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Kibbud Av V'eim/ |
Respecting, honoring and revering your parents, besides being an obvious familial obligation, is one of the most well known of the Torah's mitzvos. Not just our own sensibilities and intuition demand recognition of our parent's role in who we are but it becomes a mitzvah when we are cognizant of their partnership with G-d in our creation. This mitzvah is performed by standing up for them, respecting their wishes and providing for their needs as they age. You should think and speak highly of them and act on their behalf.
“Honor your father and your mother, so that your days will be lengthened upon the land that Hashem, your God, gives you.” – Exodus 20:12
In Exodus this mitzvah is given using the word honor and states "father" before "mother," while in Leviticus the word "revere" is used with "mother" preceding "father". Rashi explains the Torah's switch in order by noting that a child is more apt to honor a mother (the more nurturing) over a father while revering or fearing a father more than a mother. Since one must also revere a mother, she is listed first where it says revere and father is listed first where it says honor. A father gives his son beauty, strength, richness, wisdom, and years, therefore a son is obligated to provide him these fives things: food, drink, clothing, shoes and help - Jerusalem Talmud, Kiddushin

While the mitzvah of Kivud Av V'em (honoring one's father and mother) seems to involve relationships between man and his fellow man (in this case children and parents), it is also considered one of man's relationship with G-d. By honoring our parents, His partners in our creation, we are honoring G-d. Honoring grandparents and older siblings is an extension of this mitzvah as well.
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