Volume 1, Lesson 5

“Kibud Av va’Eim” part 1

Last week discussed the issur of hating a fellow Jew.

STORY

I heard the following story about a Gadol:

The Gadol was on an airplane with his grandson. The grandson was constantly tending to his grandfather’s needs. A fellow passenger marveled at the respect of the boy towards his grandfather. He approached the Gadol and said to him, “My children don’t show me respect, and yet your grandson treats you so respectfully.”

The Gadol explained: “You believe that people evolved from monkeys, so earlier generations are looked at as closer to being monkeys and are looked down upon. Jews know that the younger generations are not as holy because they are further from the generation that got the Torah at Sinai. Therefore, the older generations are given more respect.”

Stretch of the Week

Think about ways to show your parents (or other parental figure) more honor?

Points to Ponder

What impact does standing up or not standing for a parent have on the parent-child relationship?

Why is it so hard for us, as teenagers, not to contradict our parents?

Why is it assur to call a parent by name?

HALACHA

“We are obligated to both honor and revere our parents, and to refrain from cursing, striking and disgracing them in any way. These halachos are incumbent on sons and daughters toward fathers and mothers, and young children should be trained in them as well. While the main fulfillment of this mitzvah is in the heart, there are numerous halachos that guide us in applying it in words and deeds: Mora-reverence-includes such things as not sitting in a father’s place, not contradicting his words and not calling him by name. Kavod-honor-includes actions such as standing up for the parent and providing him with food and clothing. The cost of providing for these needs should come from the parents’ funds. If they are lacking, the child is obligated to support them.”-Taken from The code of Jewish Conduct, Rabbi Yitzchak Silver PG 437.

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