Pirkei Avot - Wisdom of the Fathers
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Pirkei Avot - A Guide to Understanding Jewish Thought and Behavior (Chinese Language Edition)
In 1996, when Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz first published his commentary to Pirkei Avot and had it translated to Chinese, he was asked by the ambassdor of China to Israel why he had done so?
Rav Steinsaltz responded, "The Jewish culture and the Chinese culture are the two most ancient cultures still existent in the world today. Since I am neither a politician, nor a businessman, I wanted to build a bridge between our two cultures, in order that we may know one another and understand one another better. And as mutual respect and mutual acceptance are based upon facts, we can strengthen those qualities as well."
The purpose of this site is to offer the Chinese visitor an introduction to Pirkei Avot, one of the classic works of Jewish life wisdom.
In his effort to build bridges and create bonds between the Chinese and Jewish people Rabbi Steinsaltz has added a unique commentary to this edition of Avot; a commentary that reflects both the commonalities and areas of difference between the Jewish and Chinese cultures.
It is Rabbi Steinsaltz's hope that through a deeper understanding and appreciation of one another's values and vision we may strengthen our bond of friendship and admiration.
Editor's note: In order to offer the reader a taste of Rabbi Steinsaltz's writing style and educational outlook, the balance of the content found on this page will be excerpts, selectively chosen, from Rav Steinsaltz's introduction to the Chinese edition of Pirkei Avot.
To learn more about the activities and writings of Rabbi Steinsaltz visit: http://www.Steinsaltz.org
Rav Steinsaltz responded, "The Jewish culture and the Chinese culture are the two most ancient cultures still existent in the world today. Since I am neither a politician, nor a businessman, I wanted to build a bridge between our two cultures, in order that we may know one another and understand one another better. And as mutual respect and mutual acceptance are based upon facts, we can strengthen those qualities as well."
The purpose of this site is to offer the Chinese visitor an introduction to Pirkei Avot, one of the classic works of Jewish life wisdom.
In his effort to build bridges and create bonds between the Chinese and Jewish people Rabbi Steinsaltz has added a unique commentary to this edition of Avot; a commentary that reflects both the commonalities and areas of difference between the Jewish and Chinese cultures.
It is Rabbi Steinsaltz's hope that through a deeper understanding and appreciation of one another's values and vision we may strengthen our bond of friendship and admiration.
Editor's note: In order to offer the reader a taste of Rabbi Steinsaltz's writing style and educational outlook, the balance of the content found on this page will be excerpts, selectively chosen, from Rav Steinsaltz's introduction to the Chinese edition of Pirkei Avot.
To learn more about the activities and writings of Rabbi Steinsaltz visit: http://www.Steinsaltz.org
Pirkei Avot - Background
The Essence of the Book
"Pirkei Avot" (a.k.a. "Avot") is one of 63 books of the great compilation of Jewish wisdom called "the Talmud.""Avot" deals mainly with moral and ethical guidance, as well as other philosophical issues, such as:
how to conduct oneself on the path of life,
virtues to which one should adhere, or
man's role in This World.
"Avot" is unique in that it deals with ethical and philosophical issues alone, and in that it contains a string of sayings of ancient sages who lived at different times and under very different conditions: from the anonymous Sages of the land of Israel prior to 300 BCE, to the Sages who lived there around the year 200 CE.
Some of these sayings were written when the Jews in the Land of Israel were first under Persian foreign rule, then under Greek rule, and others were said later, when the Jewish state succumbed to Roman conquest.
These were alternately times of calm, and of war and distress.
The Sages quoted in this book vary as to social backgrounds, too: Some served as leaders and judges, while others were private citizens - land owners and merchants, even tradesmen such as tailors, blacksmiths and shoemakers, or simple laborers.
Some came from big cities and spoke many languages, whereas others dwelled in small villages.
Despite these differences, all the Sages belonged to one, unified culture, and usually expressed themselves in the language of their culture - Hebrew.
This unity of culture is expressed not only in a similarity of style but, more profoundly, in a consensus about the basic principles: the meaning and aims of life.
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Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz shares his insights on the secret of Jewish survival.
Pirkei Avot - Intended Readership
Who Can Benefit From This Book
The book of "Avot," which is a book of ethics and not of law, is meant from the start, for individuals.Although it does contain guidance about public matters - advice for leaders, judges and teachers of the masses - still and all, it is essentially directed to the individual: How can one behave in order to protect his soul and his actions.
Furthermore, most of the sayings do not deal with abstract philosophy, but with man's conduct in This World: How one should deal with one's fellow men: Those who are in a higher rank than oneself, one's equals, and those in one's charge.
And beyond that the book deals with the very essence of man: Characteristics that one should acquire, and things from which one should keep away and avoid.
While instructions in this book differ from each other depending on the opinions and character traits of their authors, they relate in that none are meant for monks and hermits, but rather for people living in the world, involved in trades and occupations who nevertheless wish to do everything in the way of goodness.
Therefore, the book does not preach any kind of extremism (not even holy extremism), but calls for finding the middle way, the golden path.
This is a path suited for even the simplest person; yet, at the same time, whoever takes this path will eventually become a person of merit.
The sayings in this book do not deal with "what" (which is dealt with in other parts of the Talmud), but rather with "how": How to do things in the best, choicest way is within man's capability.
To learn more about the activities and writings of Rabbi Steinsaltz visit: http://www.Steinsaltz.org
Pirkei Avos - Moral Demands
"Avot" deals not with law, but with more fundamental guidance: What are the truly important things, what are the things for which one ought to strive.The guidance given in "Avot" is for man's heart and mind: how to think, how to talk, and thus, how to do that which one is obligated to do.
It should be remembered that moral demands are different from legal demnads: law is, by definition, equal for all, and cannot be maintained unless everyone can keep it.
Moral demands, on the other hand, are of different kinds: Some are suitable for immediate action, while others are distant goals, delineation of direction and way.
For the latter, man should strive, sometimes, throughout his life, though he may attain only little. Yet even those who only direct themselves towards moral goals, even without attaining them, they too improve themselves and mend their personality constantly.
In essence, then, "Avot" speaks not about obligations but about directions and attitudes: paths which can lead individuals, as well as all of society, to a loftier level of existence.
Pirkei Avot
The Use Of The Book For Jews And For Non-Jews
The book of "Avot" is one of the most fundamental books of Jewish culture. Its contents have guided for millennia both men of merit who aspire to fulfill all the book says, and simple folk, who try to take steps towards the goals which this book sets for every man.Part and parcel of the culture in which it was created, "Avot" is primarily meant for the members of this culture, and constantly refers to concepts and values pertaining to the totality of this culture.
The book is a very valuable tool for getting acquainted with the Jewish world.
People from the outside can appraise Jews by their deeds, achievements in various areas, and relationship with others.
However, such a view is often partial and blemished, stemming largely from lack of knowledge or incorrect information.
This book makes it possible to know the Jewish people from within, to understand their thoughts, the way in which they strive towards perfection, their goals, and their innermost visions.
Moreover: because it deals with moral issues, "Avot" is, by definition, a book which is relevant for any person, whoever he may be.
The issues contained herein pertain to every human being, his attitudes towards society and leaders, his relationship with his family, and the ways in which he strives to correct and perfect himself.
The book can help solve many internal debates and problems which one encounters in each of these areas of life, and presents a new understanding of the way human beings live their lives.
"Avot" is not a novel to be read from start to finish, but a collection of sayings to be digested one by one, its roots and conclusions considered and weighed.
The book can be likened to a package of medications which one does not swallow all at once, but rather takes one after the other and internalizes, until they begin to have the desired effects.
P.S.
To learn more about the activities and writings of Rabbi Steinsaltz visit: http://www.Steinsaltz.org
Works of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz
The Following Books Are Available in English
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Who Is Rabbi Steinsaltz?
Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz is a teacher, philosopher, social critic and prolific author who has been hailed by Time magazine as a...
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