Not to slaughter an animal and its offspring on the same day

This mitzvah prohibits slaughtering a mother animal and her offspring on the same day, whether for food, sacrifices, or any other purpose. The Torah emphasizes compassion even within the act of slaughter, teaching sensitivity to the bond between parent and child in the animal world. The prohibition applies to both mother and father, but the classic commentators stress the maternal connection most.

This mitzvah highlights the Torah’s concern for mercy and the avoidance of unnecessary cruelty, even when dealing with animals permitted for food. It teaches us to cultivate restraint, empathy, and reverence in how we interact with creation.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

• Rambam (Hilchot Shechitah 12:1): The prohibition applies equally to sacrificial and non-sacrificial slaughter.
• Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 294): The root of this mitzvah is to cultivate compassion within us, preventing callousness by teaching us not to disregard the bond between a mother and her offspring.
• Rashi (Lev. 22:28): Explains that the verse’s wording includes both mother and father, but tradition focuses primarily on the mother.
• Talmud (Chullin 78b): Clarifies that the prohibition applies only when both slaughterings occur within the same calendar day, not within a 24-hour period.