For the source text click/tap here: Sanhedrin 25
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The Mishna on yesterday’s daf listed people who are disqualified as witnesses in a Jewish court, because they are involved in activities that are forbidden by the Sages. Included in the list were mafriḥei yonim – “people who make birds fly.”
Why are those who fly pigeons not permitted to be judges? First we are told that this is because they are actually racing pigeons for money. Then it is suggested that this is because they have trained pigeons to find and bring back other pigeons. But is this actually stealing?
Pigeons choose where to roost. They are not property that can be contained. Even though people might make money from these transactions, like gamblers, the pigeons are making up their own minds about where to go.
We explore the history of racing pigeons/doves.