Study Pirke Avot

Saturday afternoons (just before Mincha)
April 21^st through May 19^th

Since the time of the 10th century it has been traditional to study Pirke Avot (The Ethics of the Fathers) before Shabbat Mincha between Passover and Shavuot. The text dates from Mishnaic times and is the only part of the Talmud without an accompanying Gamara and that does not deal with law but rather deals with, as the title says, ethics and moral teachings.

Some of the most well known teachings, such as "If I am not for myself, who will be for me..." and "The day is short, the labor vast..." come from Pirke Avot.  Because the custom of annual study is so widespread, it is included in our Sim Shalom Siddur (pages 257-280) and it is very easy for all of us to access. There are also a variety of different versions of Pirke Avot in the Rabbi Lifson Library and on line with interesting commentaries. 

Many members of our congregation indicated they would like to join together to study Pirke Avot during this period, which coincides with the Counting of the Omer. This study will be led by Temple Emanuel members for Temple Emanuel members.