Elder Respect

Title: Elder Respect

General Information about Item:

Informant Data

Rabbi Meir Cohen Goldstein was born in Phoenix, Arixona and received his master’s of rabbinic studies and rabbinic ordination from the Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies at the American Jewish University. Goldstein worked for three years at Elon University as the associate chaplain for Jewish Life after serving as rabbi for the Commack Jewish Center in Commack, New York. He began his position of tenured Dartmouth Hillel Rabbi in July 2018.

Contextual Data

Cultural Context: A custom in Israel is that when an elder gets onto the bus, one gets up to offer them their seat. The proverb may be used in this literal sense if a child or visitor does not know this custom, but Rabbi Goldstein said that it is understood that anyone who is a teacher or worthy of your respect deserves this sign. He suggested that the proverb is understood as a “general principle to honor Torah and the wisdom of our tradition by honoring rabbis and Jewish scholars.”
Social Context: As such, the proverb is often delivered as a reprimand or reminder or stern reminder when someone behaves in a disrespectful manner, particularly towards an elder.

Item

The piece was provided in written form and translated orally by Rabbi Goldstein in both the word for word and general translation.

מִפְּנֵ֤י שֵׂיבָה֙ תָּק֔וּם

Translation- word for word

“Before the white haired, get up.”

Translation- general

“Before the elderly, stand up.”

Collector’s Comments

This proverb is particularly interesting as it is related (unclear whether in cause or effect) to a physical gesture used to show respect. I initially thought this was not a proverb at all, but a set of verbal instructions as to how to physically act in a specific social situation. However, Rabbi Goldstein insisted that the saying is also used as a reprimand against disrespectful behavior or speech, especially towards one’s elders or teachers. In this case, this proverb can be seen as another Biblical proverb that does not match Dundes’ structural formulas and acts as a commandment. This proverb is also an excellent example of the way in which proverbs are commonly used to teach about one’s heritage or culture. This proverb is highly effective in this respect as it both provides key cultural information (that elders are considered very important and should always be treated with respect) and also information on how to respond to a physical situation appropriately.

Collector’s Name: Hannah Margolis

Hannah Margolis, 20

Hinman Box 2464

Dartmouth College

Hanover, NH 03755

Russian 13

Fall 2018

Tags/Keywords

Dartmouth Folklore Archive