Author S Goldstein

1. Taking one’s father to court:[1] It is permitted to take one’s father [or mother[2], or Rebbe[3]] to court to file a monetary claim against them. For example, if one’s father damaged one’s item, one may take him to court to force him to pay for the damages. [However, some […]

Correcting a parent for a mistaken Torah statement:[1] If one heard his parent say an incorrect and inaccurate Torah statement, he is not to tell the parent “Do not make this statement/Lo Tisni Hachi.” [Rather, he should simply say the accurate teaching in a respectful manner.[2]] _____________________________ [1] Michaber 240:11; […]

Reprimanding a parent for transgressing Jewish law:[1] One who witnesses his parent transgressing words of the Torah should not explicitly tell him, “You have transgressed the words of the Torah.” Rather, one is to say, “Father, is it not written in the Torah such and such?” making it as if […]

Contradicting the words, statements, and opinions, of one’s parents:[1] One may not contradict the words of one’s parents [father or mother, on any subject]. [This applies whether one outright argues on his parents by saying something like “Not true” or “Nonsense,” or sides with an individual who is arguing on […]

Leaving one’s father’s presence:[1] Some Poskim[2] write that one should not get up to leave his father’s presence without asking his permission to do so. Practically, however, the custom is not to be particular in this.[3] _______________________ [1] See Pesakim Uteshuvos 240:5 See Encyclopedia Talmudit Erech Morah Av Vaeim Vol. […]

Saying the name of one’s parent:[1] A. Calling them, or referring to them, by their name:[2] It is [Biblically[3]] forbidden to call one’s parent [father or mother[4]] by their name.[5] [This applies even not in their presence, and even if they have a common name.[6]] After death: This prohibition of […]

Davening next to one’s father [front, behind, or side]:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that it is forbidden for one to pray directly in front of or behind or to the side of his father within four cubits just as it is forbidden for one to pray behind his Rebbe. Other Poskim[3], […]

Sitting next to one’s parent by the table:[1] Some Poskim[2] rule that a son may not sit next to his father without a person in between. Nonetheless, practically we rule that one may be lenient in this and so is the custom, especially when in private, as the parents forgive […]

Standing or sitting in their designated area:[1] A. Standing in one’s parents designated place for standing:[2] One may not stand in the area that is designated for his father [or mother[3]] to stand when having discussions with friends [i.e. Sod Zikeinim][4], or in the designated area that he stands when […]

Matters of fear that one is obligated towards his parents:[1] The basic difference between the command of honor versus fear:[2] The basic difference between the command to honor one’s parents versus the command to fear one’s parents is that the command to honor one’s parents involves the performance of certain […]