A Surprising Mitzvah for a Non-Kosher Animal
Among the thousands of species of animals on the planet, the donkey stands apart in a most surprising way. Despite being a non-kosher animal, it is granted a mitzvah (Torah commandment) unlike any other: Pidyon Peter Chamor. The Torah commands that a firstborn donkey must be redeemed, for it possesses a special sanctity. This immediately raises a question. Why is this so? Why was a non-kosher animal chosen, rather than a kosher one such as a cow or a sheep?
The Donkeys of Yetziat Mitzrayim
Chazal (our sages) explain that this unique distinction is rooted in a moment of profound historical merit. When Hashem fulfilled His promise to Avraham Avinu (our Patriarch Abraham) and took Klal Yisrael (the Jewish nation) out of Mitzrayim (Egypt) with great wealth, the Jewish people left not only with their own possessions, but with immense spoils taken from the Egyptians. These heavy and valuable loads needed to be transported, and for this task, donkeys played a crucial role.
Each Jew, Chazal teach, had ninety donkeys accompanying him. Millions of donkeys faithfully carried the burdens that enabled Klal Yisrael to leave Egypt as a free and dignified nation. In recognition of this invaluable assistance, and as an eternal expression of hakarat hatov (appreciation), Hashem granted the donkey this precious mitzvah for all generations. To this very day, the mitzvah of Pidyon Peter Chamor remains in effect (Bechorot 5b).
Which Redemption Is Greater?
Rav Yitzchak Zilberstein raises an intriguing question. If one were given the opportunity to attend either a Pidyon HaBen (redemption of the first-born son – a beautiful mitzvah with many limitations that make it not so common) or a Pidyon Peter Chamor, which should he choose? Both are rare and special mitzvot. Rabbi Zilberstein suggests that there is room to argue that one should attend the Pidyon Peter Chamor, precisely because of the extraordinary reason behind it. It stands as a powerful expression of gratitude for assistance rendered long ago (Chashukei Chemed, Bechorot 2a).
Gratitude Even for Those Doing Their Job
From this teaching of Chazal, we learn a profound lesson. Donkeys are strong animals, created to carry heavy loads. They were simply doing what they were made to do. Yet, even so, the Torah teaches us that gratitude is still required. The fact that something fulfills its natural role does not exempt us from acknowledging the benefit we receive.
This lesson extends far beyond donkeys. Consider how much we benefit from other animals. Take cows, for example. They provide milk, a staple in so many homes, enjoyed daily in cereal, coffee, and countless foods. From milk comes cheese, another product we regularly enjoy. Cows also provide meat, offering a wide variety of cuts rich in protein. In addition, their hides are used to produce leather, which becomes comfortable and respectable footwear, belts, and even sacred items. The batim (boxes) and retzuot (straps) of our tefillin are made from leather, enabling us to fulfill a precious mitzvah every day.
We also benefit greatly from chickens. They provide eggs, rich in protein and eaten daily by many families. Poultry itself is widely consumed, nutritious, and delicious. It forms the basis of many dishes, such as chicken soup and schnitzel, enhancing our oneg Shabbat (Shabbat enjoyment).
Sheep, too, play a vital role in our lives. They provide wool, used to make clothing and blankets that keep us warm and comfortable during cold winter days. Their wool is also used for the mitzvah of tzitzit. In addition, sheep provide both meat and dairy products. We even find that Yaakov Avinu (our Patriarch Jacob) went out of his way to express appreciation for sheep. When he sent Yosef (Joseph) to check on his brothers, he instructed him to inquire not only about their welfare, but also about the welfare of the sheep (Bereishit 37:14). Chazal explain that Yaakov mentioned the sheep because he benefited from them, through their wool and milk (Tanchuma Yashan 13).
Gratitude in Action: A Living Example
Thus, from the remarkable mitzvah of Pidyon Peter Chamor, we learn how deeply the Torah values gratitude for the benefits we receive from animals.
A striking story brings this idea to life. A famous photograph shows Rabbi Elyah Lopian feeding milk to a cat. The story behind it took place in his yeshivah, Kfar Chassidim, which was suffering from a severe infestation of mice. The mice caused extensive damage and disrupted daily life. Eventually, some talmidim (students) brought in a cat, and almost immediately, the problem was resolved.
Once the mice were gone, the students wanted to send the cat away, feeling its job was finished. Rav Elyah, however, objected. He explained that this could not be done until the cat was shown proper hakarat hatov. After all, the cat had brought relief to the yeshivah.
Rav Elyah personally brought a plate of milk, bent down, and fed the cat himself. He patiently waited until the cat had finished drinking and was satisfied.
Through this simple yet powerful act, Rav Elyah demonstrated the enduring message of Pidyon Peter Chamor: gratitude is not reserved only for people. It extends to all those, even animals, through whom Hashem brings us benefit.
By Rabbi Daniel Shasha, author of “Living Appreciation”
