Q. A teenager leads and accompanies his grandfather suffering from Alzheimer to shul. But the grandfather because of his illness sometimes disturbs other mispaleleim. What is the correct thing to do for the grandson when this happens? Should he take him out of the shul, against his grandfathers will? Should he refuse to bring him to shul anymore? Or should he just ignore the disturbance?
A.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that there are many
variables in the scenario of this question that are crucial. There is
no question that it is important to bring the grandfather to shul.
Besides the inherent mitzva of kivud av, that according to many
Poskim also applies to a grandfather, (See Shulchan Aruch Y.D. 240:
24), it also constitutes an act of very significant chesed since he
wants and enjoys being there. It could likely be essential for the
quality of his life and the mispalelim should be made aware of it and
be more sensitive and forgiving to his needs. Then again, it also
depends on the degree of the disturbance created, which could reach
unacceptable levels. A change in the place of seating may then be the
solution.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a
Important Numbers
