The Mitzvah of Honoring the Elderly: The Cornerstone of an Ethical Society

The Mitzvah of Honoring the Elderly

The mitzvah of "honoring the elderly" requires us to value older people and Torah scholars, and to accord them proper respect.

The basis for this mitzvah is found in the verse: "You shall rise before the elderly and honor the face of an elder" (Vayikra 19:32)

The Sages' Interpretation of the Verse

The simple meaning of this verse refers to an elder in the commonly accepted sense today -- an older person. The Sages interpreted the verse to include scholars of Torah:

According to Issi ben Yehudah, it is a mitzvah to stand up for anyone with gray hair, even if they are not learned, and also for any great sage.

According to the first opinion cited, the words "gray hair" and "elder" reveal that it is a mitzvah to stand for a sage who is also elderly.

According to Rabbi Yosi HaGalili, the mitzvah applies only to honoring a sage, even if he is young.

The law was decided according to Issi ben Yehudah, provided the person is not wicked or a transgressor.

The Deeper Meaning of the Mitzvah

The Sefer HaChinuch (Book of Education: Mitzvah 257) clarifies that the mitzvah is primarily concerned with honoring sages and the obligation to stand before them. Onkelos interprets the verse as referring to those who have attained Torah wisdom. The Sages explain that the term "elder" refers to one who has acquired wisdom, as the choice of the word "elder" implies that wisdom is acquired over the years.

"[One should] honor the sages and rise before them as it is said (Leviticus 19), 'Before the elderly you shall rise.' And Onkelos translated: 'Before one who is wise in Torah you shall rise.' 'And honor the face of an elder' - our Sages of blessed memory explained (Kiddushin 32b) that 'elder' refers only to one who has acquired wisdom, and the reason the Torah uses the term 'elder' for a sage is because the young sage has seen via his wisdom what the elder has seen via his many years."

The mitzvah is also intended to bring us to recognize the Creator through our own Torah wisdom. One who has attained this wisdom deserves to be honored, and this will encourage others to aspire to achieve such honor. Issi ben Yehudah extends the mitzvah to honoring an elderly person who is not a sage, who has merited to see and recognize Hashem's deeds and wonders more than others due to his age, and is therefore deserving of honor. However, this honor is not given to someone who is transgresses the mitzvot.

"The main reason why a person was created in the world is for wisdom, in order to recognize his Creator, therefore it is proper for people to honor one who has attained it, and through this others will be inspired toward it. From this, Issi ben Yehudah explains in the Talmud in Kiddushin that even an unlearned elder, meaning one who is not a sage, is included in the mitzvah and it is proper to honor him, because in his many years he has seen and understood, to a degree, the deeds of Hashem and His wonders, and therefore he deserves to be honored. And that is what Rabbi Yochanan says in Kiddushin, that the law is according to Issi ben Yehudah, with the condition (Sanhedrin 85a) that he is not a transgressor, for if so, he has made himself undeserving of honor."

Age of Elder-Status and the Definition of a Sage

The obligation to stand before an elderly person begins at age seventy, as it is stated in the Mishnah: "At seventy, for elder-status." According to the Arizal, the obligation begins at age sixty.

The definition of a sage is one who is distinguished in wisdom in his city, and worthy of teaching others. Some say that honoring a sage applies only to the person who has taught you Torah, but most early authorities disagreed with this.

Practical Ways to Fulfill the Mitzvah

Honoring sages is an important component of honoring the Torah and its scholars, and through it we come to recognize the Creator. Therefore, the Sages gave us clear rules on how to behave toward a rabbi to ensure proper respect.

And thus writes the Sefer HaChinuch:

"And what our Sages of blessed memory said (Kiddushin 31b) regarding awe of one's teacher, that one should not sit in his place nor decide matters in his presence nor contradict his words nor rule in his presence ever, and even within twelve miles of him it is forbidden to rule, and if one sees him transgressing words of Torah, how should one prevent him? And the distinction between one's primary teacher, meaning one whose wisdom is greater than his own, and a teacher whose wisdom is not greater than his own, and from what point one is obligated to stand before one's teacher and before another sage, and in what place and in what matter one is exempt from standing."

The Sages taught that one should honor the rabbi in various ways:

* Not sitting in his place: Not sitting in the chair or place of the rabbi in the synagogue or study hall.

* Not deciding matters in his presence: Not giving a legal ruling that contradicts his words.

* Not contradicting his words: Not arguing with or disagreeing with him publicly.

* Not teaching halachah in his presence: It is forbidden to teach halachah when the rabbi is in the same area, even if he is up to 12 miles away from him.

Regarding the differences between types of rabbis:

Primary teacher: A rabbi whose wisdom is much greater than that of the student.

Regular teacher: A rabbi whose wisdom is not necessarily greater.

Additional Examples for Fulfilling the Mitzvah

Regarding the elderly, a clear example of fulfilling this mitzvah is standing up when an elder enters, but there are additional ways in which we can express appreciation for the elderly:

* Honoring them via our speech: Speaking respectfully and pleasantly with the elderly and sages, and taking their words seriously.

* Giving up one's place for them: Offering comfortable seating to the elderly on public transportation, in synagogues, and in other public places.

* Offering assistance: Helping the elderly and sages with their day-to-day needs. Offering help in daily activities such as carrying parcels or helping them cross the street.

* Seeking their advice: Turning to the elderly and sages for advice and guidance, and listening respectfully to their words.

* Inviting them to events: Inviting the elderly to family and community events, and giving them a place of honor.

* Visiting them: Visiting the elderly regularly, conversing with them, and giving them a sense of importance and companionship.

* Educating the young to respect the elderly: Teaching children and younger people to respect the elderly and to see them as a source of wisdom and experience.

Honoring the elderly and sages is not just a mitzvah but also a cornerstone for building a values-based society. Each of us can contribute to this with small but meaningful actions. Let's begin today, in our homes, in our communities, and in our daily lives, to honor our elders and sages. Let's stand in their honor, speak to them respectfully, and give them their rightful place.

Remember, when we honor the elderly and the wise, we not only bestow honor upon them, but we also honor the Torah values they represent. Through these actions, we strengthen our connection with the Creator and deepen our recognition of Him.