Honoring the Sages (Mitzvah 257)

(מפני שיבה תקום והדרת פני זקן ויראת מאלקיך אני ה'"(ויקרא יט:לב"

There is a three-way machloket about whom this mitzvah applies: 1) for those who are 60; 2) for those who are 70; 3) one who is wise.

The Rambam phrases the mitzvah as כבוד חכמים and codifies it in הלכות תלמוד תורה, placing the emphasis on wisdom rather than age.

The mitzvah is meant to help the younger generation focus on that which is important.

Delivered at the OU Israel Center, April 10th, 2019 (5 Nisan 5779)