Friday, 1 July 2022

Avot in retrospect: a summary of the past month's posts

In case you missed them, here's a list of items posted on Avot Today in JUNE 2022:

Thursday 30 June 2022: When silence is better than speech: in his commentary on Avot 1:17, the Me'iri lists the categories of speech identified by Maimonides and ibn Gabirol, but does not compare them. Why?

Tuesday 28 June 2022: With great respect! Honouring others today. Does Ben Zoma's point about the reciprocity of honour in Avot 4:1 need widening?

Sunday 26 June 2022: After the Book Launch: link provided to full text and PowerPoints for the launch of Pirkei Avot: A Users' Manual.

Friday 24 June 2022: Diapers on the doorstep: how an unusual occurrence triggers a set of Pirkei Avot thoughts.

Wednesday 22 June 2022: Perek, Proverbs and Parallels: Rav Lichtenstein ztz"l draws a parallel between Mishlei -- the book of Proverbs -- and Avot. What is its significance?

19 June 2022: Iniquitous names and Torah titles: The Torah does appear to over-emphasise the names and status of the spies sent out to size up the land of Canaan. Is there a bigger message here than the plain narrative suggests?

 17 June 2022: Caravanserais on the road: can you spot the Avot? A single passage from Rabbenu Bachye's Duties of the Heart contains many allusions to teachings in Avot: can you identify them?

Tuesday 14 June: Curbing a "hearty" appetite. The importance of not forgetting one's Torah also involves taking care of one's diet. But does this mean that we should avoid eating hearts?

Sunday 12 June 2022: A word on the Avot deRabbi NatanA reader's question on the Ask the Beit Midrash Facebook  group prompts a response and some further thoughts.

Wednesday 8 June 2022: Miriam's complaint: drawing the wrong conclusions?  Malbim's explanation of Miriam's complaint against Moses and her punishment with tzara'at fits in well with two teachings in Avot.

Tuesday 7 June 2022: Book launch: Please do come! Announcing Pirkei Avot: a Users' Manual.

Friday 3 June 2022: Taking a partner In his book on Jewish law, Chesed LaAlafim, Rabbi Eliezer Papo cites a mishnah in Avot on the rights and wrongs of choosing a business partner.

*************************

Avot Today blogposts for May 2022
Avot Today blogposts for April 2022
Avot Today blogposts for March 2022
Avot Today blogposts for February 2022
Avot Today blogposts for January 2022
Avot Today blogposts for December 2021