SELECTED REFORM RESPONSA

(Responsa Vol. 4#56). In this case there was some doubt about the economic deprivation of the father. Somewhat similarly, David ben Zimri felt that children could be compelled to support their parents in a manner appropriate to the financial status of the children (Responsa Vol. 2, p. 664). A decision akin to this was rendered much later by Moses Sofer (Hatam Sofer Yoreh Deah#229).

It further indicated that anything which the son possessed must be placed at the disposal of the parents. These situations dealt with a society in which no social services existed and individuals might be left completely helpless. Our situation is somewhat different, yet our communities may make reasonable demands of the children. We do not expect them to support their aged parents alone, but we can also not permit financial abandonment.

The community may exert both moral and social pressure in order to bring about appropriate support according to the means of the children. This will bring enhanced support for the homes for the aged within our Jewish community and be in the spirit of our tradition.

Walter Jacob , New American Reform Responsa: Questions and Reform Jewish Answers,#91(Central Conference of American Rabbis, New York , 1992).

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