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After the Torah lists those who were free to return home from battle, it mentions the one who is faint-hearted. One who lacks the courage to represent his people in battle should return home lest he instill this fear into others. In Sotah 44a the Talmud adds that this fear is more than an apprehension concerning battle and brush with death. This fear applies to one who is ushca ,urhcgn trh, “fearful of the sins in his hand” One who is afraid of the transgressions he has committed will affect the success of his brethren. He must depart from the…

The Torah implores Bnei Yisrael to “prepare the way” for the unintentional murderer, availing him the opportunity to reach the safe haven of the Arai Miklat. Indeed, they prepared road signs which pointed the way to the nearest city of refuge. The Talmud in Makkos 10b states that just as Hashem shows the way for the unintentional sinner, He certainly does the same for the righteous. Horav A.H. Lebowitz, Shlita, notes that Hashem places “road signs” for all of us, directing us to the correct path to follow for a successful life. The unintentional murderer found his way referring to…