Rabbinic Responses to Aging

Abstract

Rabbinical literature elevates old age and filial obligations. Elders reflect God's blessing and wisdom. Second, teachings of the rabbis cherish filial respect as does the Roman patria potestas and illustrate how an adult child should honor parents despite parental provocations. Two biblical terms show the importance of filial respect in Judaism: " kibbud " and " moraʾ ." Respect for aging parents becomes the basis for unconditional support for the leadership of the older generation and social structures they represent. Consistancy and uniformity in rabbinical literature emphasize the importance of the elderly and a widespread ethos of support for elders.