The tzaddik and gaon Rav Zundel Kroizer zt”l, author of Or Hachamah, once went to the taxi station for the Yerushalayim–Bnei Brak route, located at the time in Strauss Street. While waiting inside the cab until it filled with passengers, he saw his father, Rav Tzvi Hirsch zt”l, crossing Strauss Street on his way home to Bililius Street.
Rav Zundel immediately stepped out of the taxi and stood respectfully outside, bowing his head in deference, even though his father did not see him. He remained there in reverence as his father crossed the street and continued on his way. Only after his father was out of sight did Rav Zundel think of returning to his seat in the taxi, which had since been filled with passengers, and departed.
Note: Halachic authorities discuss whether one must rise in honor of a parent or teacher if the latter is unaware. See Sha’ar Ephraim siman 68, Ginos Veradim, Yoreh De’ah, klal 4:2, Birkei Yosef, Yoreh De’ah, siman 244:2, and other sources. It appears that Rav Zundel chose to be stringent as an act of piety.
In my youth, when I returned home late on Shabbos nights after attending a tish, I would remove my shoes outside the house and tiptoe silently to avoid waking my parents. This is something to be very mindful of, especially for young men returning home late. They should avoid waking their parents and certainly return home at an hour that leaves them worrying late into the night. Doing so is among the gravest offenses against honoring one’s parents.
