The fifth of the Ten Commandments states, “Honour your father and your mother in order that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God gives to you”. The Mishnah says that the reward for the fulfilment of this commandment is both in this world and in the world to come. The Talmud relates that there are three partners in the creation of a child: the father, the mother and God (who gives the soul). When a child honours his parents, it is as if he honours God.

The ways in which a son must honour his parents include supporting them physically with food and drink, clothing and shelter if they are in need, not insulting them in public and not displaying anger towards them. A son must not occupy his father's seat, contradict him, oppose him publicly in a debate, or call him by his name. A married daughter should also respect her parents and do as much as she can for them, as long as it does not conflict with the requirements of her husband. Even after their death, a child is obligated to honour his parents by reciting Kaddish for eleven months. Once this period has passed, a son must say when speaking of his father, “May his memory be for a blessing, for the life of the world to come”.

There is one case where respect for parents does not apply and that is when one is commanded by one's father or mother to transgress Jewish law. Then one is obligated not to obey them, and need not fear any reprisals.

A Jew is obligated to honour and fear his teacher even more than his father. Even though his father has given him life in this world, his teacher prepares him for life in the world to come. Therefore, he must stand up when his teacher (or any wise man) enters the room. If a scholar is also a merchant, his business is given preference by the community and a sage whose main occupation is learning Torah is exempt from taxation and other assessments, even if he is rich.

Disrespect or hatred towards those learned in the law is considered a grave sin and the Talmud states that whoever despises the sages has no share in the world to come.