Q. Hello Rav,
I started learning at the Toronto Kollel in the mornings. As I’m learning, several young rabbis also walk by and come into the room to learn. I’m wondering if I should be standing up fully, sit up a little bit, or not at all as they walk into my 4 amot. I assume any kollel rabbi is considered a talmud chacham and the obligation to stand up would be in effect in theory. If so, would this apply just one time per morning, or each time they pass by?
Thanks so much.
A. On question 1951 we wrote: “Rema (Y.D. 244: 16) rules that a talmid should not stand up before his rebbe more than twice a day. This reflects the teaching of Talmud (Kidushin 33b), that the honor given to a human should not surpass the one given to Hashem, whom we honor every morning and night, (when reciting the shema – Taz). However, the Rema adds, that if others are present, since they may not be aware that one has already stood twice before his master, one should stand again.”
On question 1934 we wrote; “Teshuvos Radvaz (8:167) maintains that even when the elderly forgoes his honor, one should still respect him by rising slightly. Horav Y.S Elyashiv zt”l, however, rules that this is unnecessary. (Mevakshei Torah, v. 4, p. 249).
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is similar.”
On question 1159 in regards to standing for a Talmid Chacham or an elder who is unaware of the honor given to him, (he is facing another direction), if it is better to make him aware, we wrote: “Horav Shlomo Millers Shlit’a opinion is that in general there is no need to make the recipient of the honor aware that you are standing for him or honoring him, unless he needs to benefit emotionally from that knowledge;( e.g. to rise his depressed spirit).
In principle, the Rov maintains one should rise slightly, as mentioned above, even when the elder is not aware of it”
In our case the Rov maintains that even the elderly Talmidei Chachamim usually forgive their honor, and no standing is customary.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a