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Leviticus 19:3 - Honor parents, sanctify Shabbat

Leviticus 19:3 - ויקרא 19:3

Hebrew Text

אִישׁ אִמּוֹ וְאָבִיו תִּירָאוּ וְאֶת־שַׁבְּתֹתַי תִּשְׁמֹרוּ אֲנִי יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵיכֶם׃

English Translation

You shall fear every man his mother, and his father, and keep my sabbaths: I am the Lord your God.

Transliteration

Ish imo ve'aviv tira'u ve'et-shabtotai tishmoru ani Adonai Eloheichem.

Hebrew Leining Text

אִ֣ישׁ אִמּ֤וֹ וְאָבִיו֙ תִּירָ֔אוּ וְאֶת־שַׁבְּתֹתַ֖י תִּשְׁמֹ֑רוּ אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃
אִ֣ישׁ אִמּ֤וֹ וְאָבִיו֙ תִּירָ֔אוּ וְאֶת־שַׁבְּתֹתַ֖י תִּשְׁמֹ֑רוּ אֲנִ֖י יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֵיכֶֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Honoring Parents and Shabbat

The verse (Vayikra 19:3) juxtaposes the mitzvah of fearing one's parents with the observance of Shabbat. Rashi explains that this teaches us that even though one must honor and fear their parents, this obligation does not override the laws of Shabbat. If a parent commands a child to violate Shabbat, the child must not listen, as both the parent and child are equally obligated to keep Hashem's commandments.

The Dual Commandments

The Rambam (Hilchot Mamrim 6:3) elaborates on this principle, stating that in all matters where a parent's instruction contradicts Torah law, the child must disregard the parent's command. This is derived from the phrasing "I am Hashem your God" at the end of the verse, emphasizing that all mitzvot are ultimately obligations to Hashem.

The Order of "Mother and Father"

The Talmud (Kiddushin 30b) notes that the verse mentions the mother before the father, unlike in the Ten Commandments where the father is mentioned first. This teaches that one must fear both parents equally, and the Torah sometimes varies the order to emphasize this point. The Kli Yakar suggests this ordering hints that children might naturally fear their father more, so the Torah stresses the equal obligation toward the mother.

Shabbat as the Ultimate Test

The Sforno explains that Shabbat is specifically mentioned here because its observance represents acceptance of Hashem as Creator. By juxtaposing it with honoring parents, the Torah teaches that our reverence for human authority must never supersede our commitment to divine commandments.

Practical Applications

  • One must provide for parents' needs and show them proper respect (Shulchan Aruch YD 240)
  • This includes standing in their presence and not contradicting them (Rambam Hilchot Mamrim 6:3)
  • However, these obligations never override Torah prohibitions (Talmud Bava Metzia 32a)
  • The mitzvah applies equally to both parents, though practical expressions may differ based on circumstances (Aruch Hashulchan YD 240:18)

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Yevamot 5b
The verse is discussed in the context of the mitzvah of fearing one's parents and keeping the Sabbath, highlighting the juxtaposition of these commandments.
📖 Kiddushin 30b
The verse is cited to discuss the importance of honoring one's parents and the Sabbath, emphasizing their equal importance in Jewish law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does the verse mention fearing parents before keeping Shabbat?
A: Rashi explains that the Torah places honoring parents alongside Shabbat to teach that even though we must respect our parents, we are not obligated to listen to them if they command us to violate Shabbat or other mitzvot. Our ultimate allegiance is to Hashem.
Q: What does it mean to 'fear' one's parents?
A: According to Rambam (Hilchos Mamrim 6:3), 'fearing' parents includes not standing or sitting in their designated place, not contradicting their words, and not calling them by their first names. It's about showing deep respect and reverence in both actions and speech.
Q: Why does the verse say 'I am Hashem your God' at the end?
A: The Sforno teaches that this reminder emphasizes that our obligations to parents and Shabbat come from Hashem Himself. Just as He is eternal, so too these commandments are eternal obligations, not just social conventions.
Q: Why is the mother mentioned before the father in this verse?
A: The Talmud (Kiddushin 30b-31a) explains that the Torah mentions the mother first here because a child naturally feels more awe toward the father, so the verse emphasizes showing proper reverence to the mother as well. Both parents must be honored equally.
Q: How do we balance honoring parents with keeping Shabbat?
A: The Mishnah (Yevamos 6a) teaches that if a parent asks a child to violate Shabbat, the child must refuse because both the parent and child are equally obligated to keep mitzvot. However, the refusal must still be done respectfully, showing that all mitzvot ultimately come from Hashem.