PARASHAT KI TETZE

The mitzva of sending away the mother-bird before taking her eggs or fledglings teaches us a deep lesson about the greatness of motherhood. Eben Ezra states that the mother is essential, therefore she must be left alone and respected by the hunter. "If a bird's nest chance to be before you in the way in any tree, or on the earth, whether they be young ones or eggs, and the mother sitting upon the young or upon the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young. But you shall in any wise let the mother go, and take the young to you, that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days." (Dev. 22:6-7)

RESPECTING THE MOTHER OF LIFE

According to Ramban, the reward for sending away the mother bird is so great because this mitzva entails such a deep and elevated matter. Kli Yakar notices that the reward for this mitzva is identical with the reward for keeping the commandment to honor our parents. Both mitzvot teach us that no being comes into the world without a mother who gives birth to it. This chain of motherhood leads us back to the original Mother, who gave birth to the world. Had the world been eternal, without a Creator, there would be no reason to respect our parents. However, we believe that the first Mother, may She be blessed, shared her honor with all mothers emanating from her. Therefore, we must both honor our parents, and send away the mother-bird. Since both of these mitzvot strengthen our belief in the creation of the world, their reward is to live a long life in this world. This is the foundation of emunah (faith), as it states "The righteous person lives by his faith." (Chabakuk 2:4) By means of his emunah, he cleaves to the source of life. Therefore, his reward is long life.

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