Sending Away the Mother Bird - Studying Rashi: Parshat Ki-Teitzei

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Sending Away the Mother Bird: Studying Rashi: Parshat Ki-Teitzei

The Torah says that fulfilling the mitzvah of shiluach hakan (sending away the mother bird from the nest) brings long life. Rashi says that if such an "easy" mitzvah brings long life, it may be inferred that every mitzvah brings long life as well.

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By Mendel Kaplan

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan is the Spiritual Leader and Executive Director of Chabad Flamingo in Thornhill, Ontario, serving one of Canada’s most dynamic Jewish communities. He also serves as Chaplain of the York Regional Police Service. He is an active member of Toronto’s Vaad HaRabbanim (Council of Orthodox Rabbis), and a voting member of the COR Kashruth Council of Canada’s executive rabbinical board. Rabbi Kaplan is featured regularly on many local television and radio shows. He is a sought after speaker, with hundreds of lectures on Chabad.org. He and his wife, Faygie, are blessed with eight children. Artistically endowed, the rabbi enjoys drawing, sketching and creating charcoal portraits.

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5 Comments

Rabbi Mendel Kaplan Thornhill April 26, 2016

Reciting a blessing on this mitzvah? You raise an interesting question. According to one school of thought (Avudraham, Rokeach etc.) no blessing is recited because this is considered a statute which is not understood. Conversely, according to others (Itur, Rashba etc) a blessing would nonetheless be appropriate here. Practically (Halachikly) speaking a blessing is not recited – although Maharit and Maharak Schik suggest a blessing without mentioning the "name and the dominion" of G-d (bli Shem u'Malchut). Reply

joseph hecht brooklyn April 25, 2016

is there a brocha or something to say when do this mitzvah? Reply

Anonymous USA August 15, 2013

Sending Away The Monther Bird I have a question Rabbi Kaplan: What about the people who did not want to eat meat. Did they have to eat the meat when the sacrifices were done in the Holy Temple? About the gifts we receive from Hashem, be blessed, I often tell Him what can I give you for all the things you give me everyday. My life, body, and soul belongs to Him. All I can give Him is my devotion. Which is not even perfect either. We are indebted to Him for all the Favors He gives us everyday. Thank you for your teachings Rabbi Kaplan. Reply

Virginia M. Mitchell Farmington Hills, Mi. August 30, 2012

The nest of birds To me it means oneto has to take into consideration the feelings of others not only human but also animal. Reply

Judith Yacov Peetach Tikvah, Israel August 29, 2012

Shiluach Hakan The first time I heard of this mitzvah was in a movie called Hofshat Kaitz or "My Father My Lord" as it was called in English. At the time, it struck me as rather cruel. Can you please explain the kavanah behind it? Reply

Sending Away the Mother Bird: Studying Rashi: Parshat Ki-Teitzei

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