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Leviticus 11:17 - Unkosher birds: why forbidden?

Leviticus 11:17 - ויקרא 11:17

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־הַכּוֹס וְאֶת־הַשָּׁלָךְ וְאֶת־הַיַּנְשׁוּף׃

English Translation

And the little owl, and the fish fowl, and the great owl,

Transliteration

Ve'et hakos ve'et hashalach ve'et hayanshuf.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶת־הַכּ֥וֹס וְאֶת־הַשָּׁלָ֖ךְ וְאֶת־הַיַּנְשֽׁוּף׃
וְאֶת־הַכּ֥וֹס וְאֶת־הַשָּׁלָ֖ךְ וְאֶת־הַיַּנְשֽׁוּף׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse lists three types of birds that are identified as non-kosher (טְמֵאִים) in the Torah. These birds are prohibited for consumption according to Jewish law (Vayikra 11:16-18). The precise identification of these birds has been discussed extensively by traditional commentators.

Identification of the Birds

  • הַכּוֹס (Kos) – The Little Owl: Rashi (Vayikra 11:17) identifies this as a nocturnal bird of prey, likely the Athene noctua (Little Owl). The Talmud (Chullin 63a) describes it as a bird that calls out "kos kos," hence its name.
  • הַשָּׁלָךְ (Shalach) – The Fish Fowl: Rambam (Hilchos Ma'achalos Asuros 1:18) explains that this bird is known for snatching fish from the water. The Talmud (Chullin 63a) suggests it may refer to a cormorant or another fish-eating bird.
  • הַיַּנְשׁוּף (Yanshuf) – The Great Owl: Rashi (Vayikra 11:17) identifies this as a larger owl species, possibly the Bubo bubo (Eagle Owl). The Talmud (Chullin 63a) notes that it is active at night (from the root "נשף," meaning twilight or night).

Halachic Implications

These birds are among the 24 non-kosher birds listed in the Torah. The Gemara (Chullin 61a-63b) discusses the signs of kosher birds, primarily that they are not birds of prey and do not exhibit predatory behavior. Since these birds are explicitly named as non-kosher, they are forbidden regardless of other signs.

Symbolic Interpretation

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 22:10) connects the impurity of these birds to negative spiritual traits. For example:

  • The Kos represents those who "cry out" in complaint against Hashem.
  • The Shalach symbolizes greed, as it snatches fish (sustenance) from others.
  • The Yanshuf represents those who operate in spiritual darkness, avoiding the light of Torah.

Practical Lessons

The prohibition against consuming these birds teaches us to distance ourselves from predatory and negative behaviors, striving instead for kindness and righteousness, as emphasized in the laws of kosher animals (see Rambam, Moreh Nevuchim 3:48).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What do the little owl, fish fowl, and great owl represent in Leviticus 11:17?
A: In Leviticus 11:17, these birds are listed among the non-kosher species that are forbidden to eat according to Jewish dietary laws (kashrut). Rashi explains that these are specific types of unclean birds, identified by their predatory or scavenging nature, which makes them unfit for consumption.
Q: Why does the Torah list specific non-kosher birds like the owl in Leviticus 11:17?
A: The Torah lists non-kosher birds to teach us the laws of kashrut (dietary laws). The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 1:14) explains that birds of prey or those with certain physical traits are prohibited. The Talmud (Chullin 59a) also discusses identifying kosher vs. non-kosher birds based on tradition and characteristics.
Q: How can we identify which birds are kosher today based on Leviticus 11:17?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 61a) states that we rely on a tradition (mesorah) passed down through generations to identify kosher birds. Since the exact identities of some birds in the Torah are unclear, only birds with a known kosher tradition are permitted. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 82) codifies this rule.
Q: What lesson can we learn from the prohibition of eating certain birds in Leviticus 11:17?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 13:2) teaches that non-kosher birds often symbolize cruelty or impurity. By avoiding them, we distance ourselves from negative traits and elevate our spiritual sensitivity. The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 157) adds that kashrut laws train us in self-discipline and holiness.