257. Like 70: The obligation to honor Torah scholars

Our verse continues, “…and honor the face of the aged.” The Talmud in Kiddushin (32b) explains that “aged” (zakein) means one who has acquired wisdom (kana – the same root: kn). This is the way the Torah uses the term when it speaks of the 70 elders of the nation (z’keinim). These were not the 70 oldest living Jews. Rather, they were the spiritual leaders and teachers of the nation.

The idea behind calling scholars “elders” is similar to the way in which we say that someone is “wise beyond his years.” Scholarship is equated with age. Remember the famous statement of Rabbi Elazar Ben Azaria, an 18-year-old prodigy, who said, “I am like a man of 70…” (Talmud Brachos 12b, cited in the Passover Haggadah).

Not only unlearned people must honor scholars; scholars must honor one another. (The students of Rabbi Akiva died in a plague because they were careless with one another’s honor – see Talmud Yevamos 62b.)

Honoring a Torah scholar is similar to honoring a parent. We should also show them deference by not contradicting our teachers, sitting in their designated spots, and not ruling in matters of Jewish law in their presence.

We are also obligated to honor actual, chronological elders because of their life experience (Talmud Kiddushin 32b, again). One does not rise for or otherwise honor unrepentant sinners regardless of their age.

The reason for this mitzvah is that it is our job in this world to get to know God. We should therefore respect those who have been more successful in this goal and who help us to achieve it.

This mitzvah applies to both men and women in all times and places. It is discussed in the Talmud in tractate Kiddushin on pages 32a-33b. It is codified in the Shulchan Aruch in Yoreh Deah 244. It is #209 of the 248 positive mitzvos in the Rambam’s Sefer HaMitzvos and #17 of the 77 positive mitzvos that can be fulfilled today as listed in the Sefer HaMitzvos HaKatzar of the Chofetz Chaim.