Rabbi Tarfon Lay on the Floor So His Mother Could Climb to Bed

Gaster, Exempla No. 189 (Kiddushin 31b)

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·April 19, 2026

R. Tarfon bowed himself very low to the ground, so that his mother could use him as a step when she went to bed.

Themes

Rabbis Parents And Children Humility Ethics

Biblical References

Exodus 20:12

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