As Grandparents Day 2026 approaches – this year falling on September 13, the second day of Rosh Hashanah – I find myself reflecting on the virtues of honesty. On Rosh Hashana, we Jews are mandated to move beyond self-deception and pursue radical honesty about the people we have been this past year. But, coincidentally, just recently, I have been wondering whether, in imparting life values to my grandchildren, “Is it wise to tell them that honesty is always the best policy?”

Honesty is in my DNA; I find being honest a more comfortable way to go through life. And I’m sure that those who know me would say I greatly value getting honest feedback from others. So, consistent with my nature, I’ve always told my grandchildren that it is very important to be honest – and I’ve asked them never to lie to me.

The truth is, though, that being honest doesn’t always lead to happy endings. Sometimes I inadvertently hurt others when I choose honesty above all else. By the same token, I sometimes get hurt by asking for total honesty from others. And yet, I automatically persevere in making honesty a priority.

I’m glad to say that Judaism, at least in its principal teachings, endorses my preference. As the late Dr. Meir Tamari, founding director of the Center for Business Ethics and Social Responsibility, wrote in the Orthodox Union’s magazine Jewish Action: “Honesty is not just another aspect of Judaism, but is of its very essence . . . . The Torah, the Prophets and the Psalmist describe the God-fearing man almost exclusively as one far removed from all forms of falsehood or dishonesty.”

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