Gazelles

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As Swift as a Gazelle

TANAKH

Asahel's exceptional speed and agility are likened to that of a gazelle in the open field. The biblical narrative in Samuel II highlights the remarkable swiftness of Asahel, one of the three sons of Zeruiah.

The three sons of Zeruiah were there—Joab, Abishai, and Asahel. Asahel was swift of foot, like a gazelle in the open field.

II Samuel 2:18

The Grace of the Gazelle

LITURGY

The gazelle is a symbol of beauty and tenderness. In the biblical book of Song of Songs, traditionally attributed to King Solomon, twin fauns are used in a lover's metaphor describing the beloved's breasts.

Your bosom is like two fawns, twins of a gazelle who pasture among the roses.

Shabbat Siddur Sefard Linear, Song of Songs 4:5

Exemptions for Gazelles and Deer

TALMUD

The laws of firstborn animals in the Torah apply specifically to domesticated animals, not to undomesticated animals like gazelles and deer. The Talmudic tractate Bekhorot discusses the sacred status and consecration requirements of firstborn animals, including the exemption of undomesticated animals.

And the other verse teaches that just as a gazelle and a deer are exempt from the first of their offspring being counted a firstborn, as the verse states: “All the firstling males that are born of your herd and of your flock” (Deuteronomy 15:19), referring specifically to domesticated animals but not undomesticated animals such as a gazelle and a deer; so too, disqualified consecrated animals are exempt from the first of their offspring being counted a firstborn (see 14a).

Bekhorot 33a:6

Stamp of Israel, Nature Reserves - Protected Wild Animal 1967, Release Date - 27/12/1967, Israeli Postage Stamp Catalog 418.

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