A fascinating topic is discussed in this week's Torah portion. The Cities of Refuge. The example is given of someone swinging an axe to chop down a tree, and the iron flies off and hits someone. A case of accidental murder. Well marked signs show the way for the offender to run to these designated cities of refuge, lest a vengeful relative kill him in retribution.
Cool story. But what's the practical application today?
At times, we may find ourselves in a place that we never intended to be in. Somehow, amidst all the tree chopping of business and the day to day grind, we lose focus. We open our eyes and have no idea how we ended up in this situation. Not quite a murder scene, but not exactly living up to our true values and aspiration.
What to do? Head to your nearest "City of Refuge". Reconnect. Consciously take a step away from your axe, and immerse yourself in a place of positivity. Take it as a wake-up call to get your (spiritual) self back into shape. It's the sound of the Shofar - an alarm alerting us to get in the zone.
No better time to recalibrate than the High Holiday season.
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Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Dovid Bush
ב"ה