Every raven to its kind (Vayikra 11:15)

This week’s parsha discusses the kosher and non-kosher species. When listing the unkosher birds, it states the raven is not kosher.

Many years ago, there was a flood, which only eight people and two of each species survived. When the rain stopped, Noach sent out the male raven to see if the land had dried up yet, but the raven just circled the ship. The raven suspected that Noach wanted to have relations with Mrs. Raven and therefore he refused to fly away. The reason the raven thought this was because even though relations were forbidden to all species while the world was being flooded, the raven had relations with his wife. Since the raven behaved improperly and since Noach knew it was not a kosher bird, he did not want to allow it back on the ship. He wanted the raven to die and then there would not be any more ravens in the world. Hashem, though, commanded Noach to take in the raven because the ravens are needed in this world – one day the ravens would bring food to Eliahu when he hid in a cave.

Anything Hashem puts in this world, He puts it here for a reason, even the raven. There’s a great lesson we can learn from this.

Ever have someone who really annoys you. It could be a neighbor, co-worker, employee at a local supermarket, the guy who cuts you off on the road or anyone else. Ever wonder why this person is in the world? Ever think the world would be a much better place without this person? Well, this person is here for an important reason. I don’t know the reason, but Hashem has one. Just like the raven was put on this earth, every person is put on this earth for some important reason. And remember – included in every person is you! You are important!

Hashem does not just bring people to this world for no reason. And also, Hashem does not keep people in this world for no reason. If you woke up this morning, it means that Hashem wanted you to wake up this morning. It means Hashem wants you to continue to live. It means that you are important and have an important mission to accomplish.

Every living being is important!

Good Shabbos!
-yes
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