Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'clean birds' mean in Deuteronomy 14:11?
A: In Deuteronomy 14:11, 'clean birds' refers to birds that are permitted for consumption according to Jewish dietary laws (kashrut). The Torah lists specific signs for kosher birds in later verses (Deut. 14:12-18) and the Talmud (Chullin 59a-65a) elaborates on these criteria. Generally, kosher birds are non-predatory and have certain physical characteristics.
Q: Why does the Torah specify which birds we can eat?
A: The Torah specifies permitted and forbidden birds as part of the mitzvah of keeping kosher, which elevates our physical acts into spiritual ones. Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 1:1) explains that these laws teach self-discipline and holiness. The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 13:2) also suggests that forbidden birds have negative character traits we should avoid.
Q: How do we know which birds are kosher today?
A: We rely on the mesorah (tradition) passed down through generations about which birds are kosher. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 82) states we only eat birds with a clear tradition of being permitted. Common kosher birds include chicken, turkey, duck, and goose, while birds of prey like eagles or vultures are forbidden.
Q: What's the practical lesson from 'All clean birds you may eat'?
A: This verse teaches us that G-d permits us to enjoy the world's goodness within holy boundaries. The Sforno explains that permitted birds represent positive traits we should 'consume' (internalize), while forbidden ones represent negative traits to avoid. It shows how Judaism guides us in all aspects of life, even what we eat.
Q: Does this verse mean all non-bird animals are automatically kosher?
A: No, this verse specifically discusses birds. Other animals have separate kosher rules (Deut. 14:4-8). Land animals must chew their cud and have split hooves, while fish need fins and scales. The Talmud (Chullin 59a) elaborates on all these categories, showing the Torah's comprehensive dietary laws.
General Interpretation
The verse "כָּל־צִפּוֹר טְהֹרָה תֹּאכֵלוּ" (Devarim 14:11) permits the consumption of birds that are deemed tahor (clean) according to the Torah's dietary laws. Unlike mammals, where the Torah provides clear signs (split hooves and chewing cud) for determining kosher status, birds require a different approach.
Identifying Kosher Birds
The Torah does not list specific signs for kosher birds but instead provides a list of forbidden birds (Devarim 14:12-18). The Gemara (Chullin 59a-65b) discusses the criteria for identifying kosher birds based on tradition (mesorah). Rashi (Devarim 14:11) explains that only birds with a mesorah (a reliable tradition of being kosher) may be eaten, even if they appear similar to permitted birds.
Rambam's Approach
Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 1:14-15) outlines four physical signs that may indicate a bird is kosher, though he emphasizes that the primary determinant is mesorah. These signs include:
However, Rambam stresses that without a clear tradition, these signs alone are insufficient.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 14:11) connects this verse to the broader theme of holiness, teaching that the dietary laws elevate the Jewish people by distinguishing between pure and impure. The permitted birds symbolize refined character traits, while forbidden birds often represent cruelty or predatory behavior.
Practical Halachic Application
In practice, Orthodox Judaism relies on mesorah for determining kosher birds. Common examples of kosher birds include chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys, all of which have an established tradition. Birds without a clear mesorah, even if they fit physical criteria, are not consumed.