It's an idea deeply rooted in our tradition, and it takes center stage in the story of the cities of refuge.

We find ourselves with Moses, nearing the end of his life, and the two and a half tribes who’ve chosen to settle east of the Jordan River. It's in their territory that Moses, driven by an insatiable desire to do good, establishes these very cities.

There’s a lovely proverb that the text uses: "Whosoever loves pious deeds, never has enough of them.” It perfectly captures Moses's spirit. Even though God had decreed he wouldn't cross the Jordan, Moses still felt compelled to contribute to the land on the other side. He wanted to at least designate the spots for these asylums, these safe havens.

Why were these cities needed? Well, the people of Israel voiced a concern to God. They pointed out that God promised long life as a reward for following the commandments. But what happens, they asked, if someone accidentally kills another person? The avenger of blood, a relative of the deceased, might then kill the accidental manslayer. Would that person die before their time, negating the promise? It’s a very human question, isn’t it? A concern for justice, fairness, and the sanctity of life.

God, recognizing the wisdom in their words, instructs Moses to designate cities of refuge, places where someone who unintentionally caused another's death could flee. As the text says, "'that the manslayer might flee thither, which slayeth his neighbor unawares.'"

Moses, of course, was overjoyed. The text even says, "he that hath tasted of a food knoweth its flavor." This is a powerful image. Moses, having once fled himself after unintentionally killing an Egyptian, knew intimately the fear and desperation of someone being pursued for manslaughter. We read this story in Exodus 2:11-15. He understood the profound need for such a sanctuary.

According to Ginzberg's retelling in Legends of the Jews, Moses immediately set about fulfilling God’s command. He understood the urgency and the vital role these cities would play in upholding justice and offering compassion. They were a testament to the value of human life, even when a terrible accident occurred. The establishment of the cities of refuge wasn't just a legal decree; it was an act of profound empathy and understanding.

So, the next time you think about justice, consider this story. Consider the deep-seated human need for safety, for understanding, and for a chance at redemption. And remember Moses, who, even at the end of his life, continued to seek ways to bring compassion and justice into the world. What might we do to create our own "cities of refuge," metaphorical or otherwise, in our own communities today?