Source · Tanakh · תשפ״ו
Pirkei Avot
A Mishnah tractate of compressed ethical teachings. Near-universal entry into the Oral Torah; read weekly in many communities between Pesach and Shavuot.
Where to begin
- Pirkei Avot 1:1 ↗The chain of transmission — Moses received Torah from Sinai.
- Pirkei Avot 1:14 ↗Hillel: "If not now, when?" The shape of obligation.
- Pirkei Avot 2:5 ↗Do not separate yourself from the community.
- Pirkei Avot 4:1 ↗Ben Zoma: "Who is wise? One who learns from every person."
Source links open at sefaria.org. The text lives there; Ryzowy only orients you toward it.
Questions to bring a rabbi about this text
- Should I study Pirkei Avot alone, or with a commentary?
- Which commentary fits my current level — Bartenura, Maharal, R. Hirsch?
- Should I follow the weekly chapter cycle from Pesach to Shavuot?
Return to the first shelf → or read alongside the Return Path → and questions for a rabbi →.