108. One May Not Ignore

Talmud Torah 6:2

One does not stand for a scholar in a bathhouse or rest room. The verse (Leviticus 19:32) says “stand up...show respect...,” meaning that the standing up has to be respectful (which is not the case in these places). Craftsmen at work need not stand up for Torah scholars. Again, the verse says, “stand up...show respect....” Just as showing respect does not require someone to incur a financial loss, neither should standing up.

One may not look away from the scholar in order to avoid seeing him and being required to stand. The verse concludes “you shall fear your God.” Whenever something has “plausible deniability” and requires the honor system, the Torah says “you shall fear your God” (because God knows when we are feigning ignorance).

Talmud Torah 6:3

It is not appropriate for a scholar to trouble people by going in front of them so that they will have to stand up for him. Rather, he should take shortcuts with the intention that others should not see him so that he will not obligate them to stand. The Sages used to take roundabout routes past people who would not recognize them so that nobody should be bothered on their behalf.