Moses Establishes Cities of Refuge and Reveals Hidden Spiritual Connection to Egyptian Killer
The weekly Torah portion discusses three types of courts established in Israel: local courts in every city for residents, tribal courts for each tribe to handle internal matters, and the Great Sanhedrin in Jerusalem with 71 judges holding supreme authority over national issues such as appointing a king and declaring war. These courts also enforce monetary laws, punish criminals, and safeguard public adherence to Torah laws, including issuing new decrees when necessary.
Among the 41 commandments in the portion, one commands the establishment of cities of refuge. These are special places where someone who killed unintentionally can flee to avoid the avenger of blood. Six cities of refuge are designated: three east of the Jordan River (Bezer, Ramoth, and Golan) and three within Israel, supplemented by 42 Levitical cities that can also serve as refuge. Differences exist between the six cities and the Levitical cities regarding the conditions for refuge, payment of rent, and rights of the fugitive versus the hosts.
Moses commanded the preparation of roads to these cities, ensuring they were smooth and well-marked to facilitate escape. The three eastern cities’ initials form the Hebrew word "GVR" (Golan, Bezer, Ramoth), linked to the verse "Happy is the man who lives and does not see death," symbolizing salvation for the fugitive.
The portion also highlights a unique moment when Moses sang a song upon commanding the cities of refuge, despite their immediate lack of practical use. This joy is explained by a mystical teaching from the Ari HaKadosh (Rabbi Isaac Luria), who revealed that Moses was a reincarnation of Abel, and the Egyptian he killed was the reincarnation of Cain. Moses’ killing of the Egyptian was an attempt to rectify Cain’s sin prematurely. The establishment of the cities of refuge allowed Moses to atone for this act, as they provided sanctuary for unintentional killers. This spiritual insight connects Moses’ personal history with the commandment to create refuge cities, explaining his joyous song at this commandment’s institution.
