Q&A: Why Is It Forbidden to Rule in Favor of One’s Father’s Words?
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Why Is It Forbidden to Rule in Favor of One’s Father’s Words?
Question
Why, according to Jewish law, is it forbidden to decide in favor of one’s father’s words under the law of reverence for a parent (for example, saying, “My father’s view seems correct”)? After all, when the son agrees with the father, that honors the father.
Answer
Two explanations occur to me: First, when you agree, it appears that you also could have disagreed. Second, when you agree, it looks as though you are presenting yourself as an independent authority in relation to your father.