It is forbidden to take a mother bird together with her young.
This mitzvah prohibits capturing the mother bird while she is with her young in the nest, whether eggs or chicks. The Torah commands us to respect the bond of life between parent and offspring, preventing us from wiping out both generations at once.
The act of restraining our hand here is one of compassion and reverence for creation. By leaving the mother bird free, we recognize divine mercy in the natural order. This commandment reminds us to temper human power with sensitivity, even over creatures considered small and insignificant.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
Bein Adam L’Makom (between a person and G-d)
Bein Adam L’Chavero (between people)
Signifies awe and reverence toward Hashem—living with awareness of His greatness and presence.
Represents the concept of spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.
Represents Emunah—the deep, inner trust in Hashem’s presence, oneness, and constant involvement in our lives. This badge symbolizes a heartfelt connection to G-d, rooted in belief even when we cannot see. It is the emotional and spiritual core of many mitzvot.
Mitzvot that define and deepen the relationship between a person and their Creator. These include commandments involving belief, prayer, Shabbat, festivals, sacrifices, and personal holiness — acts rooted in divine connection rather than human interaction.
Encompasses mitzvot that govern ethical behavior, kindness, and justice in human relationships.
Dive into mitzvot, prayer, and Torah study—each section curated to help you learn, reflect, and live with intention. New insights are added regularly, creating an evolving space for spiritual growth.
Explore the 613 mitzvot and uncover the meaning behind each one. Discover practical ways to integrate them into your daily life with insights, sources, and guided reflection.
Learn the structure, depth, and spiritual intent behind Jewish prayer. Dive into morning blessings, Shema, Amidah, and more—with tools to enrich your daily connection.
Each week’s parsha offers timeless wisdom and modern relevance. Explore summaries, key themes, and mitzvah connections to deepen your understanding of the Torah cycle.
