Is the Mitzvah to honor one’s parents considered a Mitzvah between man and G-d [i.e. Bein Adam Lamakom] or between man and his fellow [i.e. Bein Adam Lechaveiro]?[1]

Some Poskim[2] learn that the mitzvot honor one’s parents is a mitzvah between man and G-d and not between man and his fellow. Other Poskim[3], however, learn that it is considered a mitzvah between man and his fellow, and not between man and G-d. Other Poskim[4] leave this matter in question. The Rebbe and others learn that it contains both aspects.[5] There are a number of practical ramifications between these two approaches, including if one must ask forgiveness from his parent if he did not properly fulfill the Mitzvah, as will be explained next.

____________________________________

[1] See Minchas Chinuch Mitzvah 33; Pesakim Uteshuvos 240 footnote 23; Likkutei Sichos 19:197; Likkutei Sichos 36:90 and 95; Encyclopedia Talmudit Erech Kibud Av Vaeim Vol. 26 p. 374

[2] Ramban Al Hatorah Shemos 20:12-13 that the first five Dibros are Bein Adam Lamakom; Tur Al Hatorah ibid; Ikarim Mamar 3:26; Abarbanel Shemos ibid; Chemdas Yisrael Ner Mitzvah 10; Likkutei Sichos 36:90 and 95 and footnote 8 that it contains both aspects of Bein Adam Lechaveiro and Bein Adam Lamakom; See Keli Yakar and Chizkuni on Yisro ibid

[3] Rambam Pirush Hamishnayos Peiah 1:1; Rosh on Mishneh ibid; Kuzari Mamar 3:11; Likkutei Sichos 19:197, printed in Shuchan Menachem 4:173 that it is a Mitzvah Bein Adam Lechaveiro; Likkutei Sichos 36:90 and 95 and footnote 8 that it contains both aspects of Bein Adam Lechaveiro and Bein Adam Lamakom; See Keli Yakar On Yisro ibid; See Kiddushin 31a which implies that it is a mitzvah between man and his fellow “Ula taught: After hearing the first two of the 10 Commandments which instructs one to believe in God and that serve other deities, the nations of the world said that the 10 Commandments were given by God for the sake of His own personal glory. However, after they heard the command to honor one’s parents they retracted and acknowledged the first commands.”; See Yireim Hashaleim p. 5; Rashba 1:18

[4] Minchas Chinuch ibid

[5] Likkutei Sichos 9:XV; 36:90 and 95 and footnote 8; Beir Yehuda on Chareidim p. 72