Deuteronomy 14:17 - Unclean birds' spiritual symbolism?

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Hebrew Text

וְהַקָּאָת וְאֶת־הָרָחָמָה וְאֶת־הַשָּׁלָךְ׃

English Translation

and the night prowler, and the gier eagle, and the fish owl,

Transliteration

Vehaka'at ve'et harachama ve'et hashalach.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהַקָּאָ֥ת וְאֶֽת־הָרָחָ֖מָה וְאֶת־הַשָּׁלָֽךְ׃

Parasha Commentary

Overview of the Verse

The verse lists three types of birds that are considered non-kosher (טְרֵפָה) according to Jewish law. These birds are identified as the night prowler (קאת), the gier eagle (רחמה), and the fish owl (שלך). The Torah prohibits consuming these birds, as they are among the species classified as unclean (וְאֶת־אֵלֶּה תְּשַׁקְּצוּ מִן־הָעוֹף, Vayikra 11:13).

Identification of the Birds

קאת (Ka'at) - The Night Prowler: Rashi (Vayikra 11:18) identifies this bird as one that dwells in desolate places and emits a mournful cry. The Talmud (Chullin 63a) suggests it may refer to a type of heron or pelican, known for its solitary and nocturnal habits.
רחמה (Rachama) - The Gier Eagle: Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 1:15) describes this as a large bird of prey, possibly a vulture, known for its scavenging behavior. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 65:1) associates it with cruelty due to its predatory nature.
שלך (Shalach) - The Fish Owl: Ibn Ezra (Vayikra 11:17) identifies this as a bird that hunts fish, likely an owl or osprey. The Talmud (Chullin 63a) notes its distinctive call and its tendency to dwell near water.

Halachic Significance

These birds are prohibited based on the Torah's criteria for non-kosher birds, which include species that are predatory or exhibit cruel behavior (רמב"ם, הלכות מאכלות אסורות 1:14). The Gemara (Chullin 59a) explains that kosher birds must possess specific signs, such as not being birds of prey and having an extra toe or a crop. Since these birds lack these signs, they are forbidden.

Moral and Symbolic Lessons

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 22:10) teaches that the prohibition against predatory birds serves as a moral lesson: just as these birds exhibit cruelty, a Jew must distance themselves from traits of aggression and exploitation. The night prowler symbolizes hidden sins, the gier eagle represents unchecked greed, and the fish owl signifies opportunism—all traits to avoid in spiritual growth.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 14:17 list, and why?
A: Deuteronomy 14:17 lists three non-kosher birds: the 'night prowler' (קאת), the 'gier eagle' (רחמה), and the 'fish owl' (שלך). These are among the 24 species of forbidden birds listed in the Torah (Vayikra 11:13-19, Devarim 14:11-18). The Talmud (Chullin 61a-65a) discusses their identifying signs, and Rashi explains that these birds are predatory or have cruel natures, making them unfit for consumption according to kosher laws.

Q: Why does the Torah forbid eating certain birds like those in Deuteronomy 14:17?
A: The Torah forbids eating certain birds either because they are birds of prey (exhibiting cruelty) or because they lack the kosher signs outlined by the Sages (Mishnah Chullin 3:6). Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 1:14) explains that non-kosher birds have negative spiritual influences, and avoiding them helps refine a person's character by distancing them from cruelty and impurity.

Q: How do we identify the forbidden birds listed in Deuteronomy 14:17 today?
A: Since the exact identities of some biblical birds are uncertain, Jewish law relies on a mesorah (tradition) passed down through generations to identify kosher and non-kosher birds. The Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 82) states that we only eat birds with a clear tradition of being permitted. The species in Deuteronomy 14:17 are universally accepted as forbidden based on Torah and Talmudic descriptions.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the prohibition of non-kosher birds like in Deuteronomy 14:17?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 13:2) teaches that kosher laws, including bird prohibitions, elevate us spiritually by avoiding traits like cruelty (seen in birds of prey). The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 157) adds that kosher food influences our soul's purity. By refraining from forbidden birds, we cultivate compassion and holiness in daily life.