Chapter 3

1 Akavia the son of Mahalalel would say: Reflect upon three things and you will not come to the hands of transgression. Know from where you came, where you are going, and before whom you are destined to give a judgement and accounting. From where you came...

In this class we take a practical and relevant approach in studying this classic text. We’ll examine the wisdom of Pirkei Avot through the lens of the classical commentators as well as the Kabbalists to gain an even more profound understanding of its many...

Anyone who forgets even a single word of this learning, the Torah considers it as if he had forfeited his life … one does not forfeit his life unless he deliberately removes them from his heart. (Ethics of Our Fathers 3:8)

Rabbi Shimon would say: Three who eat at one table and do not speak words of Torah, it is as if they have eaten of idolatrous sacrifices… But three who eat at one table and speak words of Torah, it is as if they have eaten at G d's table… (Ethics of Our F...

Akavia the son of Mahalalel would say: Reflect upon three things and you will not come to the hands of transgression. Know from where you came, where you are going, and before whom you are destined to give a judgment and accounting. From where you came--f...

Beloved is man, for he was created in the image [of G d]; Beloved are the people Israel, for they are called children of G d; Beloved are the people Israel, for a precious article was given to them. (Ethics of Our Fathers ch.3:14)

Rabbi Eliezer the son of Azariah would say: If there is no Torah, there is no common decency; if there is no common decency, there is no Torah.

Rabbi Eliezer Chisma would say: the laws of kinin (bird offerings) and the laws of menstrual periods--these, these are the meat of Halachah (Torah law). The calculations of solar seasons and gematria are the condiments of wisdom.

…The collection-officers make their rounds every day and exact payment from man, with his knowledge and without his knowledge….

All is foreseen, and freedom of choice is granted. The world is judged with goodness, but in accordance with the amount of man's positive deeds.