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.