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Pirkei Avot consists of teachings initially assembled c. 200 CE and forms a small part of the Mishnah, a compilation of Jewish practices developed in response to the destruction of the Temple in 70 CE. Ethical issues play such a central role in Pirkei Avot that early translators referred to it as Ethics of the Fathers.
Because the 123 teachings in Pirkei Avot are not arranged by topic and often appear unrelated to one another, its broader conceptual framework—the “big picture”—can easily be overlooked. This book addresses that challenge by approaching Pirkei Avot thematically. It examines key topics, including the Oral Torah, the world to come, the study of Torah, and a range of ethical concerns; and analyzes the connections among teachings across the text. In doing so, it offers readers a clearer sense of structure and a more coherent narrative understanding of Pirkei Avot as a unified work.
"In this groundbreaking book, Professor Rosenstein offers readers a way to appreciate Pirkei Avot as never before. By illuminating its central themes, he transforms this classic from an anthology of ethical aphorisms into a coherent body of profound ethical teaching. His crystal-clear writing and inviting tone deliver a wealth of insight effectively and enjoyably. Rosenstein strikes an exquisite balance between academic rigor and personal style."
- Daniel Matt, translator of the Zohar, author of The Essential Kabbalah, God and the Big Bang, and Becoming Elijah
"Comprehensive, clearly written, and particularly relevant to our times. Useful for teachers, students, and seekers."
-Ellen Frankel, author and former Editor of the Jewish Publication Society
" ... an exceptional resource for teaching Pirkei Avot. By organizing its teachings into clear, thematic sections, Rosenstein presents a traditionally complex text in a way that is accessible, engaging, and highly relevant to contemporary audiences."
- David Strassler, President and spiritual leader of Temple Etz Chaim, Biddeford Maine
"Even after years of studying and teaching Pirkei Avot, I found myself discovering new insights and connections I had never recognized before. The result is both accessible and sophisticated, inviting newcomers and experienced learners alike to engage more thoughtfully with the text. This work stands out as a meaningful bridge between timeless wisdom and modern life ... "
- Rabbi Andrew Warmflash, Rabbi Emeritus of Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre, East Rockaway, New York.
"His monumental work offers the reader the opportunity to ingest this large serving of Jewish learning called Pirkei Avot as a key source of guidance for living an ethical Jewish life."
- Rabbi Ted Feldman, Rabbi Emeritus of B'nai Israel Jewish Center, Petaluma CA
Foreword
Pirkei Avot: The Big Picture
A Guide to the Reader
Preface
Acknowledgements
Dedication
Introduction
Transliteration Alert
Pre-Mishnah Timeline
Background to the Mishnaic Era
Four Important and Particularly Relevant Biblical Verses
Part I. Major Themes
Chapter 1: Commitment to the Oral Torah
Chapter 2: The Importance of Torah Study
Chapter 2A. Balancing Torah Study, Work, and Good Deeds
Chapter 3: Belief in Olam Haba (The World to Come)
Chapter 3A. Rewards in Pirkei Avot
Chapter 3B. Punishments in Pirkei Avot
Chapter 4: The Ethical Principles in Ethics of the Fathers and Our Task of Incorporating Those Principles in Our Lives
Table of Contents for Chapter 4
Part II. Additional Themes
Theme 1: Sages, Be Careful of What You Say!
Theme 2: Our Relationship to God
Theme 3: Honor and Humility
Theme 4: Anger
Theme 5: Judges and Justice
Theme 6: Free Will and Super-Omniscience
Theme 7: How Pirkei Avot Addresses Some Contemporary Issues
Part III. Editorial Issues
Issue 1: Who Wrote Avot?
Issue 2: Where is Rabban Gamliel?
Issue 3: How Many Is Ten?
Issue 4: The Use of Proof-Texts
Issue 5: What Happened with Avot after Its Completion?
Part IV. Fifteen Interesting Questions
A. Why Are Additional Mishnayot Recited before and after Each Chapter of Pirkei Avot?
B. Why Are We Told, “When Your Enemy Falls, Do Not Rejoice!”?
C. Is Shammai as Bad as His Reputation?
D. How Is God Referred to in Pirkei Avot?
E. Is Our Covenant with God Still in Effect?
F. What Are Ben Zoma’s Four Questions?
G. Why Do Good People Suffer and Bad People Thrive?
H. Where Do Our Defenders and Prosecutors Live?
I. When Does Judgment Take Place?
J. Why Is It Dangerous for a Scholar to Stop and Smell the Flowers?
K. What Biblical Figures Are Mentioned in Pirkei Avot?
L. What Are David and Jonathan Doing in Pirkei Avot?
M. Where Is the Temple Discussed in Pirkei Avot?
N. What Are the Stages of a Person’s Life?
O. What Inconsistencies Are There in Pirkei Avot?
Part V. Appendices
Table of Contents for the Appendices
1. The Text and Translation of Pirkei Avot
2. Glossary A: Jewish Texts
3. Glossary B: Jewish Prayer and Practice
4. Teachers of Pirkei Avot (including Alphabetical List of Teachers)
5. Memorize These Phrases!
Bibliography
Indices