The chasidah is a bird which the Torah declares not be kosher. This is enigmatic, since it is called chasidah as a result of the chesed, kindness, that it performs toward the members of its species. If it is so compassionate and shares its food with other chasidos, why is it deemed unkosher? One would think that such a noble trait would be reason to render it kosher. A well-known explanation – attributed to varied commentators – is that, while the chasidah does indeed direct its kindness towards members of its species, it does so exclusively to them. It distinguishes between “its kind” and others. This form of selective chesed is reprehensible. Thus, it is characterized as non-kosher.
The Rav of Lodz, Horav Eliyahu Chaim Meisel, zl, offers an explanation that defines chesed. He posits that the mere fact that this bird is called chasidah, a name which underscores its act of performing chesed, is in and of itself the reason for its non-kosher status. Feeding others, performing acts of kindness to those in need, is not chesed. It is mentchlichkeit, human decency. To cloak acts of decency and obligation under the veneer of kindness is revolting. To do what is correct and proper does not deserve a pat on the back. It is only right.
My friend, Reb Mendy Klein, whose fifth yahrzeit will occur in a few weeks, was a baal chesed in a league all of his own. Anyone in need, large or small, was acutely aware that he was the most prominent address for chesed. He never said “No,” because he felt that someone in need should be helped. It is only mentchlech. Mendy redefined chesed and transformed it into metchlichkeit. He was a mechayev, obligated, to act kindly – not because it is a glorious act of chesed, but because it is proper for human beings, especially Jews towards their brothers and sisters, to act kindly. Yehi zichro baruch.
