ט״ז בתמוז ה׳תשע״א (July 18, 2011)

Hullin 22a-b – Bringing sacrifices from fowl



The ruling of the Mishnah is that torim that are too small and benei yonah that have already reached adulthood cannot be brought as sacrifices and therefore performing melikah on them (see above, daf, or page 19, for a description of melikah) would not be effective in any way.


In explanation of the difference between the two, the Rambam in his Moreh Nevukhim (3:46) argues that the meat of the turtledove is better when it is more mature, while that of the pigeon is better when the bird is young. The Ramban in hisCommentary to the Torah (Vayikra 1:14) offers another suggestion, pointing to the different nature of each of these birds. Adult turtledoves are loyal to their mate to the extent that if one’s mate dies, the other will not choose another partner. This represents the relationship that exists between the Jewish People and God. In contrast, pigeons are jealous creatures that separate and switch mates, even as they are happy and content in their early stages of development.