Q. We have a pigeon problem in our Shul/Beis Medrash. The pigeons stroll in during the all-day study sessions and camp out in the alcove inside the dome and above the Aron Kodesh. They also stroll around the floor, seemingly unafraid of anyone. I understand that it is warmer inside than outside and that may attract them, but we even installed devices that are meant to emit sounds that should scare them away, yet to no avail.
We are considering possibilities that G-d is trying to send us some sort of mussar message with their presence and their tenacity that we haven't yet arrived at.
Could the Rabbi suggest some constructive courses of action or some areas of Torah that we might strengthen that may be the idea that G-d is trying to get across to us.
A. In general pigeons are seen as a good omen as they are compared to B'nay Yisroel who are also dedicated completely to Hashem and have only one partner for life. (Tanchuma - Tetzaveh 8, See Baal Haturim –Tazriah 12: 6) They protect themselves with their wings a the Jewish nation does with their mitzvos (Brochos 53b, Shabbos 49a.) They are also the most persecuted of birds and therefore kosher for the altar (See Bava Kama 93a and Midrash Devarim 7: 6) they readily offer themselves for Kidush Hashem (Tanchuma – Bamidbar 27) See also Sotta 10b and Tikuney Zohar 21
However, there is concern on raising and rearing doves or pigeons on one's home. (Sefer Hasgulos of Rav Chaim Vital 4: 27, Tzavoas Rabbi Yehuda Hachosid add. 8, Kaf Hachaim Y.D. 116, Mekavtziel 33 p. 501)
Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a advises to place a bird feeder with some shelter at a distance outside of the shul.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit"a
Important Numbers
