to a state of prophecy. This actually occurred at Mount Sinai and it occurred seven weeks before during the splitting of the Red Sea.

In both instances, the nation was elevated to a prophetic state. At Mount Sinai, they saw G-d as a saintly sage with a long white beard. And at the Red Sea, they saw Him as a brave warrior.

It is important to understand this distinction, so that one not be dragged into confusion about G-d. The basic principle that G-d has no physical form is etched in stone. Such a belief would minimize the infinite nature of Hashem. He has no limits and cannot be confined to a body.

Prophecy lasted for 1000 years and no longer exists today. It is difficult for us to even comprehend what prophecy really was. We believe it will return in Messianic times. In the meantime, it is our duty to connect with the living G-d who has no physical form. This is enough of a task that should be the main priority of our lives.

Messianic Times-Closer Than You Think

There is a Mishna in Masechet Megilla that describes the beginning of the Messianic period. It says that, “There is no difference between this world and the days of Mashiach, except for שעבוד מלכיות, subservience to other nations.”

This is explained to mean that the Jewish people will no longer be threatened or attacked by any other people. It means that there will be absolute security for the people of Israel, in the Land of Israel. This period will be followed by other wonderful changes of peace and prosperity for the Jewish people.

During these turbulent times, things tend to be very troublesome without a clear picture of how all of this will play out.

If we gain enough clarity to see the Hand of G-d in a blatant manner since October the Seventh, we will realize that we are closer and closer to seeing a fulfillment of that statement of the Mishna.

We are witnessing the fall of our enemies, one by one. Iran, Lebanon and Hizballah, Syria, and Hamas, are all incredibly weaker in a relatively short period of time. With Hashem’s help, we will see these threats crippled entirely.

We must not lose faith and our optimism despite all of the difficulties that have come our way. We have never been closer to this first stage of the coming of Messianic times. If we stay strong and open our eyes, we will realize that these times are much closer than we realize.

We Must Not Forget

The Torah makes it a prohibition to forget the events of Mount Sinai. Moshe Rabbeinu gives a strong admonishment that they must remember that great day of Revelation.

He also reminds them that they never saw a physical image of G-d, for he has no form. There is a reference here to the state of prophecy they were experiencing. There is a big difference between what is seen in conscious state and a prophetic state.

Many prayer books list “six remembrances” that we are to recite each day. We are to remember our exodus from Egypt, the attack by Amalek against us, the rebelliousness of the Jewish people in the desert, Miriam’s sin against Moshe, and remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy.

We see how important it is that we not stray from the main events of our history. We have a definite destiny that is unique to our people. We need to appreciate the special role that we have.

We are not meant to copy the ways of the other nations. We are meant to lead and not follow. Remembering the important events of our history, will help keep us focused on our priorities for the present.

This is why we are commanded to mention the exodus from Egypt twice daily. This was when we began as a nation, and Hashem revealed Himself in an open manner.

No religion can compare in its origin. One nation taken out of the midst of another nation with signs and wonders. And seven weeks later, every Jew heard G-d speak the first two of the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai.

We can understand why Moshe Rabbeinu placed so much of an emphasis on remembering. Forgetfulness of what is crucially important has proven to have devastating results on our people. This must not be repeated. “Never again,” means not forgetting.

Admiration for Israel

Moshe Rabbeinu’s final addresses gave an assessment as to how the nations of the world will view the Jewish people. There is a certain inevitability in his words.

Israel will constantly be scrutinized by the nations of the world. As difficult as it might be for them, they will eventually acknowledge the uniqueness of the Jewish people. It is the laws of the Torah that will set us apart from the rest of the world.

They will realize that only a “wise and understanding nation,” are capable of living by such a disciplined and holy life, according to a just set of laws.

This realization is known to the whole world. Some will choose to admire us, because of this, while others will choose hatred and wish that we would not exist.

We are witnessing all of this today. The admiration manifests itself by the mass wave of conversion to Judaism. The hatred shows its ugly face with illogical and vicious Jew hatred throughout the world.

In the end, the haters will either perish or also acknowledge the truth of Judaism. But the truth always becomes clear.

There is an amazing process unfolding, where, on one level, Israel is already the admiration of the world. But those who are in denial of this truth are demonstrating ignorance and foolishness that will be exposed.

The ugliness is meant to come as a wake up call to all Jews around the world. The Galut, the exile, is coming to an end. Jews are no longer welcome anywhere in the world, except for Israel.

All of this was predicted in the Torah and is happening right before our eyes. We are getting closer and closer to see a fulfillment of Moshe Rabbeinu’s final address. “Only a wise and understanding nation is capable of having such rules and statutes.” The world will admire and acknowledge Hashem, the Torah, and the people of Israel.

Matrilineal Descent

Matrilineal descent is learned indirectly from the verse that follows the commandment not to marry a non-Jew. This is based on the Talmud in Masechet Kiddushin.

The wording of the Torah is not clear and needs explanation. The Torah speaks of a situation when, “Your son will be removed from Me, and will worship false gods.”

Rashi explains that this verse is speaking to the grandfather, the father of the son who has turned away from Hashem. The proximity of this verse to intermarriage implies that the son has turned away to such an extent that he has married a forbidden woman.

The result of this marriage might be that she gives birth to a boy. This grandson is not your son, but is considered her son.

The Torah did not speak of a case where your daughter turns away and worships idols, because the son that she might bear, is considered her son, and your grandson.

It would seem to be a lot easier if this was explained more openly, but this is the tradition that began with Moshe Rabbeinu, and is known as Halacha Le’Moshe Mi’Sinai.

This term, “Halacha Le’Moshe Mi’Sinai,” means that it is a rule that is etched in stone. It came as instructions directly from Hashem to Moshe. We have no authority to question laws of this category, just as we are not allowed to question G-d. Laws of matrilineal descent fall into this category.

No More Complacency

Jewish History has taught us that every place that Jews lived outside of Israel, ended up with three painful results. We were either expelled from that place, or we assimilated and abandoned Judaism, or we suffered extermination, G-d forbid. This has been a reality from which there is no escaping.

We have been blessed to be able to live in Israel for the past forty-two years. I was the founding rabbi of Young Israel of Century City in Los Angeles.

Over the years, I have remained in contact with numerous friends and family, and visited the States fairly regularly.

To be honest, I always left these visits with a very bad feeling. Jews seemed so smug and complacent that they had it all. I felt that they even felt a certain superiority over their struggling Jewish brethren. I did not enjoy praying in synagogues in America, and kosher restaurants annoyed me, seeing Jews that clearly had their priorities out of whack.

During my current visit to the States, I see that all of that has changed. Synagogues in Los Angeles have removed their Jewish symbols to protect themselves from vandalism. All of them either have security guards or codes in order to enter.

There is actual respect and admiration for the Jews living in Israel. The anti Jewish sentiment in America is very real and very worrying.

It is likely that October the Seventh changed the Jewish world dramatically. There is a strong revival of religious observance and Jewish identity has never been stronger.

There is no question that Hashem has a plan, and is running the show. Truth wins in the end and we are witnessing a serious Jewish wake up call.

That false sense of security that materialism and ostentatiousness once brought, is being exposed for its lack of substance.

The truth of G-d and the Torah is becoming more and more clear. But the miracle of Israel and the welcoming arm of its inhabitants to Jews all over the world, should give great comfort.

Unlike our past exile, that did not end well anywhere, a happy ending awaits all Jews if they would only open their eyes and come settle in the eternal home of the Jewish people.

No Fear of Man

When Moshe Rabbeinu reflected on his years of leadership of the Jewish people, he recounted the difficulty of his task. At one point, he pleaded with Hashem that it was not a task that he could do alone.

His request was granted when a judicial system was put into play. There would be higher and lower courts, who would judge various cases. The great Sanhedrin would have the final word in every instance.

Moshe again mentioned the qualifications to be a judge in Israel. He should be a person of prominence, who is not easily swayed. He will not take bribes, and he will actively pursue justice.

Moshe added another quality that was needed to serve as a judge in Israel. The Torah uses the words. לא תגורו מפני איש, that one must not be afraid of any man.

This idea was pointed out by the great, Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai, as he summoned his students to his death bed after his one hundred and twentieth birthday.

The students were surprised to hear his simple advice to fear G-d as much as they feared man. They asked the sacred rabbi, “Is that all?” He replied that this is much more than you think. If they could live by this advice, it would be a great thing.

If one truly has faith in Hashem, he will not allow himself to be intimidated or bullied by others. This is particularly true of judges in a court room setting.

They might receive threats from the litigants that might seem to be very real. They must know that if they stand strong and do not falter in their judgement, Hashem will be with them.

The charge of not fearing any man was earmarked for Jewish judges. Nevertheless, this advice applies to everyone. We are to be strong in our convictions, and not be afraid to verbalize them.

Fearing what others think of us, will prevent us from doing what is right. Giving into fear, puts us in a very precarious state. It takes away our confidence and our ability to achieve. It encourages negativity, and ultimately, failure.

We must heed the advice of Moshe Rabbeinu, who also lived to 120, as Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai did. We must not be afraid of any man.

The Curse of Galut

The day of Tisha B’Av is meant to be one of reflection. When we remember the destruction of our two Temples in Jerusalem, we should also remember what this tragedy has meant for the Jewish people.

We went from being a holy nation living in our holy Land, to a fragmented nation scattered all over the world. The terrible curse of Galut, the Exile set in. We were strangers in strange lands and were not treated well by our hosts. When we were treated decently, we were affected by the cultures of these lands, and many Jews assimilated. Today we are plagued with intermarriage that has taken its toll on our people.

The worst tragedy of all, was the ignorance that developed among the majority of Jews all over the world. The basic knowledge of the Torah and Judaism, became foreign to too many Jews.

Thankfully, we are witnessing a rebirth of Judaism today, as Hashem has been openly revealing Himself to the Jewish people. Many Jews are returning as they are moved by the events around them. Nevertheless, the theme of the day is that we return to G-d as in the days of old. We must pray that once again we will witness the prophecy of Yechezkel fulfilled. “You will be My people, and I will be your G-d.”

Tisha B’Av and Rebuke

Parshat Devarim is always read before Tisha B’Av. One of the reasons is that the word, “איכה” is found in the beginning of the Parsha. This is the same word as the name of the Book of Lamentations, which is read on Tisha B’Av.

But there is another connection that might even be more significant. This has to do with the fact that Parshat Devarim is mainly one of תוכחה, rebuke.

Moshe Rabbeinu makes his final address to the Jewish people before his death. It is filled with rebuke for all of the times that the people turned away from Hashem, during their forty years in the desert.

It is also a warning as to what will happen if they do turn away from the Torah.

The Rabbis teach that giving rebuke is very difficult to do, but it is particularly effective before one dies.

Pirkei Avot tells us that one of the ways of acquiring the Torah is to love rebuke. The Book of Mishlei said it best. “Rebuke a wise man and gain a friend. Rebuke a fool, and you gain an enemy.”

It would be nice if we would only be complimented and flattered all of the time. But that is not the way for us to improve ourselves. We all have room for improvement and it should be a priority that we try to grow spiritually.

Added to this, rebuke has a therapeutic aspect. We are urged not hold things in, when we are wronged by another individual. It is our duty to let them know if they have harmed us physically or monetarily, or shamed us. This gives the other party the chance to make things right, and it is a great relief to get things off our chest.

Tisha B’Av is meant to be a day of reflection, where we must learn from past mistakes. This is how we will succeed in turning Tisha B’Av from a day of mourning, to a day of joy.

Shabbat Chazon

This coming Shabbat is known as Shabbat Chazon. It is connected with the first word of the Haftarah, on the Shabbat before Tisha B’Av. It represents a vision of doom by the Prophet Isaiah.

He bemoaned the degradation of the Jewish people and how they lost their way from the path of holiness. Even the ox and the donkey, knew their master, but Israel did not know.

They merely paid lip service to the Creator, by offering sacrifices without the proper intention. Such distant worship of G-d, was abominable in Hashem’s eyes. Proper intent is necessary for one’s worship to bear fruit. Isaiah went on to discuss the corrupt leaders who will influence the people at the time of their decline.

He is alluding to the fact that Jews can fall lower than animals. The animals have instincts to run for shelter to escape danger for self preservations. Man can fall even lower where he knowingly does things that will cause harm, but he does them anyways.

Because it was primarily man’s corruption that led to his fall, a verse of hope ends this very painful chapter. ציון במשפט תפדה ושביה בצזקה, “Zion shall be redeemed with justice, and its returnees with acts of kindness. This refers to the ethical integrity and a spiritual and moral return, that will be necessary to bring about our ultimate redemption.

This is the antidote to the corruption and immorality that will lead to our destruction. Integrity and acts of kindness will bring the results that we all crave. No more mourning and sadness. We have had enough. The joy of Redemption is at hand. And it is within our reach to bring it about speedily in our time.

Milchemet Mitzva

There are very specific laws related to fighting wars. There are two types of battles that Israel fights. One is called a מלחמת רשות, a permissive war in order to expand our borders. The second type is מלחמת מצוה, a war that is a Mitzva to fight.

There are three types of Milchemet Mitzva. The first is the commandment to utterly destroy Amalek, and the second is to drive out the Seven Nations inhabiting the Land. These first two types of war are no longer relevant today.

The third category is very relevant today. It applies to a צד הצורר אתכם, “An enemy that is oppressing you.” The Rambam describes this group as those wishing to drive you out of the land. It is a Mitzva to fight them and see to it that they do not succeed.

It would be worthwhile to remember verse 33:55 in the Book of Bamidbar. That particular verse warns us that if we do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, they will be as, “thorns in your eyes and spikes in your side.” It ends with the words, וצררו אתכם, “And they will harass you upon the land in which you dwell.”

It is important to note that the word, וצררו, and they will harass, is the same root as the third type of מלחמת מצוה, the צר הצורר אתכם.

It interesting to note that Queen Esther referred to Haman as an, “איש צר ואויב” a man who is our enemy that oppresses us.

We have been learning the hard way, the truth of the words of the Torah, related to today’s non-Jewish inhabitants of our land.

We must be clear that all of Eretz Yisrael belongs to the Jewish people. Non-Jews are welcome to live here if they accept Israel’s sovereignty, and accept Ger Toshav status, by observing the Seven Noachide Laws. They can also convert to Judaism if they accept the 613 Mitzvot.

The war we are fighting today is a Milchemet Mitzva, a holy war of survival. We must complete the task at hand and make it clear that Israel belongs to Am Yisrael for all eternity.

Alacrity and Enthusiasm

There is an old joke about a Jew about to be executed by a firing squad. They offer him a final request to choose his favorite food before his execution. The Jew says that he would like strawberries. They tell him that strawberries won’t be in season for at least six months. The clever Jew answers, “I’ll wait!”

Contrast this little story with Moshe Rabbeinu. He is told that he has one final task to fulfill, before it is time to leave this world. He is to take revenge against Midyon, by waging war with them.

Moshe does not hesitate and musters up an army of 12,000 to fulfill Hashem’s command. The people are also aware that they may be soon saying good-by to their great leader. They do hesitate and consider delaying the battle so that they can be with Moshe a little longer. Moshe convinces them that they must follow Hashem’s wishes. They win the war decisively where not even one Jewish soldier is killed.

We are urged to fulfill the commandments of the Torah with alacrity and enthusiasm. When there is a Mitzva to be performed, it should be done without hesitation.

The Rabbis tell us that we should repent one day before we die. This means that we must repent right now, for we do not know what tomorrow will bring.

The Mussar books speak of laziness as one of the greatest impediments towards accomplishing our goals. Moshe Rabbeinu did not ask for strawberries when he knew his death was near. He set the example of fulfilling Hashem’s wishes without delay or hesitation.

The Convert and the Kohein

There is an interesting discussion in Masechet Yevamot, regarding the status of a girl under three years of age, who converted together with her parents. The question was whether she is regarded as a convert or like a born Jew.

The significance of this question has to do with her potential permissibility to marry a Kohein. The general rule is that a convert may not marry a Kohein.

The great Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, of Lag B’Omer fame, was of the opinion that three years old was the cut-off age. Below three was still a baby and the converted child should be considered a Jewess in every way. He used the war with Midyan as the precedent where girls of different ages were treated differently.He was the dissenting opinion and Jewish Law was not according to him. A convert of any age was forbidden to marry a Kohein.

We learn from this discussion that there was inherent holiness in the seed of the Kohein. This applied to the daughter of a Kohein as well. She was permitted to eat of the Teruma, which was sanctified food at an early age.

The Kohanim always had a special role among the Jewish people. In the Temple, this role was more pronounced, but even today, the Kohein is supposed to guard himself to live a more sanctified life.

This sanctity begins with whom the Kohein is permitted to marry. The wife is the pillar of the Jewish home. She, too, must come from proper lineage to carry on the sacred role of the Kohein. The command of וקדשתו, “And you shall sanctify him (the Kohein) still applies today.

The Impact of the Death of the High Priest

The laws of the Cities of Refuge are unique to Judaism. The idea of a protected area for an accidental murderer, was meant as a partial punishment for the negligence that caused the death of an innocent man.

The perpetrator was not allowed to leave the עיר מקלט, or City of Refuge, until the Kohein Hagadol passes away. Until that time, the ג׳ואל הדם, or redeemer of blood, is allowed to kill the accidental murderer, if he leaves the City of Refuge.

The Abarbanel gives an explanation for this somewhat strange law. Why was the death of the High Priest connected with the Cities of Refuge, and the freedom granted to the accidental murderer to leave?

He explained that the death of the Kohein Hagadol caused a great turmoil in the Jewish world. Everyone was shaken up by the loss of its holy spiritual leader.

The redeemer of blood, was equally moved by this devastating loss. It allowed him to calm down from his own loss, who had died at the hands of the accidental murderer. He will no longer be filled with that same anger. He will be moved to repent and will no longer seek revenge.

Sometimes the loss of a great leader allows people to rethink their value system. They might realize that grudges and pettiness, are not worthwhile. Life is too short to dwell on things that, in the long run, are not that important. The death of the Kohein Hagadol was an event that was so tragic, that it had such an effect on the people. The new reality was one of peace and brotherhood. It was now safe to leave the City of Refuge.