honouring parents
One of the suggested Mitzvahs is 'Honour Your Parents and Grandparents.'
​
Listen the first time, speak kindly and respectfully, and be thoughtful, especially by not waking them when they are sleeping.
​
Below is a beautiful story about honouring one's parents.
​
Dedicated in honour of Rabbi Yaakov Levitan, a model of devotion and respect to his parents.
Honouring Our Parents – A Story About Respect
​
Long ago, there lived a kind and respected man named Dama. He was not Jewish, but people of all backgrounds admired him for his wisdom, patience, and gentle nature. Most of all, he was known for the great respect he showed his parents.
​
One day, Dama was invited to an important meeting. As he sat speaking with the leaders of the city, his elderly mother suddenly entered the room. She was wasn’t well and began to shout, hit and push him.
​
Everyone watched in shock.
​
But Dama did not become angry. He spoke gently to his mother, asking her kindly to come home with him. He did not embarrass her, raise his voice, or show disrespect. Instead, he stayed calm and patient, showing love even when it was difficult.
​
The people were amazed. They said, “Now we understand how far the Mitzvah on honouring one’s parents extends.”
​
The Precious Gem
Not long afterward, visitors came to Dama’s home hoping to buy a precious gem he owned. They needed it urgently and were ready to pay a large sum.
​
Dama went to fetch the gem — but found that his father was asleep, resting on the chest where it was kept.
​
Dama had a choice: Wake his father and make a lot of money, or let his father sleep and lose the sale.
​
Without hesitation, Dama chose to let his father rest.
​
He returned and explained kindly that he could not sell the gem while his father slept. Even when the visitors offered much more money, Dama refused.
​
Later, when his father awoke naturally, Dama sold the gem — but only accepted the original amount he had first agreed to.
​
“I will never sell my respect for my parents,” he said.
​
A Lasting Lesson
Not long after, Dama was blessed with success. People said it was because of the kindness, patience, and respect he showed every day.
​
And so, his story teaches us:
​
Honouring our parents is a value shared by people of all faiths and cultures.
Respect, patience, and kindness — especially at home — shape who we become and help make the world a better place.
​
​