Ki Seitzei 5784

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Surprising restrictions[1]

לא-תתעב אדמי כי אחיך הוא לא-תתעב מצרי כי-גר היית בארצו: בנים אשר-וילדו להם דור שלישי יבא להם בקהל יקוק
Do not abhor the Edomite, for he is your brother. Do not abhor the Egyptian, for you were a sojourner in his land. Children that are born to them, [only] the third generation will enter into the congregation of Hashem[2]

The prohibition to marry an Edomite and an Egyptian convert is unique. Usually, someone of improper lineage which the Torah precludes from marriage cannot remove that blemish. They are forever forbidden, like a Moabite and an Ammonite[3]. This is not so for an Edomite and Egyptian convert. While they themselves cannot marry a regular Jew, nor their children, their grandchildren are permitted.

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Shoftim 5784

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Noble pursuits[1]

פן ירדוף גאל הדם אחרי הרצח כי-יחם לבבו והשיגו וגו’‏
Lest the “Blood Avenger” chase after the killer, for his heart is furious, and he’ll catch him[2]

The Torah has mercy upon an accidental killer, albeit in a limited way. The concern is due to his negligence, the family of the deceased will want to take revenge. The Torah has compassion on them, and grants permit for such actions. However, to give the murderer a fighting chance, he is granted a place of safe haven. These are known as the “Cities of Refuge”, where the murderer lives and the family of the deceased, known as the “Blood Avengers”, cannot enter.

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