by Rabbi Yair Hoffman for 5tjt.com The Talmud Yerushalmi writes that honoring parents is of the loftiest of Mitzvos. A person is exempt from the observance of other Mitzvos when he is busy taking care of his parents. Indeed, the Aruch haShulchan writes (YD 240:36) that the exemption applies even if he is just waiting to perform the Kivud Av’ V’Aim. We do not find this in regard to any other Mitzvah! Medical science and research has now given us a new way in which we can perform this very lofty Mitzvah.  How so? Everyone knows that dementia is a very very difficult thing – both for the children and for the parents.  If we can eliminate one of the risk factors of dementia, we can accomplish much in the way of Kivud Av v’Aim. **There is a very special Kallah that needs assistance, if anyone can help.** https://thechesedfund.com/zechornilah/kallahwithnoresources How can we do this?  There is research that vision issues plays a role in dementia – from 2% to 30%. Some studies show that nearly 100,000 dementia cases in the U.S. could have been prevented by improving vision, a cross-sectional analysis suggested. In the Journal of the American Medical Association, Joshua Ehrlich, MD, MPH, of the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and co-authors in a JAMA Neurology brief wrote that the population attributable fraction — the proportion of dementia cases that potentially would be prevented if a risk factor was eliminated — of vision impairment was 1.8% in the 2018 Health and Retirement Study. Dr. Ehrlich also noted that “a very large fraction of vision impairment — possibly in excess of 80% — is avoidable or has simply yet to be addressed.” “We sought to illustrate that vision impairment is just as influential as a number of other long accepted modifiable dementia risk factors,” he continued. “When we include vision alongside these factors, we’re able to account for an even greater proportion of dementia cases that, in theory, could be prevented.” Sensory loss is emerging as an important dementia risk factor. A recent prospective study showed that cataract surgery was tied to a nearly 30% lower risk of dementia in older adults. In an autopsy study, hearing impairment was linked with neuropathological hallmarks of dementia. Categorizing The Mitzvah The actions, steps and procedures of this fundamental Mitzvah of Kivud Av v’Aim can be categorized into two types – those obligatory in nature, and those that are more of a voluntary or elective nature. They can also be categorized further – issues of Kavod – honor and issues of Moreh, perhaps best translated as dishonoring. Kavod is in the Ten Commandments. Dis-honoring is in Sefer VaYikra in Parshas Kedoshim. Who and to Whom Males and females are equally obligated in this Mitzvah. The Gemorah in Krisus (28a) tells us that the obligation extends equally to both the father and mother as well. Intentions We are required to perform Mitzvos with the proper intentions. What does this mean? We do it because it is the commandment of the Creator. What if we do it because it is a good, proper, and ethical thing to do? Good question. It depends. If we conceive of Hashem (as we should conceive Him) as the source and essence of all good – then the intent […]

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