The Talmud asks: "What is implied in the term 'reverence' for one's parents?  One should not sit in his father's seat, nor speak in his stead, nor contradict his words."

The subject of this verse is the Mitzvah to revere one's parents. Yet when the Talmud explains this concept, it does not talk about reverence at all! Rather it defines specific actions and deeds. Why did the Talmud not elaborate on the reverencethat we are required to have for our parents? 

The Talmud is teaching us one of the fundamental principles of the Torah. The basic format of all Mitzvos requires action. Even the Mitzvos of the heart-like belief in and love of Hashem-must be actualized in order to be fulfilled.

Hence, the Rabbis ask: "What is implied in the term 'reverence of parents'?  Meaning-what are the specific actions that actualize 'reverence of parents' into a concrete reality? Only when the reverence is translated into deed is the Mitzvah fulfilled!

Likewise, when someone asked Hillel to teach him the whole Torah on one foot, Hillel responded, "That which is hateful to you, do not do unto others." Instead of teaching him the Mitzvah to "Love your friend as you love yourself", Hillel taught him the actions that stem from that Mitzvah. Only when the love gives birth to specific actions is the Mitzvah of loving another person fulfilled.

May Hashem help us develop the proper feelings within our hearts, and may we express them though concrete and appropriate deeds.

[Based on Da'as Torah of Rabenu Yerucham HaLevi]

TODAY: Perform a kind deed for your parents or someone close to you.