Parsha Mitzvot: Re’ei: Mitzvah 444 – Concept 177
“Every clean bird, you may eat.’ (Deuteronomy 14:11) We are commanded to examine the signs of fowl to distinguish between the kosher and non-kosher. (Rambam, Hilchot Ma’achalot Assurot – The Laws of Forbidden Foods)
In order for our souls to grow wings and fly above, free of our bodies and physical limitations, we must learn to eat in purity. (Rabbi Uri Yehoshua Asher Elchanan of Porisov – Imrei Yehoshua)
We are taught that our Mitzvot “grow wings” and fly up to the highest heavens to form precious gems on God’s Crown. However, in order for our Mitzvot to rise so high, they must have wings; the wings of love and awe of God. The Porisover is teaching us that the process begins with learning how to find purity and holiness in the most mundane things, even eating. We must break through our physical limitations in order to experience the love and awe that serve as the wings of our Mitzvot.