By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.
EL CAJON, California — This week’s Torah reading, Ki Teitzei, creates a connection between suffering and mitzvot. There are many references to complex human experiences including family struggles, relationship difficulties, and societal issues. At the same time, we come to learn about more mitzvot than found in any other parsha in the Torah.
In our world today, there’s a pressing need for greater compassion and empathy. Many are suffering silently, and it’s crucial that we learn to listen with open hearts and minds. Leave it to the wisdom of the Torah, of Hashem, to guide us to do so, with the mitzvah of sending away a mother bird before taking her eggs or young. Inside of this mitzvah we learn a profound lesson in empathy and spiritual growth that resonates deeply with modern psychological understanding.
The Mishnah in Tractate Chullin teaches: “One who sends away the mother bird and takes the young fulfills a positive commandment, as it is written: ‘You shall surely send away the mother and take the young for yourself’ (Deuteronomy 22:7).”
The Gemara expounds:
What is the reason for this mitzvah? Rav Yehudah said in the name of Rav: To instill compassion in man. As it is written: “And His mercy is upon all His works” (Psalms 145:9).
Rav Kook, in his commentary on this passage, illuminates the deeper wisdom: “Man cannot live with intellect alone, nor with emotion alone; intellect and emotion must forever be joined together.” He explains that this mitzvah serves to cultivate our emotional intelligence, expanding our capacity for compassion beyond the human realm.
The Talmud asks: Why does the Torah command us to send away the mother bird specifically? Rav Kook answers: By asking us to consider the feelings of a mother bird, the Torah invites us to develop a more nuanced and sensitive approach to the world around us. This act of empathy towards a creature so different from ourselves stretches our emotional capacity.
The Mishnah in Pirkei Avot teaches: “Ben Azzai said: Run to perform even a minor mitzvah, and flee from transgression; for one mitzvah leads to another mitzvah, and one transgression leads to another transgression.”
Rav Kook expands on this, suggesting that the mitzvah of shiluach haken (sending away the mother bird) is a spiritual exercise. By performing this act of compassion, we refine our middot and elevate our neshamah.
The Gemara inquires: How does this mitzvah relate to our understanding of the human psyche? We can answer: Contemporary research in psychology affirms the importance of emotional intelligence in human development and interpersonal relationships The Torah’s wisdom, as elucidated by Rav Kook, resonates deeply with these modern insights.
We can see how the seemingly simple act of sending away a mother bird contains profound lessons in empathy, spiritual growth, and emotional refinement. As it is written: “Its ways are ways of pleasantness, and all its paths are peace” (Proverbs 3:17).
This all aligns wonderfully with contemporary psychological concepts:
- Empathy development: By considering the bird’s emotions, we’re practicing perspective-taking, a crucial component of empathy.
- Emotional awareness: The mitzvah encourages us to recognize and respect the emotions of others, even those who sin differently than we do.
- Mindfulness: It prompts us to be present and aware of our surroundings and the lives within them.
- Ethical decision-making: We’re asked to balance our needs with consideration for others, a key aspect of moral development.
- Interconnectedness: This teaching reminds us of our place within a larger ecosystem, fostering a sense of connection and responsibility.
By engaging with this mitzvah, we’re not just following a rule; we’re learning how to build our personal growth and spiritual enlightenment. It challenges us to expand our circle of compassion, to see the world through a lens of genuine kindness and authentic consideration. This practice can lead to greater emotional intelligence, more fulfilling relationships, and a deeper sense of purpose and connection to Hashem. As we practice this sensitivity, we may find that it opens doors to greater understanding, not just of animals, but of all beings, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling existence.
When we look carefully at the 74 mitzvot in the parsha this week, we see the underlying principles and values that best serve as the foundation of a healthy society. The Torah itself suggests this with the statement that follows the many commandments described: “So that it will be well with you and your days will be long.” So, showing compassion to a mother bird, for example, contributes to a life lived ethically, and this is connected in the Torah to a life of personal wellbeing and longevity. Longevity! The idea for us to comprehend is that every action, no matter how small, can shape our character, our wellbeing, our health, and impact our society. By treating all aspects of creation with respect and consideration, we foster a more compassionate and harmonious world. This interconnectedness of actions and their long-term effects encourages us to make choices that contribute to a meaningful and fulfilling life.
*
Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D., prepares a weekly D’var Torah for Young Israel of San Diego, where he and his family are members. They are also active members of Congregation Adat Yeshurun.