Pirke Avot (Ethics of the Fathers)

A

Avi

Well-Known Member
Messages
1,399
Reaction score
1
Points
0
I have become more interested in learning about ethics and morality and thought it might be fun to post some quotes from Pirke Avot.

It turns out that this section of the Talmud, which deals with ethical and moral principles, contains no halacha (Jewish religious law).

Unfortunately, I have an edition which does not contain any commentary or analysis, so I can only offer my own thoughts.


Chapter 1

All Israel shall have a portion in the world to come, as it is said: "And thy people are all righteous, they shall inherit the land for ever; the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, wherein I glory".

1.
Moses received the Torah on Sinai, and handed it down to Joshua; Joshua to the elders; the elders to the prophets; and the prophets handed it down to the men of the Great Synogogue. They said three things: Be deliberate in judgment; raise up many disciples; and make a fence round the Torah.
Click to expand...

Part 1 offers three simple rules. I wonder if these three rules are really fundamental in some way ? I am not sure these three rules are the most obvious ? Deliberation ? Disciples ? Torah study certainly makes sense though.

2.
Simon the Just was one of the last of the Great Synogogue. He used to say: Upon three things the world exists: upon the Torah, upon the services (in the temple, and now the synagogue services worship of G-d through prayer) and upon the practice of charity.
Click to expand...

Look at the high value placed on charity. I like that !!
 
And I found some commentary, on-line, but it is pretty conservative (give me that good liberal viewpoint :)):

Maharal Archives - Torah.org#

I will return to this commentary shortly.
 
Avi said:
I have become more interested in learning about ethics and morality....Part 1 offers three simple rules. I wonder if these three rules are really fundamental in some way ? I am not sure these three rules are the most obvious ? Deliberation ? Disciples ? Torah study certainly makes sense though.
They said three things: Be deliberate in judgment; raise up many disciples; and make a fence round the Torah.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
Quite interesting you've brought this up.

Now in my mind there is study....but what is study if you ignore application?

Let us explore how these three rules apply in the outside world...or inside this forum maybe.

We've got a code of conduct here...is deciding to join this outfit an implication that one should actually adhere to the code of conduct?

Say it has a rule...like the rule against multiple aliases for example. Now that rule is in place to insure honesty amongst those that decide to join. Do we actually have to follow that rule if we are studying and applying morality and ethics via the three rules.

Last first, keep a fence around the Torah...don't dilute the principles...now the Torah may easily trump the CoC in this regard...but what would the Torah have to say about adhering to that rule?

Second...raise up many desciples...how is that done? I would contend by actions, that your followers follow your actions, therefor if one is to be setting the standard...the abiding by or ignoring the CoC would be an indication of what one would like others to do as well. Yes, no, maybe so?

First last, be deliberate in judgement...So in contemplating ones actions, in regards to the other two...there isn't much room for shades of grey or making justifications...are we being honest and ethical and abiding by the laws of the book, and (no ORs here) setting the example for others to follow?

So as I see it, as you've stated it, these are the things that should assist you in making decisions.

Now I can't say it is the best way...but it is surely one way...and I don't see how one could go wrong.
 
wil said:
Say it has a rule...like the rule against multiple aliases for example. Now that rule is in place to insure honesty amongst those that decide to join. Do we actually have to follow that rule if we are studying and applying morality and ethics via the three rules.
Click to expand...
The third rule, about "putting a fence" around the actual law, means precisely that you not only follow the rule, but also go beyond what the letter of the rule says, not doing anything that even hints at not following the rule.
 
Avi said:
It turns out that this section of the Talmud, which deals with ethical and moral principles, contains no halacha (Jewish religious law).
Click to expand...
says who? certainly there is halakhah that is/can be derived from this section and even more certainly there is halakhah about following ethical and moral principles!

b'shalom

bananabrain
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top