Reprimanding a parent for transgressing Jewish law

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 […]

Leaving one’s father’s presence

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

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 […]

Sitting next to one’s parent by the table

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

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

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 […]

The Mitzvah to fear one’s parents

The Mitzvah to fear one’s parents:[1] Fearing one’s father and mother is a positive command in the Torah.[2] The command of fearing one’s parents is listed by the Rambam as the 211th Command of the Torah. The intent of the command to fear one’s parents is that one should act […]

Is fasting today optional or obligatory?

Question: [Thursday, 17th Tamuz, 5783] I heard someone quote that in today’s times fasting is no longer obligatory and is only a custom? Is there any truth to this? Answer: While this may be theoretically accurate, it is practically false, and all Torah observant Jews are obligated to fast by […]