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Read Ebook: Pirke Avot: The Sayings of the Jewish Fathers by Gorfinkle Joseph I Joseph Isaac Translator
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PREFACE
This edition is intended mainly for popular reading, but it has been thought wise to amplify the notes, especially with bibliographical references, so that it may serve the purpose of a teacher's handbook, and also be useful as a text-book for the higher grades of religious schools and for study circles. The references are to books that are generally accessible, and, wherever possible, to books in English. The notes are by no means intended to be exhaustive, but rather to be suggestive.
JOSEPH I GORFINKLE.
Mt. Vernon, N. Y. February, 1913.
INTRODUCTION
NAME
PURPOSE
DESCRIPTION
B. Chapters I, 16-II, 4: Sayings of the men of the school of Hillel to Rabban Gamaliel , the son of Judah ha-Nasi
LANGUAGE
DEVELOPMENT OF ABOT
Known thus because Rabbi Meir's name is found in the first verse.
ABOT IN THE LITURGY
German and Polish.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Falk has been called the "father of American Hebrew literature."
Contains very full bibliographies and has other excellent characteristics, but it is a work that must be used with caution. Its chief fault, according to Schechter, is that it is one of a class of works in which "no attempt is made . . . to gain acquaintance with the inner life of the Jewish nation" .
SAYINGS OF THE FATHERS
All Israel have a portion in the world to come, and it is said, "And thy people shall be all righteous; they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified" .
This does not mean that Israel alone, to the exclusion of other nations, will have a portion in the future world. On the future world , see , n. 21. "The pious of all nations have a portion in the world to come" sums up the Rabbinic opinion.
Some texts read "from him" . "From them" must refer to disciples of Antigonus whose sayings have been lost.
It was the custom of pupils to sit at the feet of their teachers.
A fellow-student.
Cf. chapter II, 14.
This may mean either that one must not imagine that punishment for evil deeds will not befall him, or when punishment has been meted out, one must not despair of the good.
Lived about 104-69 B.C.E. He was a leader of the Pharisees at the time of Alexander Jannaeus.
A judge should be strictly impartial.
It is related that the son of Simeon b. Shatach was innocently condemned to death, because the witnesses were not carefully cross-questioned.
Lived about the middle of the first century B.C.E.
"Woe to leadership, for it buries those who possess it." .
That is, Rome. Avoid office seeking.
Scholars must be careful in their teachings, lest their disciples misinterpret their words, and thus adopt false doctrines, as was the case with the disciples of Antigonus of Soko . "Evil waters" may stand for evil doctrines or evil people. When a teacher went into banishment, he was usually followed by his disciples. Departure from the law is equivalent to death.
He who seeks a name loses fame.
Be self-reliant, but not selfish.
Or "promise little." Be like Abraham, who promised only bread, but brought a "calf tender and good" .
Establish over you the authority of a teacher, to hold you from the clutch of doubt .
Cf. Proverbs X, 19.
Rabban Simeon II, son of Gamaliel II and grandson of Simeon .
Isaiah, xlii, 21.
All Israel have a portion in the world to come, and it is said, "And thy people shall be all righteous; they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified".
This verse is directed toward the leaders of the community. Cf. above, chapter I, 10.
This verse may be variously translated and interpreted. Its translation here is in accordance with the interpretation of Maimonides. Do not express yourself in such a way that your words may be understood only after careful study and deep thought, but let them be clear and intelligible.
He who has no patience to answer all the questions of his pupils.
Do not boldly push yourself forward; but where there is no one to fill the position of teacher or leader, or to be the head of the community, and you have the qualifications, do not shrink from being the man.
Of special excellence.
"A welling spring" .
He lived in the first half of the second century, C.E.
One who balances the present against the future.
Denotes niggardliness, envy, or jealousy.
Cf. chapter IV, 15.
Man should repent every day of his life, for he knows not on what day he may die .
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