Tzar Baalei Chayim and Shechita

Q. Does one recite the beracha of shehechiyanu on a mitzvah that involves causing an animal pain?

A. The Rema (YD 28:2) writes that the first time that one performs the mitzvah of kisui ha’dom (covering the blood of a bird or chaya) after reciting the beracha of kisui ha’dom, one recites the beracha of Shehechiyanu. However, he writes that one does not recite Shehechiyanu on shechita (slaughtering), even if it is the first time, since this mitzvah causes the loss of life. The Pri Migadim explains that although many mitzvos such as Tefillin and kisui ha’dom require killing animals, still Shehechiyanu should be said, since at the time when the mitzvah is performed, the animal is already dead. Only regarding the mitzvah of shechita, which involves the actual taking of life, is the beracha of Shehechiyanu not said.

In practice, whether to recite shehechiyanu the first time one performs a mitzvah, is a matter of dispute among Rishonim. As noted, the Rema writes that one does recite shehechiyanu but the Shach (YD 28:5) leaves the matter unresolved. The Mishnah Berurah (22:2) rules that because of the doubt, one does not recite the beracha, but in the Beiur Halachah he writes that it is proper to avoid the doubt by taking a new fruit and having in mind that the beracha of shehechiyanu should apply to the mitzvah as well.

On a related note regarding tzar baalei chayim, the Ramban (Beraishit 1:29) suggests a novel explanation for the mitzvah of shechita. As explained by the Chasam Sofer (shut Orach Chaim, final paragraph of 1:54), the purpose of the mitzvah of shechita is to minimize the tzar baalei chayim of the animal. Slaughtering at the neck is the most humane method of ending the animal’s life. In essence, the bracha recited before schechita is to thank Hashem for the mitzvah to minimize pain to His creations.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.