One would think that with a name as impressive as chasidah, a derivative from chesed, kindness, this bird would rate a high standard of kashrus. Why is it included as a non-kosher fowl? Commenting on the Talmud Chullin 63a, Rashi attributes the name chasidah to the kindness it displays towards members of its species by sharing food with them. Yet, its comparison is not recognized . The Chidushei Ha’Rim explains that it directs its kindness only towards its own species / fellow. In other words, chesed is not a commodity that we control at our pleasure. If someone does not fit into our criteria for chesed, if he is not one of our fellows, then we do not perform chesed for them. That is not the Torah’s perspective on giving . Chesed is a G-d-given mandate. Those whom Hashem has made fortunate enough to do chesed to benefit others, should view themselves as a conduit for helping all who are in need.
We may add another lesson to be derived herein. Performing chesed is not necessarily a sign of kashrus. The fowl must conform to the laws of kashrus, it must have the necessary signs that deem it kosher. Perhaps this might serve as a lesson for us. While performing humanitarian acts of kindness is certainly a valuable trait, it does not mitigate non-conformance to Jewish law. One will receive his due reward for his act of benevolence. Unfortunately, he will also have to answer for ignoring the rest of the Torah.
