Pirkei Avot

0 Politics Culture

How Oct. 7 gave me the toughness I’ll need under a second Trump presidency

Evie Blum in JTA · 8 Nov

Reflecting on the events since October 7, 2023, and the implications of a second Trump presidency, Evie Blum shares personal insights into the resilience she has developed amidst global and political chaos.

0 Education Culture

Is it OK to sing and text at the same time?

eJewishPhilanthropy · 7 Nov

A research team at Gross Schechter Day School in Cleveland, supported by educator Miriam Heller Stern, has developed an innovative curriculum that integrates arts and culture with Jewish text study, exemplified by lessons combining texts like Pirkei Avot with pop culture such as "The Music Man" and Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror."

0 Politics Communities

Trump's reelection is devastating American Jews. Our tradition tells us how we should begin to move forward

Emily Tamkin in Forward · 6 Nov

In response to Donald Trump's controversial reelection, Emily Tamkin emphasizes the importance of solidarity within and across Jewish communities to combat the challenges expected from his administration.

0 Politics Jewish Law

The Ruling Authorities

TEXTing · 4 Nov

Elana Stein Hain and Leora Batnitzky explore musings from Pirkei Avot regarding the function and necessity of government, particularly in the context of election anxieties and the democratic process.

0 Torah Ethics

Parashah of the week: Re’eh

Jewish Chronicle · 30 Aug

This article reflects on Parashat Reeh and its call to obliterate a town consumed by idolatry, which is interpreted as a hypothetical case for learning by later rabbinic tradition.

0 Politics Jewish Law

‘I am proud of my faith’: Josh Shapiro embraces Jewish identity at rally for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz

Ron Kampeas in JTA · 7 Aug

Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania's Jewish governor, proudly embraced his faith at a rally for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz.

0 Politics Antisemitism

Josh Shapiro looms large over Harris-Walz ticket’s first rally

Marc Rod in Jewish Insider · 7 Aug

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro was prominently featured at Vice President Kamala Harris' debut event with her vice presidential pick, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in Philadelphia.

0 Politics Ethics

Josh Shapiro quotes ancient rabbi in statement about not being Kamala Harris’ VP pick

Ben Sales in JTA · 6 Aug

Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania's governor, who is Jewish, quoted Rabbi Tarfon from Pirkei Avot after losing the bid to be Kamala Harris's running mate, emphasizing the importance of leaving a positive legacy as guided by his faith.

0 Politics Communities

Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania’s Jewish governor, could be Kamala Harris’ VP pick

Ben Sales in JTA · 23 Jul

Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania's Jewish governor, is being considered as a potential running mate for Kamala Harris.

0 Politics Jewish Law

Biden’s ‘West Wing’ moment, and its profound Talmudic resonance

Jodi Rudoren in Forward · 22 Jul

President Joe Biden's decision to withdraw from the presidential race, as highlighted in his letter, echoes profound Talmudic themes of being satisfied with one's portion, similar to a reference made at the author's father's funeral and the fictional President Bartlet in The West Wing.

0 Ethics Literature

You are not obliged to finish this column

Jodi Rudoren in Forward · 21 Jun

Shaina Taub, creator of the musical "Suffs," recently quoted Rabbi Tarfon's famous Talmudic wisdom "You are not obliged to finish the work, but neither are you free to desist from it" at the Tony Awards, sparking reflection on its relevance in various contexts.

0 Communities Ethics

The Jewish community has an effective antidote to combat the loneliness epidemic

eJewishPhilanthropy · 20 Jun

In addressing the growing issue of social isolation and loneliness highlighted by Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, the Jewish community can draw on the wisdom of Hillel's teaching to not separate oneself from the community.

0 Education Gender/Identity

Our grandmothers would be amazed to see what’s happening in shul

Jewish Chronicle · 9 Jun

The text discusses the evolving role of women in Torah study and education, highlighting how women are now actively engaged in learning and teaching Torah across various Jewish communities, thanks to movements like Beit Yaakov and educational initiatives promoting female involvement.

0 Education Leadership

Strengthening our missions with KPIs

Rachel Kohn in eJewishPhilanthropy · 22 Mar

The tradition of "Chazak, chazak, vnitchazeik" reflects the essence of organizational development through key performance indicators (KPIs) in Jewish nonprofit work, as illustrated by Bradley Caro Cook's journey.

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'Everything About Her Was Worth It': The Life of Yakira Leeba Schwartz A"H

18forty · 25 Jul 2023

In this episode of the 18Forty Podcast, Sara and Avi Schwartz share the story of their daughter Yakira Leeba Schwartz, who passed away.

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Do Not Destroy

Philip J. Bentley in Tablet · 20 Apr 2023

Jewish tradition emphasizes humanity's responsibility to care for and protect the environment, viewing it as a form of stewardship.

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The Role of Vulnerability in Jewish Life

Akiva Garner in Lehrhaus · 14 Dec 2022

This article explores the concept of vulnerability in Jewish life.

0 Philosophy Ethics

Finishing the Work

Sandra Cohen in Tablet · 23 Mar 2022

Using Rabbi Tarfon's wisdom from Pirkei Avot as a backdrop, the article explores the tension between personal effort and acceptance of limitations, particularly in the face of mental and physical health challenges.

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In Focus: Under the Influence

Rebbetzin Dr. Adina Shmidman in Jewish Action · 1 Mar 2022

The concept of influencers, popularized in recent years, is not new.

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Reviews in Brief – Summer 2021

Rabbi Gil Student in Jewish Action · 9 Jun 2021

Rabbi Mordechai Kuber has written a comprehensive three-volume guide called "Crossing the Dateline" to help observant Jews navigate the halachic dateline when traveling to the Far East.

0 Politics Jewish Law

White House science advisor Eric Lander sworn in on Pirkei Avot published in 1492

Forward · 2 Jun 2021

Eric Lander, the new Cabinet-level science advisor for the White House, made history by taking his oath of office on a 1492 edition of Pirkei Avot, pointing to its ethical guidance on tikkun olam and diversity, values central to his Jewish identity and professional mission.

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Don’t Like Any of the Candidates? Here’s What You Can Do.

Carly Pildis in Tablet · 3 Mar 2020

The text emphasizes that individuals feeling disillusioned by the current political landscape should not give up on democracy.

0 Jewish Law History

Inside or Outside?

Hindy Najman in Jewish Review of Books · 28 Jun 2017

The text delves into the importance of texts both inside and outside the Bible in understanding Jewish tradition.

0 Jewish Law Philosophy

‘Jewish Karma’: When Bad Things Happen to Good People Who Do Bad Things

Rebecca Klempner in Tablet · 5 Aug 2014

The author recounts a personal experience involving a fire accident to explore the concept of "middah kneged middah," or Jewish karma, where actions have consequences mirroring the initial deed.

0 History Jewish Law

The Bible Scholar Who Didn’t Know Hebrew

Anthony Grafton in Jewish Review of Books · 27 Feb 2013

Elias Bickerman, a renowned Jewish historian of the ancient world who worked closely with Jewish studies masters, notably refused to learn Hebrew despite his international acclaim as one of the greatest historians of the Jews.

JL;DR

Tag: Pirkei Avot