Ki Teitze
Why Save a Bird?

If you chance upon a bird's nestÖdo not take the mother together with the youngÖ. Let the mother goÖ in order that you may have a long life. (Devarim/Deuteronomy 22:6-7)

Talmud (Berachot 33b) teaches that we should not try to understand the reason for this commandment. Mitzvot are not expressions of human values, but come from a higher source. Not surprisingly, some of our greatest scholars ignored the Talmud's advice.

A story is told that Elisha Ben Abuyah, a teacher of some of the greatest Talmudic sages, saw a child perform this mitzvah and still die young. Shattered by this failure of justice, Elisha Ben Abuyah became an atheist.

Maimonides (Rambam) said that this commandment expresses God's nature in a way we can understand and emulate. Biologically, animals care about their offspring. No mother bird wants to see her children stolen. God has compassion for non-human life and insists that we share it.

Nachmanides (Ramban) thought this commandment spoke specifically to the human need for ethical values. Though we must kill to eat, we should always limit our cruelty. And although we are permitted to eat a single animal, we must not wipe out a species.

None of these teachings is complete or perfect. But each offers an important principle for the self-reflective month of Ellul. Recognize that our own understanding is limited. Ask questions. Demand justice. Be aware that the entire world is alive. Increase compassion. Protect other species. Monitor our own ethical growth.

-- Adapted from Chabad.org and other sources

Return to Reb Laura's "Taste of Torah" list.

Return to "Teachings from Our Rabbis and Friends" list.

---

[ Home ]	[ Asiyah ]	[ Yetzirah ]	[ Briyah ]	[ Atzilut ]	[ Calendar ]
	( Doing )	( Feeling )	( Knowing )	( Being )