Masai: From Fear of You I Run to You

There is an irony in the Teshuva process. Amidst a feeling of stigma, distance, and ostracization from Hashem, the sinner runs to Hashem. This is akin to the child who has just done the unthinkable and is certain that his parents will pounce on him. Where does he hysterically run in? Into his mother’s bosom. This powerful phenomenon will be traced in the mitzvah of Ir Miklat (City of Refugee) in the parsha.