107. Standing for Scholars

Rabbi Jack Abramowitz, MS Ed., is Torah Content Editor at the Orthodox Union. He is the author of nine books, including The Tzniyus Book, The Taryag Companion, The God Book and Ask Rabbi Jack. His two-volume The Complete Targum Onkelos is available from Kodesh Press as well as on Amazon.

Talmud Torah 5:13

Students increase a teacher's wisdom and expand his world. The Sages said, “I learned much from my teachers, more from my colleagues, and the most from my students.” Just as a small twig is used to light a large branch, a mere student sharpens his teacher in that his questions lead to wise insights.

Talmud Torah 6:1

One is required to honor a Torah scholar, even if he is not one's teacher. Leviticus 19:32 tells us, “Stand up before an elderly person and show respect to an elder.” An elder refers to one who has acquired wisdom. One is obligated to stand once the scholar comes within four cubits (about six feet) until he passes by.

PreviousNext