It’s a question that sits at the heart of Jewish tradition, and a passage in Sifrei Devarim offers a glimpse into the answer.
The verse states, "as He swore to your forefathers" — and the Sifrei Devarim explains that everything that follows is "all in the merit of the forefathers." Think about that for a moment. The blessings, the promises, the very land itself... it's all connected to the actions, the faith, and the dedication of those who came before us. It paints a powerful picture of intergenerational legacy. It's not just about our individual merit; it's about the collective merit of our ancestors rippling through time.
And what about the specifics of these promises? The text continues, "and He give you all the land that He swore to give to your forefathers." This wasn't just any land, but included (the cities of) the Keni, the Kenizi, and the Kadmoni – lands "across the Jordan, where three cities of refuge were established." These cities of refuge, places of sanctuary for those who accidentally committed manslaughter, are more than just geographical locations. They represent a commitment to justice, to mercy, and to providing a haven for those in need.
Now, let’s talk about these cities a bit more. In Devarim (Deuteronomy) 19:9, it says, "If you keep all of this mitzvah (commandment) to do it … then you shall add for yourself, etc." The Sifrei Devarim derives something amazing from this verse. It tells us that Moses himself set aside three cities of refuge east of the Jordan River. But that wasn't the end of the story. When the Israelites finally entered Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel), they established another three cities. And, looking towards the future, the text suggests that in time to come, yet another three cities are destined to be added.
Think about the progression: three, then six, then nine. It's a fascinating numerical sequence. What does it mean? Some commentators see it as a reflection of the ever-expanding nature of God's mercy and protection. Others see it as a symbolic representation of growth and completeness. What do you see in it?
The idea that these cities would be added in stages also speaks to the ongoing process of building a just and compassionate society. It’s not a one-time achievement, but a continuous effort, a perpetual striving to create spaces of safety and redemption.
So, what can we take away from this passage in Sifrei Devarim? Perhaps it's a reminder that we are all part of a larger story, a continuous chain of generations linked by shared promises and shared responsibilities. And, maybe, it's a call to action, urging us to continue the work of our ancestors, to build a world where mercy and justice prevail, one city – one act of kindness – at a time.