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Why does Rashi (רש"י) say we're "more obligated" to honor fathers than grandfathers, implying some obligation to grandfathers exists? The shiur argues that honoring grandfathers isn't a direct obligation but flows indirectly through kibbud av - we honor grandfathers because it pleases our parents. This explains why grandfathers should request rather than command service, unlike the direct authority parents possess.
This shiur examines two fascinating aspects of family relationships found in Parshas Vayigash. The first issue addresses why Binyamin is referred to as "yeled zakun" (the young child) in the verse, when typically Yosef held the title of "Ben Zakun." Since Binyamin was actually the youngest brother, this raises questions about how such appellations are assigned and maintained within families. The Sifsei Chachamim suggests that once Yosef received the title Ben Zakun at his birth, it remained with him even after Binyamin was born eight years later, though this explanation still leaves questions about the original assignment. The main focus shifts to a profound halachic discussion triggered by Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary on the verse where Yaakov offers sacrifices "to the God of his father Yitzchok." Rashi explains that Yaakov specifically mentioned Yitzchok rather than Avrohom because "a person is more obligated in honoring his father than his grandfather." This statement implies some obligation exists toward grandfathers, just less than toward fathers.
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Parshas Vayigash 46:4
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