The Lonely Avenger


“…and the avenger of blood shall find him outside the border of his city of refuge, and the avenger of blood will kill the killer – there is no blood for him. For he must dwell in the city of refuge untill the death of the Kohen Gadol, and after the death of the Kohen Gadol, the killer shall return to the land of his possession.” Ch.35/27-28

One who has committed an accidental murder must remain in a city of refuge. If he comes out of that city, the avenger of blood (a close relative of the victim) may kill him. However, once the Kohen Gadol dies, the killer is free to leave, and the avenger may not harm him.