Kedoshim parsha: Older years can be the most formative | Commentary

The Torah stresses the importance of venerating the elderly, mandating that we “Rise up before the aged and show deference to the old; you shall fear God: I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:32).

The honor given to the elderly plays an important role in our lives: it reminds us that they can and do make significant contributions to society. It is also important to remind the elderly themselves of this truth. Otherwise, too often older people can be caught in a vicious cycle: If treated as infirm...