In today's Torah portion, miklat also signaled a safe
place, a place of escape...but not for ordinary citizens hoping to
escape an enemy's incoming rockets. It was for individuals who had
accidentally killed another human being. The arei miklat, cities of refuge, were to have
signage indicating that those who committed accidental manslaughter
could find protection within the city.
What was the purpose of providing the Arei Miklat, the cities of refuge?
The author of Sefer Ha-Chinuch (an anonymous author from the house of Levi living in Barcelona in the 13th century) suggests three reasons for a manslayer to flee to a city of refuge (positive commandment 410):
The first is “So
that he regret his deed, suffering the pain of exile, which is almost
like the pain of death, for a person becomes separated from his loved
ones and the land of his birth, and must live out his days among
strangers.”
Secondly “there
is an element of improving the world … for it saves him from the blood
avenger killing him when he did not willfully do wrong, for his act was
unwitting.”
And finally “There
is yet another benefit: so that the relatives of the person who was
killed not have to constantly see the killer in the place where the
unfortunate act was committed, for all the ways of the Torah are for
peace and tranquility.”
In
terms of the arei miklat, if an individual sought shelter within one of
the designated shelters he was required to stay there until the death
of the High Priest occurred. In other words, indefinitely. The purpose
was to protect the innocent slayer from an act of vengeance on the part
of the murdered individual's family.
************
Within
the last several weeks within Israel, it has become apparent that
Israel understands that providing a safe place for all of its citizens including its children is very necessary. Such places...are designed
to keep its innocent citizens out of the way of violence. What a
different image has met our eyes as we watch the intricate tunneling
system of Gaza designed from the same cement that protects Israel's
children being used to promote violence against our children while Gazan
children are placed in harm's way near stockpiles of munitions and
rockets. In Gaza, schools and hospitals are no longer places of shelter
for innocents due to the actions of Hamas.
Despite
the fact that the world is decrying the lack of harm coming to Israeli
citizens because they have shelters and safe rooms (not to mention the
iron dome that works so well)...there is still much damage and suffering
happening to Israelis who are being forced to seek shelter daily.
With
that in mind, the JFNA (Jewish Federations of North America) are
calling upon us in cities all over the U.S. to come to the aid of our
fellow Jews in Israel by providing humanitarian aid.
*************
(Excerpted from JFNA publication)
Why now? And why us?
Because
Iranian-backed Hamas’ upgraded military capabilities mean that today,
three-quarters of Israelis live within range of rocket fire.
Because the IDF is engaged in an operation to eradicate Hamas’ military capabilities. More than 2,969 terrorist targets and 30 massive concrete tunnels used to smuggle weaponry and infiltrate Israel have been destroyed.
Because in just over two weeks, Israelis have endured nearly 2,000 rocket attacks, fired at all hours of the day and night.
Because in the precious few seconds between a siren blast and a rocket hit, lives can be destroyed, or changed forever.
Because the elderly, the disabled, the disadvantaged and new immigrants have specific and urgent needs for comfort and care.
Because if the past is any guide, the majority of charitable contributions that will help the Israeli people during times of crisis will come from Jewish Federations.
Because Federations can uniquely access a wide network of support, reaching the most Jews in the most communities in the U.S. and Canada.
Because we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel.
Because the IDF is engaged in an operation to eradicate Hamas’ military capabilities. More than 2,969 terrorist targets and 30 massive concrete tunnels used to smuggle weaponry and infiltrate Israel have been destroyed.
Because in just over two weeks, Israelis have endured nearly 2,000 rocket attacks, fired at all hours of the day and night.
Because in the precious few seconds between a siren blast and a rocket hit, lives can be destroyed, or changed forever.
Because the elderly, the disabled, the disadvantaged and new immigrants have specific and urgent needs for comfort and care.
Because if the past is any guide, the majority of charitable contributions that will help the Israeli people during times of crisis will come from Jewish Federations.
Because Federations can uniquely access a wide network of support, reaching the most Jews in the most communities in the U.S. and Canada.
Because we stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Israel.
I
sat in a meeting last week where individuals in the room were engaged in
a conversation that I could hardly believe was happening? It was suggested by one individual that "The people
of Israel are fairing so well, according to all the
news reports...perhaps they don't really need our help." Don't be fooled
by the slanted reporting of the news media....having to run for shelter
has great impact on Israeli's hoping to live a normal life.
Listen to what your dollars can do and are doing now:
Immediate Relief from the Line of Fire for More than 45,000 Children
Federation dollars allocated in this emergency campaign already helped 20,000 children last week. But the needs persist and are growing every day.
For the price of dinner for two—$53—we can provide a critical day of relief for children living closest to the line of fire. A day away from the front lines—in summer camps, youth villages and enrichment classes—is more than a day in the country. It is a respite from the confines of the indoor playgrounds that, for more than 13 years, have become their “normal” play spaces.
Other programs provide enrichment classes for teens and activity kits to distract children confined to shelters as sirens blare outside.
Total Allocated, Second Round: $1,395,098 Total Allocation: $3,596,002
Partners: The Jewish Agency for Israel, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, World ORT, Ethiopian National Project, Israel Movement for Reform & Progressive Judaism and Masorti Movement
Additional Help for 20,000 of Israel’s Most Vulnerable Citizens
In normal times, Federation-supported senior centers provide thousands of seniors living in poverty—many of them Holocaust survivors—with food and comfort. Today, it’s too dangerous for them to travel, and many are living within the walls of their apartment bunkers.
Our partners are deploying more caseworkers to bring food, medicine and comfort to the elderly—and other vulnerable groups like the disabled—in their homes. Crews are also installing equipment, like air conditioners, to make them more comfortable, and Internet connections to give them access to the outside world.
Total Allocated, Second Round: $697,900 Total Allocation: $1,934,400
Partners: The Jewish Agency for Israel, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee
Expanded Trauma Support for 15,000 Israelis
When sirens blare, tens of thousands of Israelis take cover. But when the all-clear sounds, many continue to suffer from trauma that may not be as visible as a physical injury, but is just as real. Partner programs are providing psychological assistance to help 15,000 civilians and first responders weather the current storm.
Program costs range from $1,200 to $3,600 a patient. But that just covers immediate support—counseling right now. Needs are likely to grow.
In addition, demands on help hotlines are up dramatically. These funds also enable a significant expansion of those services.
Total Allocated, Second Round: $1,057,000 Total Allocation: $2,114,000
Partners: Israel Trauma Coalition, The Jewish Agency for Israel, American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and Masorti Movement
Flexible Assistance for 13 Communities Hit Hardest by the Conflict
Local municipalities are at the forefront of managing community services and responses to attacks. Targeted local assistance helps bridge the gap between government aid and needs, enhancing the resilience of individual communities.
Total Allocated, Second Round: $350,000 Total Allocation: $850,000
************
Obviously,
we will not be starting the Federation's campaign today, but you need
to be aware that you will be called upon to come forward to help with
this special campaign. We have a long history of understanding the need
for a protective shelter. May the day speedily arrive when that shelter
will be a shelter of peace and our financial support will not be needed
to ensure the physical or emotional well-being of our brethren who are
forced to be all too aware of the word MIKLAT (shelter).
Amen.
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