(2009/5769)

In this week’s Parashah, the Torah illustrates the Mitzvah of “Lo Tacharosh BeShor UVeChamor Yachdav,” “You shall not plow with an ox and donkey together” (Devarim 22:10) yet does not explain why.

The Daat Zikainim offers a potential explanation. Since only the ox can chew its cud, it would be able to eat while plowing an uncultivated field, making the hungry donkey emotionally distressed. Ramban notes that this law is part of the prohibition of cross-species breeding, Kilei Beheimah, since the donkey and ox will will mate if they work together. Rav Shmulevitz (quoted by Rav Zelig Pliskin in Dr. Sam Friedman's Joyous Torah Treasures) notes that we can learn a Kal VaChomer, an a fortiori argument, how to treat humans. Because the law of Lo Tacharosh is perhaps based on the animal's psychological duress, we must certainly be sensitive to the emotional concerns of fellow humans. This commandment, Ibn Ezra notes, is mentioned in Tehillim, which records "VeRachamav Al Kol Ma'asav," "Hashem's mercy extends to all his creations" (Tehillim 145). The donkey should not be embarrassed that it cannot bear the burden an ox can.

The Sefer HaChinuch adopts Ibn Ezra's teaching, explaining that torture of God's creation is the prohibition's crux. In line with Rav Shmulevitz's aforementioned teaching, the Sefer HaChinuch notes that this law prohibits even two people who do not get along from working together.

There are many laws based on torture, like sending a mother bird away when we take her children, Shiluach HaKan, or possibly covering the Challot when we recite Kiddush. Perhaps the Torah is trying to teach us something deeper. God bestowed upon us the gift of the ability to work and communicate. When we use this privilege to make others suffer, we are, Kivyachol, as it were, insulting Hashem. Whenever we work we should remember that God employs us, and thus always act ethically.