Friday 22 July 2022: Holding back and going forth: Avot and the Delphic Oracle. Abstinence is only one facet of the Jewish response to keeping non-religious society at arm's-length. How does Avot's perspective on this topic compare with that of ancient Greece?
Wednesday 20 July 2022: Upon my oath! Making a personal commitment. One of Rabbi Akiva's least popular teachings in Avot turns out to have some genuine relevance to contemporary culture.
Monday 18 July 2022: Only Ten Shekel: one book, two commentaries. Can readers share information about this little tome?
Friday 15 July 2022: Be careful what you believe -- and how you believe it. The laws regarding lashon hara (impermissible speech) pose problems for the application of Pirkei Avot. How so?
Wednesday 13 July 2022: Mishnayot for mourners: a change in the air? The custom of reciting Mikvaot at a shivah is widespread and well established -- but some people have opted to recite a mishnah from Avot instead.
Tuesday 12 July 2022: Sages and Dreamers: A book notice on a recently republished collection of essays by Elie Wiesel, which feature many rabbis who contributed to Pirkei Avot.
Monday 11 July 2022: Avot online: a six-month review: which teachings from the Ethics of the Fathers are hot, and which are not? We take a look at Avot on the internet.
Friday 8 July 2022: Comparisons with Balaam: why Abraham, not Moses? Why does Avot 5:22 overlook the superficially more apt contrast between Balaam and his contemporary, fellow prophet Moses?
Thursday 7 July 2022: Abraham versus Balaam: how judgemental should we be? We know from Avot 5:22 that we should be like the disciples of Abraham, not like those of Balaam -- but how can we tell them apart?
Sunday 3 July 2022: Thinking better of politicians: can it be done? Yehoshua ben Perachyah's teaching that we should judge others favourably makes no exception in respect of politicians. Should we therefore be cautious before casting aspersions on their wish to hold public office?
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Avot Today blogposts for June 2022
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
