If a person killed someone by accident chas v’shalom, what is the law? What am I supposed to do?
Answer:
The Torah idea of the Arei Miklat (cities of refuge) demonstrate that killing by accident is a grave matter, and indeed be treated with appropriate gravity. Although the biblical laws involved do not apply today (and there are many details for the laws, and cases in which they don’t apply), one must do hearfelt teshuvah, which should preferably involve (somehow) the family of the person who killed. It is important to show them how much you care and regret the incident, though how and by which means is a question of the personal circumstances.
A Kohen who kills, even by accident, may not continue to duchan, although there are exceptions to the rule, as we have discussed in a special article on the subject here: https://dinonline.org/2011/06/03/disqualifications-for-birkas-kohanim/.
It is important, at the same time, to realize that the gates of teshuvah are wide open, in particular for a sin that was committed by accident, and time has a way of healing even the deepest wounds.
Best wishes and Good luck for the future!
