One
of the Mitzvos of the Torah is "shleiluach
hakein," in which we are instructed to send away a mother bird before
taking her hatchling from the nest. The purpose of the Mitzvah is to show
compassion to the mother bird, i.e., we send her away to spare her from the
sight of someone taking her fledgling.
In
reference to this, the Talmud (Brachos
33b) teaches that it is incorrect for a person to pray, "Just as You,
HaShem, have mercy on the mother bird, so too, show mercy to the people of
Israel. The sages explain: "If we
make this prayer we will stir up jealousy in the work of creation."
HaShem
created the entire world with the attribute of mercy. Accordingly, His
compassion is spread over all of His creations. If someone prays Just as You have mercy on the bother bird..,
his words infer that HaShem shows special mercy to birds. These words
would then evoke jealousy in the other species who would take the prayer to mean
that HaShem’s mercy does not extend to them.
The
jealousy that this prayer awakens amongst the other animals is very subtle and
hidden. After all, how much awareness of the prayers of man do animals have? How
much jealously could they have for such an esoteric event? Nevertheless, the
Torah cautions us to refrain from this prayer - even though the negative effects
of the prayer seem so slight and mystical.
If
we have to exercise such caution concerning the animal world, how much more care
and sensitivity is needed in the delicate dimension of our interpersonal
relationships. HaShem created human beings with a deeply feeling heart and a
knowing soul. A thoughtless word or rude action can cause untold distress.
Conversely,
if we show extra care and sensitivity to our fellowman, then we will strengthen
love and peace amongst mankind. May we fill our hearts with compassion so that
we bring unity and harmony to the work of creation. (Based on the commentary
of the M’harsha)
Review
your words before you speak so that you do not cause hurtfull feelings through
your conversation.
Important Numbers
