DEUT1127 See [[EXOD439]] Exodus 20:12 long OXFORD 55

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DEUT1128 The reward of [even] a light mitzvah is great and wondrous, immeasurably so and beyond one's calculations [Hosea 2:1]. Observe the nature of shiluach ha'ken [i.e., the mitzvah of sending the mother bird away from the nest before removing the chicks or eggs [this and next verse], whose fulfillment requires no effort and a little monetary outlay. The pasuk says in reference to it (Devarim 22:7), "... so that it may be well with you and that you live a long time." Our Sages, z"l, commented (Chulin 142a), "Rabbi Yaakov said: There is no mitzvah in the Torah, [even] a light one [the reading in our Talmud is, "where its reward is written by it."] that the resurrection of the dead does not depend on it. For the pasuk says regarding shiluach ha'ken: 'So that it be good for you [and you have length of days].' 'So that it be good for you'--in the world that is entirely good; 'and you have length of days -- in the world that is forever long" [I.e., the World to Come, which is entirely good and forever long." If the Torah says this concerning a light mitzvah, which is like an issar [i.e., whose fulfillment requires little monetary outlay (Rashi). An issar was a copper coin of relatively little value; there were eight prutos to an issar. See the Second Gate, note 106.], how much more is this applicable to the more weighty mitzvos.

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DEUT1130 Biblical consideration for animals was the basis for the following laws: … It is forbidden to remove a mother bird simultaneously with its fledglings or eggs from a nest. The mother bird must be sent away to spare it the sight of the taking of its young [this verse].

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DEUT1131 See [[EXOD396]] Exodus 20:10 cattle SACTAB 217-8

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DEUT1129 Although Jewish law permits eating animals and birds, the Torah specifically forbids taking away fledglings or eggs in the presence of the mother bird [this and next verse]. This is one of only three laws--along with honoring one's parents (Exodus 20:12), and acting honestly in business (Deuteronomy 25:15)--for which the Torah promises long life. Maimonides (The Guide for the Perplexed 3:48) notes that the "pain of the animals under such circumstances is very great" (one would hope that most people would simply forgo taking either the eggs or the young birds).

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DEUT1132 See [[EXOD396]] Exodus 20:10 cattle SACTAB 217

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DEUT1133 See [[GEN275]] Genesis 2:15 tend SACTAB 190-2

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DEUT1134 See [[LEV893]] Leviticus 22:28 same SACTAB 61-2

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DEUT1135 Send away the mother bird from her nest. Key concept is to call to our minds that Divine Providence over mankind extends to each individual, while it extends to the animal kingdom only in a general way, for the sake of preserving each species. That is, Hashem desires the survival of each different species of the lower creatures, so He watches over the animal kingdom to guard that no species completely disappears. When a person reflects upon the concept of Divine Providence over the animal kingdom, it calls to mind that Hashem watches over mankind as well. One realizes that with regard to people, the Almighty watches over each individual, and will help and preserve all who keep His commandments, purify their hearts and improve their ways to try to get close to Him. He will give such people long life in this world, and their souls will live forever in the World to Come. As a result of sending away the mother bird, such thoughts fill a person's mind. He acknowledges that the preservation of each animal species is beneficial for the world at large, and he recalls that the entire matter is supervised and managed by Hashem. Having performed this mitzvah, acknowledged its truths and put them to his heart, then measure for measure, he merits that Hashem turns His protective Eye upon him as well, with a special blessing that he, as an individual, survive and flourish. Our Sages warn us that we should not think that this mercy is a manifestation of Hashem's Attribute of Mercy. Rather, the mitzvah is decree from before Him. It is a Divine commandment that He gives us in order that we will earn merit when we fulfill it. The Ramban compares this mitzvah to the commandment not to slaughter a mother animal and its child on the same day. Mother animals experience great worry and anxiety when they see their offspring suffering. Like people, animals become distraught at such a sight, for a mother's love for her offspring does not spring from powers of the intellect. Even lower creatures are capable of such feelings.

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DEUT1136 See [[DEUT210]] Deuteronomy 6:5 love SPERO 96

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