Yitro
The fifth of the Ten Commandments tells us to honor our parents, "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days will be lengthened..."
This commandment is unique in that it comes along with a built in reward. The verse is telling us that fulfillment of this Mitzva results in one being blessed with long life.
The Abarbanel in his commentary addresses this correlation and explains why honoring one’s parents is linked to long life.
When we honor our parents, we are acknowledging and thanking our parents for bringing us into to this world, and giving us the opportunity to live.
The Torah's concept of reward and punishment is that the reward always has to be in line with the action that brought it about.
Therefore it is most fitting that one who lives his life recognizing the value and opportunity given to him, as expressed by his honoring his parents, is rewarded by being given more of the same. A long life full of opportunities to fulfill his potential in this world.
Shabbat Shalom!
Portuguese Jewish history is a rich tapestry of accomplishment and challenge spanning the centuries. Portugal's shores have produced and housed some of our greatest Rabbis and leaders. From statesman, leader and scholar Rabbi Don Yitzchak Abarbanel to Shulchan Aruch author Rabbi Yosef Karo in the 15th century through to the Lubavitcher Rebbe's time in Lisbon in 1941, Portugal has enabled tremendous developments in strengthening community and Torah.
It is in recognition of the timeless nature of these commitments, and in honor of all of those Jews who have called Portugal home through times of brilliance and darkness, that these Torah insight's from Portugal's great Rabbis is produced - here in Portugal.
Special thanks to Rabbi Shlomo Pereira for the Portuguese translation.