parsha bit: Matot - Mas'ei
This week's parsha describes the cities of refuge where accidental
killers are exiled. The rabbis compare the exile of the accidental
killer to the exile of Adam from Gan Eden. Adam was told that the
punishment for eating from the tree was death, but the Holy One
Blessed Be He showed compassion and exiled him instead. So too,
we are to show compassion to the accidental killer rather than putting
him to death, and are to help him reach a city of refuge.
(Numbers Rabbah 23:13)