Tyler’s Torah Thoughts for 7 Av, 5783

Today’s portion is all about the “cities of refuge.”  There were three cities established where someone could go for safety.  The Torah talks about a person who unintentionally murders his fellow; provided he did not hate him yesterday or the day before.  This person can go to one of the cities of refuge.

I reflect on this.

If Murder isn’t JUST a physical act – but a spiritual and emotional act as well? If I use words to try and murder someone – if I get angry and unintentionally hurt someone? I can seek refuge.  However, if I am building up this hatred and anger and don’t express it? If I go three days with this anger and hatred in my heart and THEN “murder” them?  No refuge.

This inspires me to search my heart for hatred. And honestly? Most of that is within me towards myself.  And I need to continue to work on that.

Which then leads me to what would the three “cities of refuge” look like for me.  Immediately I know these are my cities of refuge:

•  Journaling
• Meditation
• Walking

These are the places I go to feel “safe” when I am struggling with internal thoughts that are super critical. But beyond those three cities of refuge? The Torah is the safest place for me to be

How about you?  Where are YOUR “cities of refuge?”  Where do you go within to feel safe?

I’d love to know your thoughts!

Here is my commentary from a year ago. It’s short because it was combined as a double portion:

Ok. Todays portion picks up from Moses talking to the children of Israel by separation three cities east of the Jordan where the sun rises. These were the three cities of refuge we discussed prior – places where a murderer who killed unintentionally could flee to and be safe.

Then todays portion closes with a review of the Torah. And a brief history of how they came to be on the east side of the Jordan.

All of this definitely feels like preparation to enter the promised land.

What are your thoughts?