Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses a unique feature of the dove, which has halakhic implications:

Rav Daniel bar Rav Katina raises a challenge: "All birds disqualify water of purification by drinking from it, because some of the water spills from the bird’s beak back into the basin after being disqualified by having been in the bird’s mouth. This is the halakha with regard to all birds except for the pigeon, because it sucks the water, which prevents it from spilling back."

This statement about the dove invites deeper symbolic and homiletical analysis, especially considering that the Jewish people have been compared to the dove in the Talmud (Gittin 45a). What is the characteristic of the dove that seems to confirm extra purity upon it symbolically and upon the Jewish people in actuality?

The Sefer Ohel Simcha on Parashas Noach contrasts Noach’s selection of the ravens versus the dove. The raven was inherently mistrustful, circling and keeping a careful guard over its food. In contrast, the dove was able to follow Noah's command and trust in God's providence. This idea of satisfaction and trust with what is given to you is expressed symbolically by the dove only taking the right amount of water that it needs into its beak. Other birds seem to take a larger amount, keep some of it, and throw the rest back into the water, but the dove takes exactly what it needs.

From a psychological perspective, the way in which we relate to the world often induces a similar response from the world back to us. Our attitudes and expectations can affect others' behavior or influence how we perceive opportunities. If we approach the world with scarcity and paranoia, we may experience similar responses. Conversely, if we relate to the world with trust, openness, and generosity, we tend to receive more positivity and generosity from others in return.

It is important to note that this is not about guaranteeing positive outcomes just by having positive thoughts; the physical world doesn't operate with full predictability. Instead, this concept is about recognizing trends. By generally relating to others with trust and openness, one is more likely to experience positive and generous responses from others.

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

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