Monday, May 13, 2013

Mentioning a parent's name

Hi,

As a matter of respect, we are taught to refer to a parent as "my father" or "my mother", rather than by name, whether they are present or not. However, one who needs to mention their name as a practical matter in a particular circumstance may do so, taking care to do so with the honourific of "my father" or "my mother".

(Rav Moshe Feinstein, Igrot Moshe Yoreh Deah 1:133)

Have a great day,
Mordechai

2 comments:

  1. I always wondered about the 'mikveh lady' phenomenon. Does a woman have to listen to the mikveh lady? If she is told she touched the wall, for example, can she say "No I didn't"? Or must she re-immerse simply on the mikveh lady's say so?

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  2. I assume this was meant for the "Observant Supervisor" post, but I'll answer here since I can't move the comment over: The role of the mikvah lady is to check that the immersion was done properly, since the immerser can't see herself. Therefore, the immerser should listen to the mikvah lady's statement. If she doesn't trust the mikvah lady, she should bring someone else to serve as the observer.

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