Sending Away the Mother Bird During the Counting of the Omer
This question and answer were automatically translated using our trained AI and have not yet been reviewed by a qualified rabbi. Please treat this translation with caution.
go to original →
Question
I wanted to ask, there are places where I know the mitzvah of sending away the mother bird should occur from time to time because it is the nature of pigeons to return to the place where they made a nest if the nest with the twigs remains in place. Therefore, I occasionally walk around these places to see if there is an opportunity to fulfill the mitzvah of sending away the mother bird. I wanted to ask whether one should avoid "searching" for this mitzvah during the Counting of the Omer, or if there is no need to avoid it for those who do not follow all their practices according to Kabbalah. I have seen that some say that according to Kabbalah, one should not perform this mitzvah, and there are those who have made a compromise that even according to Kabbalah, one should not avoid it when the mitzvah presents itself. It is only said that in the writings of the Ari, it is mentioned that there is a matter of seeking out the mitzvah of sending away the mother bird, and it is said not to seek it during the Counting of the Omer. I am asking because during the rest of the year, I go around places where there are nests to see if there is an opportunity to fulfill the mitzvah, and if I search now, there will likely be an opportunity. Should one avoid this if they do not follow all Kabbalistic practices, or is this instruction for everyone? With blessings, Aguten Moed
Answer
Shalom Rav,
One who does not follow Kabbalistic customs does not need to avoid it. On the contrary, he fulfills a mitzvah.