The Ethics of the Fathers

…of an important commentary on Avot (“Fathers”), a popular ethical tractate in the Talmud, the rabbinical compendium of law, lore, and commentary. Before the 14th century, the rabbinical post had been almost invariably honorary; Duran set a precedent in accepting a salary. His commentary Magen Avot (“The Shield of the…

…his sayings were incorporated in Avot (“Fathers”), a treatise of the Mishna, and there are a few scattered references to him in other postbiblical sources.

…translations it is usually called The Ethics of the Fathers.

One tract, Pirqe Avot (“Sayings of the Fathers”), treated the meaning and posture of a life according to the Torah, while other passages made reference to the mystical studies into which only the most advanced and religiously worthy were initiated—e.g., the activities of the Merkava, or divine…