Pirke Avot

The Avot treaty, more known under the name of Pirké Avot ( Maxims of the fathers ) is a collection of the sentences of the wise of Israel which succeeded the biblical Prophètes. It is the 9th treaty of the seder of Nezikin , itself 4th seder of the " 6 orders of the Mishna ".

True ethical work of and wisdom, Pirké Avot was the object of the most intense work of comment than knew the Jewish tradition. This whole of apophtegmes and reflections written by large the main of Mishna form one of the most important lesson of the Jewish tradition.

The treaty consists of five chapters, the four first containing the great lesson of Wise since Siméon the Juste (IIIe century before EC.) until Juda HaNassi (IIIe century EC.), writer of Mishna. They often speak about social and ethical control to hold, as well as importance to study the Torah
Because of their place in the treaty Nezikin, treaty of the Dommages and of their legal repair, he addresses himself to the judges.
Moreover, the formula " Wise disait" introduced a word often heard into the mouth of Wise in question, in other words one of its essential lesson.

The fifth chapter is distinguished from the precedents, as well by its organization as its contents, bringing back anonymous lesson around structured lists (" The world was created by ten paroles", " Abraham underwent ten épreuves",…) whose subject is not always in connection with ethics. However, the last four paragraphs show the groundwork of the preceding chapters.

Although this treaty is not commented on by the Guemara, one of the " minor Treaties " , Avot deRabbi Nathan (" Fathers according to Rabbi Nathan"), carries out such an extension of this treaty, container of many ethical lesson and legends.

Pirke Avot in the liturgy

Since at least the time of Saadia Gaon (10th century E.C.), which announces itself of it the seniority, it is of habit studied, at the time of the Minha of Shabbat between the six weeks which separate the second week from Pessa' H (Pessa' H during eight days, the first week following the first day of Pessa' H itself is fériée) of Shavouot (and, nowadays, until Rosh Hashana), a chapter of the Avot Treaty per week.

The Avot treaty is thus included in many prayer books, after the prayers of Minha de Shabbat.

It is also of habit to preface by the Mishna 10:1 of Sanhédrin: " Qol Israel yesh lahem Helek the Olam haba (Any Israel has a share in the world to come), and to conclude by the mishna 3:16 from Makkot: the Saint, blessed is it, wanted to give merit to Israel; this is why it gave them the Torah and of the mitzvot in abundance.
Aux five chapters of Pirke Avot is thus added a sixth, heading Kinyan Torah (Acquisition of the Torah).
Il actually acts of the eighth chapter of the minor treated Kalla (according to its place in the Vilna edition of Talmud), whose contents and style approach Pirke Avot.

Quotations

The treaty includes/understands many proverbs and rabbinical lessons among most frequently quoted:

Moïse accepted the Torah with the the Sinai, and transmitted it to Josué, and Josué transmitted it to Old, and the Old ones with the Prophète S, and the Prophets transmitted it to the men Grande Parliament. They said three things: Be moderated in the judgment, form many pupils and made a hedge with the Torah. (Pirke Avot 1:1)
If I am not for me, which will be it? And if I am that for me, that am I? And if not now, when? (Pirke Avot 1:15)
It does not fall to you to finish your task, but you are not either free of you to desist there (Pirke Avot 2:19)

External bonds

Text of Pirke Avot:

in Hebrew
in English
Pirke Avot on wikisource

Random links:

Pirke Avot

Contents

Pirke Avot in the liturgy

Quotations

External bonds