To release the mother bird before taking the children
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This Mitzvah's Summary
When taking young birds or eggs, one must first send away the mother bird.
This mitzvah commands us to actively send away the mother bird before taking her young or eggs from the nest. It is the counterpart to the prohibition in Mitzvah 207. While the Torah allows us to take from the nest, it requires that we first drive away the mother, sparing her from witnessing the loss of her children.
The mitzvah is associated with a promise of reward: “so that it may be good for you and prolong your days.” This highlights its significance despite seeming minor. It reminds us that even small acts of compassion and obedience matter greatly in Hashem’s eyes.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Shechitah 13:5–6): Details the procedure and emphasizes that the sending away must be active, not passive.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 546): The root is to cultivate mercy and prevent cruelty, while also reinforcing discipline in observing even seemingly light mitzvot.
- Talmud (Chullin 139b): Notes the unusual reward of long life and discusses parallels with honoring parents, showing that mitzvot beyond human logic still carry divine significance.
- Rashi (Deut. 22:7): Explains that the act ensures we do not wipe out both generations of a species.
Commentaries
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Kashrut – כַּשְׁרוּת
- This mitzvah is part of the kashrut framework because it governs how and when birds or eggs may be taken. Though not about cooking or eating directly, it is placed within the dietary laws since it regulates permissible taking of life for food.
Compassion – רַחֲמִים
- The heart of the mitzvah is mercy. By sending away the mother, the Torah trains us not to be cruel and to develop compassion even toward small creatures.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- The mitzvah is observed out of respect for Hashem’s command, even when it may not seem logical to us. It reinforces awe and reverence for the Divine will.
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- By sanctifying the ordinary act of taking eggs or chicks, this mitzvah lifts a simple moment in nature into holiness and makes us aware of Hashem in daily life.
Faith – אֱמוּנָה
- The Torah attaches a promise of reward to this mitzvah: “so that it will be good for you and you will have long life.” Accepting this teaches trust and faith in Hashem’s system, even in matters that seem small.
Bein Adam L’Makom (between a person and G-d)
- The mitzvah is a direct Divine command with no human counterpart. It is about obeying Hashem’s instructions, cultivating reverence, and showing respect for His creation.
Bein Adam L’Chavero (between people)
- Some commentators explain that this mitzvah trains our character traits. Compassion developed here is not only for animals but extends to how we interact with people. By practicing mercy in small ways, we refine ourselves and improve our relationships with others.
