Rabbi Pesach Siegel
A correlation is made between the two mitzvos, kibud av va'em and shiluach haken. Ordinarily the Torah omits all mention of reward in regard to the performance of mitzvos. An exception is made in the case of these two. We are told of the benefits received for performing the mitzva of honoring one's father and mother and prior to removing eggs from a nest, sending away the mother bird, the reward being "length of days". The gemorah (kiddushin 40b) tells us this refers to "olam haba" and not mere physical longevity.
What is it about these two mitzvos that bind them together? Why is the reward for them accentuated in the Torah?
Let us begin with the mitzva of shiluach haken. Why is it that being sensitive to the instinctive "feelings" of the mother bird is elevated to the same level of status as honoring those who gave birth to and nurtured us? If the Torah is acting as some sort of ASPCA why not outlaw the entire usage of animals as a form of support for humans? Why not advocate vegetarianism? Or perhaps that would be construed as being unkind to plants!
The mitzva of shiluach haken is complex (as are all mitzvos). A glimmer of understanding can be provided to us by the words of the Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim, chelek 3, perek 48). He explains that relationships among members of the animal kingdom exist, although on a non-intellectual level. If we must take care in sparing the non- intellectual feelings of the mother bird how much more careful must we be of sensitivities among humans. From his words it is clear that the revealed purpose of this mitzva is to uproot the trait of cruelty from ourselves. It is for our own sake. There are a number of similar sources in support of this (see Breishis Rabbah 44, 1).
A bond exists between a mother bird and her nestlings. The mitzva of shiluach haken is the mitzva of preserving this bond between the source and her offspring. The Hebrew word "ach-zar" denotes cruelty. The word "zar" means a stranger. Cruelty emerges from the absence of a bond.
Similarly, the mitzva of kibbud av va'em has a multifaceted purpose. To honor one's parents, parents being the ones who brought their children into the world and provided for their every need, there is no limit to the honor that is due them. Additionally, once this concept is firmly entrenched, one should reflect on the gratitude owed to his creator. The one who "gave birth" to him as well as all of his ancestors. It is mind boggling to conceive of all the people who had to be born in order to produce a single child in our times (see sefer hachinuch, mitzva 33).
So, essentially, kibbud av va'em is respecting the bond one has with his source. This is perhaps behind the understanding of the Rambam's view that even a mamzer must respect his parents (hilchos mamrim, perek 6, halacha 11). Even though the laws of love and kindness do not apply to a "rasha", the mitzva of kibbud av is distinct, it is a respect of one's bond with his source, and although the parents are "reshaim", they still are the source of the child.
The relationship between the two mitzvos emerges. If the natural bond between mother and offspring is ignored, the result will be that one will become a victim of cruelty to himself, being a "stranger" to his own roots. This perhaps why the mishna in meseches Chullin calls the mitzva "shiluach haken", and not "shiluach hatzipor". The word "ken" is translated as a nest, but more accurately, it means a source. In shmona esreh we ascribe to Hash- em the title "koneh hakol". The word "ken" is also the root of the word "kinyan" (acquiring) which denotes a connection between an object and it's owner.
Taking this concept one step further, the medrash (Yalkut Shimoni) tells us that the reward for shiluach haken is having children. The medrash paraphrases the posuk, "shalach tishalach es ha'em" - send away the mother, "v'es habanim tikach loch" - and children will you take to yourself. A parent must see himself in the role of a channel, a conduit, between himself and his creator. One who views himself in this manner merits being a bridge to extend the connection onwards between Hash-em and his creation.
The reward referred to as "length of days" will take place at the end of time as we know it when we will reconnect with our source and and bask in the presence of Hashem.
