Respect

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Respecting the Elderly as a Divine Command

TANAKH

Respecting the elderly is not just a social nicety but a divine commandment linked to the fear of God. The book of Leviticus emphasizes the importance of showing deference to the elderly as a reflection of one's reverence for God.

You shall rise before the aged and show deference to the old; you shall fear your God: I am יהוה.

Leviticus 19:32

The Power of Silence

COMMENTARY

Remaining silent in the face of insults can be a powerful strategy to deescalate conflict. This contemporary study examines the historical event where King Hezekiah of Judah chose silence in response to the taunts of the Assyrian official Ravshakeh.

One possible answer lies in Chizkiyahu’s strategy of not responding to Ravshakeh (Melachim I 18:36). Chizkiyahu HaMelech teaches that sometimes the wisest strategy to even the most severe of insults is to remain silent. Responding to insults legitimizes the insult, and further escalates the trouble. Remaining silent lets the matter deescalate.

From David to Destruction, Malchei Yehudah; Achaz, Chizkiyahu, and Menashe, Ravshakeh's Raving Rant 9

Respecting the Sanctity of Cemeteries

TALMUD

Respect for the dead is a fundamental value in Judaism, and this text outlines specific prohibitions to ensure that cemeteries remain places of dignity. The Talmudic tractate Megillah details various activities that are forbidden in cemeteries to maintain respect for the deceased.

The Sages taught in a baraita: In a cemetery, one may not act with frivolity; one may not graze an animal on the grass growing inside it; and one may not direct a water channel to pass through it; and one may not gather grass inside it to use the grass as feed for one’s animals; and if one gathered grass for that purpose, it should be burnt on the spot, out of respect for the dead.

Megillah 29a:15

Honoring Past Relationships

SECOND TEMPLE

Honoring past relationships and showing gratitude by caring for the descendants of those who have shown kindness is a timeless lesson. Josephus recounts King David's loyalty to his covenant with Jonathan by seeking out and caring for Jonathan's son, Mephibosheth.

5. He also called to mind the covenants and the oaths he had made with Jonathan, the son of Saul, and the friendship and affection Jonathan had for him; for besides all the rest of his excellent qualities with which he was endowed, he was also exceeding mindful of such as had at other times bestowed benefits upon him. He therefore gave order that inquiry should be made, whether any of Jonathan's lineage were living, to whom he might make return of that familiar acquaintance which Jonathan had had with him, and for which he was still debtor…

The Antiquities of the Jews 7:5:5

Letting Go of Anger

MUSAR

Holding on to anger or rage, even when justified, can be detrimental to one's spiritual and emotional well-being. Rabbi Moses Cordovero’s 16th-century work, Tomer Devorah, teaches us to emulate God's attributes, particularly mercy and forgiveness, to promote love and reconciliation.

And this is a trait that is fitting for a person to practice with his fellow. Even if he is permitted to rebuke his fellow or his sons with upbraiding and they [accept it], it is not because of this that he [should] increase his rebuke. And he [should] not hold on to his anger - even if he got angry - but rather nullify it. And he [should] not hold on to his rage forever, even if it is a [rage] that is permitted to a person, similar to that which they explained: "When you see the donkey of your fellow, etc…

Tomer Devorah 1:12

Abraham's Exemplary Hospitality

KABBALAH

Abraham's extraordinary dedication to hospitality and respect for others is exemplified by his actions even in the face of personal pain. The Zohar, a foundational work of Jewish mysticism, recounts Abraham's hospitality to three visitors, emphasizing his selflessness and spiritual commitment.

Now Abraham, although he was in great pain from his wound, ran forward to meet them so as not to be remiss in his wonted hospitality.

Zohar, Vayera 6:95

The Patience of Hillel

REFERENCE

Hillel the Elder's exceptional patience and wisdom allowed him to convert individuals to Judaism through his calm and positive demeanor. This text recounts stories of Hillel the Elder, a foundational Jewish sage known for his humility and patience, which are often cited in the Talmud.

Hillel’s modesty and unusual patience gained wide renown and many interesting stories were told of futile attempts to make him angry. After the person who wanted to learn the whole Jewish law while standing on one foot, there appeared before Hillel a heathen who was ready to embrace Judaism on condition that he be made high priest. Hillel answered both of them satisfactorily and converted them.

The Jewish Spiritual Heroes, Volume I; The Creators of the Mishna, Hillel 16

Raising Honor from Exile

CHASIDUT

True respect involves fleeing from the pursuit of personal honor and genuinely honoring others with love and fraternity. Rabbi Nathan of Breslov’s Likutei Tefilot offers prayers that encourage personal reflection and spiritual growth, emphasizing the importance of honoring others.

Raise honor from its exile. May people no longer pursue honor, but flee from it. May everyone truly honor others with love, fraternity and great peace.

Likutei Tefilot, Volume II 34:66

Divine Impartiality in the Book of Job

TANAKH

God does not show favoritism or partiality, treating all individuals equally regardless of their social status, as all are God's creations. The Book of Job, part of the Hebrew Bible, explores profound themes of suffering, faith, and divine justice, ultimately emphasizing God's impartiality.

He is not partial to princes;
The noble are not preferred to the wretched;
For all of them are the work of His hands.

Job 34:19

A Father’s Compassion

LITURGY

Divine judgment is impartial, yet God’s compassion is likened to that of a father for his children. This Selichot prayer, recited during the High Holy Days, emphasizes equality before God and appeals for divine compassion.

Surely, there is no favoritism before You for the rich and poor are equally judged. Seek the merits of Your trustworthy children. Be compassionate to them as a father is compassionate to children.

Selichot Nusach Ashkenaz Lita, Third Day of the Ten Days of Penitence 4:4

Mutual Responsibility in Judaism

COMMENTARY

The Jewish principle of mutual responsibility teaches that all Jews are interconnected and share each other's burdens. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks explores the idea that the Jewish people are collectively responsible for one another, rooted in the teachings of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.

This sense of kinship, fraternity, and the family bond is at the heart of the idea of kol Yisrael arevim zeh bazeh, “All Jews are responsible for one another.” Or as R. Shimon bar Yoḥai put it, “When one Jew is injured, all Jews feel the pain.”

Studies in Spirituality; A Weekly Reading of the Jewish Bible, Behar; Family Feeling 13

The Essence of Respect for Elders

TOSEFTA

Respect for elders is a fundamental value in Jewish tradition, encompassing specific actions and behaviors. The Tosefta, an ancient compilation of Jewish oral law, outlines these behaviors, emphasizing the importance of reverence and proper conduct.

[Continuing on the theme of respect for elders,] what is the "rising" (kimah) of which the Torah spoke (Lev. 19:32), "Before the elderly you shall 'rise' (takum)"? [It means one should] rise before [any elderly] within four amot. What is the "deference" (ha'dor) of which the Torah spoke (ibid.), "...and show 'deference' (v'hadarta) before the aged ones"? [It means one does] not stand in his place (i.e., the place where the aged one normally stands), and does not speak in his place, and does not contradict his words…

Tosefta Megillah 3:15

The Commandment to Honor Parents

GUIDES

Honoring one's parents is a fundamental commandment in Judaism, encompassing both legal and ethical dimensions. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz explains that a chapter in the Talmud provides a comprehensive discussion on this mitzvah, drawing from both halakhic (legal) and aggadic (narrative) perspectives.

This chapter also included the most comprehensive discussion in the Talmud of the mitzva of honoring one's parents, including an analysis of the mitzva from both halakhic and aggadic perspectives.

Introductions to the Babylonian Talmud, Kiddushin, Summary of Perek I 10

Ethics of Respect

MISHNAH

Pirkei Avot offers timeless wisdom on how to live a life of respect and ethical behavior. This tractate of the Mishnah, known as Ethics of the Fathers, provides ethical teachings and maxims from the Rabbis, traditionally studied on Shabbat afternoons in the summer months.

Rabbi Ishmael said: be suppliant to a superior, submissive under compulsory service, and receive every man happily.

Pirkei Avot 3:12

Actions of Respect

HALAKHAH

The commandment to honor parents includes specific actions like feeding, giving drink, and dressing them. The Sefer HaChinukh, a medieval work, elaborates on this commandment, detailing practical ways to fulfill it as derived from Exodus 20:12 and explained in Kiddushin 31b.

The commandment to honor father and mother: To honor father and mother, as it is stated (Exodus 20:12), “You shall honor your father and your mother.” And the explanation (Kiddushin 31b) comes to [define it], “What does it mean to ‘honor’? To feed, give drink, dress, bring in, and take out.”

Sefer HaChinukh 33:1

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