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Leviticus 11:14 - Unkosher birds' mysterious prohibition.

Leviticus 11:14 - ויקרא 11:14

Hebrew Text

וְאֶת־הַדָּאָה וְאֶת־הָאַיָּה לְמִינָהּ׃

English Translation

And the kite, and the buzzard after its kind;

Transliteration

Ve'et-hada'ah ve'et-ha'ayah leminah.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֶ֨ת־הַדָּאָ֔ה וְאֶת־הָאַיָּ֖ה לְמִינָֽהּ׃
וְאֶ֨ת־הַדָּאָ֔ה וְאֶת־הָאַיָּ֖ה לְמִינָֽהּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse וְאֶת־הַדָּאָה וְאֶת־הָאַיָּה לְמִינָהּ ("And the kite, and the buzzard after its kind") appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 11:14 as part of the Torah's enumeration of non-kosher birds. These birds are prohibited for consumption under the laws of kashrut.

Identification of the Birds

Rashi, citing the Talmud (Chullin 63a), identifies ha-da'ah (the kite) as a bird of prey known for its swift flight, while ha-ayah (the buzzard) is described as a bird that calls out loudly. The Talmud further explains that these birds exhibit cruel behavior, such as preying on other animals, which aligns with the Torah's general principle that non-kosher birds tend to be predatory or scavengers.

Halachic Implications

Rambam (Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 1:15) clarifies that the prohibition extends to all birds of these species (l'minah—"after its kind"), meaning any bird sharing the same characteristics. The Talmud (Chullin 59a) provides signs to identify non-kosher birds, including:

  • Being a predator (dores)
  • Lacking an extra toe or a crop
  • Not being able to perch properly

Moral and Symbolic Lessons

The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 13:2) suggests that the prohibition of predatory birds teaches ethical lessons. Just as these birds exhibit cruelty, we are to distance ourselves from such traits and instead embody compassion and kindness, as emphasized in Devarim (Deuteronomy) 28:9: "And you shall walk in His ways."

Additional Rabbinic Insights

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 157) explains that the dietary laws serve to refine a person's character. By avoiding birds of prey, one internalizes the rejection of aggression and cruelty, fostering a spirit of holiness (kedushah).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 63b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the dietary laws, specifically concerning the classification of birds that are forbidden to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the Torah list specific birds like the kite and buzzard in Leviticus 11:14?
A: The Torah lists non-kosher birds to teach us which species are forbidden to eat according to Jewish law (kashrut). The kite and buzzard are birds of prey, and the Torah generally prohibits birds with predatory traits (Rambam, Hilchot Ma'achalot Asurot 1:15).
Q: How do we know which birds are kosher today if some names in Leviticus 11 are unclear?
A: We rely on the Mesorah (oral tradition) passed down through generations to identify kosher birds. The Talmud (Chullin 63b) explains that kosher birds must have certain signs, such as not being predators and having an extra toe or a crop (a pouch in the throat).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the Torah listing non-kosher birds like the kite and buzzard?
A: The Torah teaches us to avoid traits of cruelty and predation, symbolized by these birds. Just as we refrain from eating them, we should distance ourselves from aggressive behavior and instead pursue kindness (Midrash Vayikra Rabbah 13:2).
Q: Are there any exceptions where a normally non-kosher bird might be permitted?
A: No, if a bird is listed as non-kosher or lacks the kosher signs (like the kite and buzzard), it remains forbidden under all circumstances. The Talmud (Chullin 59a) states that we do not rely on exceptions for birds—only those with a clear kosher tradition may be eaten.