Stepfather and Stepmother-Honoring the spouse of one’s parent:[1] Father’s wife: A person is [Biblically[2]] obligated to honor his father’s wife even though she is not his mother [i.e., stepmother].[3] This applies so long as one’s father is alive, as explained below. [The child is obligated to honor his stepmother with […]
Children who do not get along with their parents
Children who do not get along with their parents: A. Narcissistic parents-May one distance himself from his parents if they have bad character traits and cause him much pain?[1] Yes. It is permitted for a son or daughter to distance themselves from their parent if the parent is of bad […]
Shoteh-How to honor a parent who is old, or mentally incapacitated; institutionalizing a parent, old age homes
Shoteh-How to honor a parent who is old, or mentally incapacitated; institutionalizing a parent, old age homes: A. Dealing with a parent who has lost their mind:[1] If a person’s father or mother has lost their mind, the child needs to try to treat them and act with them in […]
Parent is a Rasha-Must one honor a parent who is a Rasha?
Parent is a Rasha-Must one honor a parent who is a Rasha?[1] The dispute: Some Poskim[2] rule that one is obligated to honor and fear his father [and mother] even if his father [or mother] is a [habitual] Rasha and big Baal Aveiros [i.e. transgressor].[3] Other Poskim[4], however, rule that […]
Must a child who grew up not observant and became a Baal Teshuvah honor his parents who are not religious?
Q&A Must a child who grew up not observant and became a Baal Teshuvah honor his parents who are not religious? Yes, as explained above. Furthermore, even according to the opinions above who are lenient, one must still show them the respect that is accepted within secular culture and may […]
Adopted children honoring parents
Adopted children honoring parents:[1] A. Adoptive Parents-Is an adopted child obligated in the laws of Kibbud Av Vaeim towards his adoptive parents?[2] Although a person who adopts an orphan is considered like one who has given birth to him[3], nonetheless, a child who was adopted is not obligated in the […]
Ger/Converts- Is a convert obligated to honor and fear his parents?
Ger/Converts- Is a convert obligated to honor and fear his parents?[1] Hitting or cursing or shaming: One who converted is not liable [for hitting or cursing] his father or mother. This applies even if his father or mother also converted. Even if a woman converted when she was already pregnant, […]
Meaning of Es Vaheiv Basufa
Question: [Wednesday, 16th Tamuz, 5783] I have heard many times the words from Scripture of Es Vaheiv Basufa be used to describe peaceful relations between two people who were in a fight or between two scholars who argue with each other. Can you clarify how this verse hints to this […]
From the Rav’s Desk: Meaning of Es Vaheiv Basufa
Question: [Wednesday, 16th Tamuz, 5783] I have heard many times the words from Scripture of Es Vaheiv Basufa be used to describe peaceful relations between two people who were in a fight or between two scholars who argue with each other. Can you clarify how this verse hints to this […]
Child of a Gentile father and Jewish mother in the laws of Kibbud Av Vaeim
Child of a Gentile father and Jewish mother[1] The child of a Jewish mother and gentile father is not liable for hitting or cursing his mother or father, as only one who is liable for hitting and cursing his father is liable for hitting and cursing his mother, and since […]
