It seems that there are many that are not makpid to stand out of respect for their elders. This is probably due to the fact that standing for someone else isn’t viewed as a way of respect anymore. Is this a correct approach? or is one obligated, even nowadays, to stand for his elders? What about parents? I don’t know anyone who stands for his parents.
Answer:
Unfortunately, this halachah is somewhat neglected. The reason why many don’t stand for parents is perhaps because parents themsleves might feel uncomfortable if the kids were to stand up the whole time for them. Yet, in principle the mitzvah applies today, and if parents see that the kids don’t fulfill it, they should forego their honor concerning this point.
However, with regard to Torah scholars, mentors, rabbis, and elders, one should certainly stand, and this is the common and accepted custom to fulfill the mitzvah of giving respect in this way. Even among non-Jews, it remains customary–I think–to stand for somebody as a show of respect, and it should be continued.
There are many halachos of when and where a person has to stand up, and they remain relevant today.
