Daf Yomi, Marriage Counseling, Psychotherapy, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Torah and Psychology
Our Gemara on Amud Aleph rules that, unlike animal sacrifices, bird sacrifices have no criteria of gender or blemishes; all types of birds of a designated species are permitted.
What is the reason for this suspension of these requirements? Based on the Zohar, Toras HaOlah (II:12) sees in the up-and-down motion of a bird’s wings in flight a symbol of oscillation between Din and Rachamim—strict divine justice versus divine mercy. The lack of specific gender in the bird represents the blend of both attributes that are not fully resolved. On the other hand, the typical permitted bird sacrifice is that of the dove, which represents only the middah of divine mercy. The dove is not a bird of prey and, unlike other birds, forms pair bonds and remains loyal to its mate.
Toras HaOlah says that, on the one hand, the bird is incomplete and not as developed as a full physical animal like a lamb, goat, or bullock. This is why, in general, those other animals are preferred as sacrifices, because they signal the disintegration of an entire world structure and help us channel a sense of vulnerability and ultimate return back to the Creator (see blogpost Psychology of the Daf, Menachos 13). Yet the bird offers a different picture. It is much more humble and undeveloped, but signals a polarity of divine mercy. He says that its power over the brash force of the eagle is like the small light of a lamp which lights up an entire room. The simple humility and kindness of the dove—the one who quietly ushers in a new world after the flood—is a force that creates change as well.
A bird sacrifice is most typically brought by an impoverished person, while an animal is most typically brought by a wealthy person, though there are some exceptions. It may be in line with the symbolism we saw in the Toras HaOlah. The wealthy person, who is more proud, requires stronger, blunt forms of expression—the utter destruction of the universe represented in the destruction of the full form of a beast, which resembles humans anatomically. That is what is necessary to humble a wealthy person. However, the impoverished person, who is already humble, does not need grand displays. He can see the message of the small dove, who quietly but surely makes its way in the world, rising heavenward.
Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation
Free resource for couples/families:
Over 80 lectures on heathy communication, marriage and sexuality from a Torah perspective Click here
If you liked this, you might enjoy my Relationship Communications Guide. Click on the link above.
Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, Rabbi Simcha Feuerman, LCSW-R, LMFT, DHL is a psychotherapist who works with high conflict couples and families. He can be reached via email at simchafeuerman@gmail.com