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Why does shiluach hakan bring the Mashiach and merit Olam Haba? The shiur develops the Rambam (רמב"ם)'s approach that mitzvos accomplish objective tikkun olam—not mere self-perfection. Showing compassion to animals validates the universe's independent reality, initiating the perfection process that culminates in Olam Haba.
Rabbi Zweig examines the profound significance of shiluach hakan (sending away the mother bird), exploring why Chazal attribute such unique importance to this mitzvah (מצוה)—associating it with bringing Mashiach, Eliyahu HaNavi, and meriting Olam Haba. The shiur opens with Rashi (רש"י)'s explanation of mitzvah goreres mitzvah (one mitzvah leads to another), which seems puzzling: Rashi explains that doing shiluach hakan leads to building a house (and performing the mitzvah of ma'akeh), then acquiring vineyards and fields. This cannot mean spiritual momentum alone, since building a house is a material reward, not merely inspiration for more mitzvos. The core question emerges: what is the true meaning of mitzvah goreres mitzvah? Rabbi Zweig presents a fundamental debate between the Rambam (רמב"ם) and Ramban (רמב"ן) regarding the purpose of mitzvos like shiluach hakan. The Rambam holds these mitzvos teach compassion toward animals themselves—the animal kingdom has intrinsic value. The Ramban objects: how can Hashem (ה׳) be concerned with animals' feelings when we're permitted to slaughter them? The Ramban argues instead that these mitzvos teach us compassion as a character trait, perfecting man rather than serving the animals.
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Ki Seitzei 22:6-7
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