The Bloody Bird That Gets Away

Our Response to the Misfortune of Others Part 2 

The Bloody Bird That Gets Away

At the beginning of Parshat Metzora we learn about the purification process of the Metzora. One part of the process entails two birds: one is slaughtered and its blood is collected into an earthenware vessel. The second bird is dipped into the blood of the first bird (mixed with a few other ingredients) and then sent free. 

Rashi notes the appropriateness of using birds that chirp in the purification process for a Metzorah, who may have been afflicted due to his slanderous speech. But that is not the only unusual aspect of this ceremony. Why are two birds taken, only for one to be let free? And why is the freedom-bound bird first dipped in its peer’s blood?

To me, this teaches important lessons about how we react to the events around us. When we hear or see people dealing with difficulties, it may be that we can’t do anything to alleviate that suffering. But it nonetheless must impact us. Just like by this bird, seeing the blood of others must leave us bloodied. 

At the very least our flight away from the difficult situation must be combined with empathy. Just as the bloodied bird flees but not before being impacted by its surroundings, so too must we. As humans we are naturally protective of our lives. But our lives are only fully lived if we are not being protective of our humanity as well, which includes empathy for others.