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Does a grandchild owe a direct obligation to honor grandparents, or only indirectly through honoring parents? The shiur analyzes Parshas Vayigash 46:1 and Rashi (רש"י)'s proof that one owes more honor to a parent than a grandparent. Drawing on the Maharik, Rema, and Vilna Gaon, Rabbi Zweig resolves the seeming contradiction by distinguishing direct from derivative obligations—a child's duty to grandparents flows through the parent's honor.
Rabbi Zweig opens by examining the Torah (תורה)'s position on honoring grandparents, noting that while we as grandparents might have strong opinions on what the answer should be, the question is what Jewish law actually requires. The shiur focuses on Parshas Vayigash 46:1, where Yaakov travels to Egypt and brings sacrifices "to the God of his father Yitzchok"—conspicuously omitting his grandfather Avrohom, despite having mentioned both in earlier contexts. Rashi (רש"י) comments that from this verse we learn that "a person is obligated to honor his father more than his grandfather." The Ramban (רמב"ן) challenges Rashi's proof: why not mention both? Even if the father takes precedence, what prevents including the grandfather as well? This question opens a fundamental dispute in Jewish law. The Maharik rules that a person is not obligated to honor his grandfather at all, while the Rema disagrees, maintaining that there is an obligation to grandparents, though the father's honor takes precedence. The Taz expresses disbelief that the Maharik could have been unaware of Rashi's explicit statement.
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Bereishis 46:1 (Parshas Vayigash)
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