Shiluach HaKan: Difference between revisions
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#Only kosher birds are eligible for this mitzvah. When determining which birds are kosher to eat, we require a clear mesorah, tradition, that our ancestors ate these birds.<Ref>Ramo Y.D. 82:3. The Torah lists twenty-four species of non-kosher birds; all others are deemed kosher by the Torah. However, our translation of the Hebrew names for birds is not always accurate.</ref> However, when determining which birds are fit for the mitzvah of Shiluach Hakan, we may rely on the physical signs of kosher birds as delineated by Chazal.<Ref>Responsa Minchas Elazar 3:43</ref>. Therefore, we can distinguish among three categories of birds: 1) Kosher birds which we eat and may use to fulfill the mitzvah, for example certain species of pigeons, doves, geese, and ducks; 2) Birds which exhibit kosher signs <Ref>Briefly, kosher birds that are sitting on a branch place three toes in front and one in back, non-kosher birds place two in front and two in back. Kosher birds also have a crop and their gizzards can be peeled. In general, birds of prey are not kosher (Chulin 59a). Another sign of kosher birds is that their eggs are not symmetrical; one end is wider than the other</ref>, yet do not have a clear mesorah, for example sparrows, robins, cardinals, and orioles. These birds may be used to fulfill the mitzvah, but they are not considered kosher to eat; and 3) Birds which are definitely non-kosher with which we should not perform Shiluach Hakan. This includes eagles, ravens and other birds of prey. | #Only kosher birds are eligible for this mitzvah. When determining which birds are kosher to eat, we require a clear mesorah, tradition, that our ancestors ate these birds.<Ref>Ramo Y.D. 82:3. The Torah lists twenty-four species of non-kosher birds; all others are deemed kosher by the Torah. However, our translation of the Hebrew names for birds is not always accurate.</ref> However, when determining which birds are fit for the mitzvah of Shiluach Hakan, we may rely on the physical signs of kosher birds as delineated by Chazal.<Ref>Responsa Minchas Elazar 3:43</ref>. Therefore, we can distinguish among three categories of birds: 1) Kosher birds which we eat and may use to fulfill the mitzvah, for example certain species of pigeons, doves, geese, and ducks; 2) Birds which exhibit kosher signs <Ref>Briefly, kosher birds that are sitting on a branch place three toes in front and one in back, non-kosher birds place two in front and two in back. Kosher birds also have a crop and their gizzards can be peeled. In general, birds of prey are not kosher (Chulin 59a). Another sign of kosher birds is that their eggs are not symmetrical; one end is wider than the other</ref>, yet do not have a clear mesorah, for example sparrows, robins, cardinals, and orioles. These birds may be used to fulfill the mitzvah, but they are not considered kosher to eat; and 3) Birds which are definitely non-kosher with which we should not perform Shiluach Hakan. This includes eagles, ravens and other birds of prey. | ||
#It is important to note that the mitzvah is only performed when [[sending away the mother bird]]. This is usually the bird that is resting on the nest at night. Therefore, night is the optimal time to perform the mitzvah. | #It is important to note that the mitzvah is only performed when [[sending away the mother bird]]. This is usually the bird that is resting on the nest at night. Therefore, night is the optimal time to perform the mitzvah. | ||
#Common Birds Fit for Shiluach Hakan by Geographical location include:1)American Robin-North America 2)Canada Goose- North America 3) European Robin Europe, Eretz Yisroel 4)Mallard Duck- North and Central America, Europe, Asia 5) | #Common Birds Fit for Shiluach Hakan by Geographical location include:1)American Robin-North America 2)Canada Goose- North America 3) European Robin Europe, Eretz Yisroel 4)Mallard Duck- North and Central America, Europe, Asia 5) Mourning Dove – North and Central America 6)Northern Cardinal- Eastern and Central U.S., Central America7)Palm Dove – Eretz Yisroel, Africa, Europe 8)Pigeon – Worldwide 9)Sparrow- Worldwide | ||
==When is the mitzvah applicable?== | ==When is the mitzvah applicable?== | ||
#The mitzvah may only be performed before the chicks develop the ability to fly on their own (approximately two weeks after hatching) <Ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 292:7.</ref> | #The mitzvah may only be performed before the chicks develop the ability to fly on their own (approximately two weeks after hatching) <Ref>Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 292:7.</ref> | ||
