"You shall not deliver a slave to his master if he desires refuge with you from his master." (Devarim 23:16)
There is quite a lot of discussion within the rabbinic literature, both ancient and modern, as to the institution of slavery as codified within the Torah. No matter how one understands slavery in the Torah - as an intrinsic value or as a concession to the state of human affairs - one cannot deny that slaves had a better life in the Torah's system than in other ancient societies. One proof of this elevated sense of compassion towards those without societal privilege is the verse quoted above. A runaway slave is not to be compelled back into the brutal arms of their master but rather is accorded sanctuary within your domain.
The next verse continues this conversation and includes a very powerful textual reference that illustrates how profoundly important this mitzvah is. The Torah states that: "Rather, he shall dwell among you, wherever he chooses [bamakom asher yivhar]..." This is the only time the phrase "bamakom asher yivhar" is used in the Torah to refer to a circumstance other than the future site of God's dwelling on earth, the Temple.
The message is resoundingly clear. The level of investment, effort and the sanctity we accord to the place where God's presence is felt on earth must be matched with the same for how we treat the least amongst us.
May we strengthen our commitment to the underprivileged and by so doing strengthen our relationship with God.
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