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 Kibud Talmid Chacham/ |
 Provide honor (kavod) for a Rabbi or elderly person. The Torah expresses this mitzvah with a common example: to rise in the presence of a Rabbi or elder over the age of 70, when he comes within 6 feet of you, as stated: "You should stand in front of old people and do honor in front of old men." There is no need to remain standing after he passes - the act of briefly rising is adequate.
 "In the presence of an old person shall you rise and you shall honor the presence of a sage and you shall revere your God - I am Hashem." - Leviticus 19:32
 The primary purpose of our existence in this world is to recognize the Creator and His wisdom (Sefer Hachinuch).
Therefore, it makes sense that we should honor those who have greatest capacity to bring us to the fulfillment of our life-purpose. Likewise, one who stands up for the elderly will merit fear of Hashem, as stated: "You should stand up and fear Hashem." - Sefer Charedim
 There are an endless number of ways one can fulfill this mitzvah: Speaking to a Torah scholar and Rabbi using the third person shows respect as does serving him food and drink, taking his coat, etc. Since obtaining the level of erudition and righteousness to be considered a Torah scholar often entails tremendous self-sacrifice, seeing to the physical and financial needs of a Torah scholar demonstrates a high level of fulfillment of this mitzvah.
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