Pirke Avot: Timeless Wisdom for Modern Life
Overview
In this edition of the well-known Jewish classic, Berkson helps us see that Pirke Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) is more than just a fundamental religious text; it is also a compelling, contemporary ethical guide. Berkson looks at the individual sayings, or mishnayot, through the interpretations of the great Jewish commentators and also within the broader context of Western thought—through views found in the Bible, the ancient Greeks, the Enlightenment, Buddhism, Confucianism, and American culture today. The book’s most important and innovative feature is its exploration of the relationship between the beliefs of the ancient Sages and modern psychology, particularly the key to good relationships: ethical conduct. The result is a book that goes far beyond the plain meaning of the sayings to explore their ethical, psychological, and religious significance for us today.
Top Highlights
“the new scientific approach to history challenged the divine authority of both the Oral and Written Torahs” (Page 11)
“Avot builds on the Torah’s passionate concern with establishing justice, but introduces three key changes: a greater emphasis on love and peace, a devotion to book-centered learning and rational discussion, and a belief in reward and punishment of individuals in ‘the world to come,’ as well as in this world.” (Page 3)
“It tightly weaves together the three strands of spirituality, right conduct, and learning, forming a seamless fabric, a pattern for life.” (Page 1)
“is the decision to be a religious person in the Jewish way.” (Page 30)
“In the generation after Hillel, Jesus of Nazareth took Hillel’s message of love and peace a step further, saying in the Sermon on the Mount, ‘Resist not evil … If someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn and offer him your left … If a man in authority asks you to go one mile, go with him two … Love your enemies.’” (Page 38)
- Title: Pirke Avot: Timeless Wisdom for Modern Life
- Author: William Berkson
- Edition: First edition
- Publisher: Jewish Publication Society
- Print Publication Date: 2010
- Logos Release Date: 2012
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subject: Mishnah. Avot › Commentaries
- ISBNs: 9780827609174, 0827609175
- Resource ID: LLS:PRKVTTMLSSWSDMM
- Resource Type: Commentary
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T02:23:55Z