Martin March has written this book for those who wish to be exposed to one of those facets that most of the popular commentaries to Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers) fail to explore in any detail, namely the historical settings against which the individual comments of its mishnayot were set, and the religious, political, and social circumstances that gave rise to those comments. In his book, the author has given us this much needed background as his notes on their biographies open a window onto their ideologies. It is replete with historical insights that will reveal new meaning to each mishnah and brings to life aspects of the fascinating, formative and turbulent period in which the Mishnaic Sages lived. Both the novice and the veteran student will find much in the work to benefit them, and aid them in a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of the times and the words of our fathers and teachers. This truly is a concise, accessible and compelling guide to the great sayings of our Sages, mishnah by mishnah.
Martin March was born in London, UK, and obtained his M.A. at Jews’ College, London. He has been an eternal Torah student and a popular teacher for over 65 years known, both in schools and synagogues, for the depth and lucidity of his Tanach shiurim, and for his critical analysis of our traditional texts and sources. He made aliya, with his wife, in 2015, and now lives in Jerusalem where he continues to give weekly shiurim.
I understand that there will be book launches in Jerusalem in the near future and I shall provide details as and when I get them, for any reader who might wish to attend.
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