Torah Portion: Mishpatim
One who strikes his father or mother shall surely be put to death. (Shemos 21:15).
It is a negative commandment that a son is not to strike his father or his mother, even if they [aggrieved him] greatly, as it says: One who strikes his father or mother shall surely be put to death (Shemos 21:15).
If there were no witnesses, the penalty for striking a father or mother is kareis-excision. But if there were witnesses, then [the adult son or daughter] who struck [the father or mother] is liable for the death penalty — but only if blood was extracted as a result of the injury.
Among the roots of the mitzvah is the purpose of rebuking the wicked who dare to raise a hand against a person who brought them into the world by the will of God, and who did them so many favors.
A child who inflicts a wound in a parent for a medical purpose, is exempt from penalty, but, before the fact, one should not engage in any medical procedure that causes a wound, if it can be accomplished through another person.
This commandment applies in all places and times, to both men and women.
