The fifth of the Ten Commandments states, "Honor your father and your mother in order that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God gives to you" (Ex. 20:12). The Mishnah says that the reword for the fulfillment of this commandment is both in this world and in the World to Come (Pe'ah 1:1). The Talmud relates that there are three partners in the creation of a child: the father, the mother, and God (who gives the soul). When a child honors his parents, it is as if he honors God (Kid. 30b).
The ways in which a son must honor his parents include supporting them materially with food and drink, clothing and shelter if they are in need, not insulting them in public and not displaying anger towards them. A son must not occupy his father's chair, contradict him, oppose him publicly in a debate, or call him by his name. A married daughter should also respect her parents and do as much as she can for them, as long as it does not conflict with the requirements of her husband. Even after their death, a child is obliged to honor his parents by reciting Kaddish for 11 months. Once this period has passed, a son must say, when speaking of his father, "May his memory be for a blessing, for the life of the World to Come" (Kid. 31b).
There is one case where respect for parents does not apply and that is when one is commanded by one's father or mother to transgress Jewish law. Then one is obligated not to obey them, and need not fear any reprisals.
A Jew is obliged to honor and fear his teacher even more than his father. Even though his father has given him life in this world, his teacher prepares him for life in the World to Come. Therefore, he must stand up when his teacher (or any wise man) enters a room. If a scholar is also a merchant, his business is given preference by the community and a sage whose main occupation is learning Torah is exempt from taxes and other assessments, even if he is rich. Disrespect or hatred towards those learned in the law is considered a grave sin and the Talmud states that whoever despises the sages has no share in the World to Come. See also Children; Father; Family; Mother.
