Podcasts about Pirkei Avot

We open with the deceptively simple question: If gratitude is so obviously good, why do so many of us struggle to express it? What emotional resistance sits underneath?In this thought-provoking episode, we explore one of the most transformative middot: gratitude. Why is it so hard to simply say thank you - to people, and even to Hashem? Through surprising Torah stories, deep psychological insights, and powerful questions for self-reflection, we unpack the real inner work behind gratitude.Check out my book Living Beautifully - how to bring meaning, love and joy into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - now available as Audiobook as well as hardback and Kindle - https://amzn.to/48mOUNW

Guidance for a world that is out of balance

Here's a rabbi who grew up amongst great teachers, and his message is... "silence"

Words of wisdom from a Jewish leader in a new global geo-political shift... 2,000 years ago!

Rabbi Shamai is known for his strict and orderly rulings. And yet, this teaching seems so friendly! Click here to view the original text.

A woman once related that her daughter had been married for a few years without being zoche to have a baby. It was a stuggle that she herself could not fully relate to, yet she suffered deeply through it together with her daughter. It was painful to watch other family members and friends have babies so easily, one after another, while her daughter remained empty-handed. After several visits to their regular doctor, they turned to a specialist who identified the issue and devised a treatment plan. The process, however, included invasive and painful testing that needed to be performed at precise times of the month. Because of the upcoming holidays, they were forced to postpone the treatments, which was disheartening. She tried to remain positive, encouraging her daughter to stay optimistic and reminding her to trust in Hashem. Of course, they prayed together constantly for the best outcome at the best time. Then, out of nowhere, her daughter required emergency surgery related to the same issue. The surgery delayed things even further. She was devastated. She didn't want to be sitting in a hospital beside her daughter recovering from surgery—she wanted to be there with her daughter in the delivery room, holding her newborn baby. The frustration was mounting, and her emunah was wavering. Her daughter came home to recuperate, but seeing her in pain only deepened her struggle. Anticipating long months of testing and treatment ahead, she didn't know how she could continue. In her desperation, she sought the advice of a respected rebbetzin. She poured out her heart, explaining how hard it was to keep her faith strong and to support her grown daughter through such a difficult challenge. The rebbetzin listened, then offered advice that seemed almost outrageous. She said firmly, "You must thank Hashem for the surgery." That was all she said—no elaboration, no explanation. The woman was stunned. Thank Hashem for surgery? For delays? For pain? She thought to herself: I want to thank Hashem for blessings, not for setbacks and suffering. Still, she decided to follow the advice. Every day, as she prayed, she began to thank Hashem—not only for the good, but for the surgery, the delays, and the process itself. At first it felt strange, even forced. But gradually it became easier. It reminded her of the lesson her children had once learned—that true emunah means accepting Hashem's will as one's own, even when it doesn't align with our plans. Slowly, her heart shifted. She began to sincerely and wholeheartedly accept Hashem's will, thanking Him again and again. And then, the miracle came. Just one month later—without a single test, without a single medication—her daughter was expecting. They were stunned. Overjoyed. Beyond words. Not only had Hashem granted them the child they so longed for, but He had spared them the agonizing process of IVF. A few months later, she attended a shiur and heard a line from Pirkei Avot that resonated with her to the core: "When you accept Hashem's will, He will make your will His will." In that moment, she realized the truth of what had happened. Once she truly thanked Hashem and embraced His will, Hashem embraced hers. Today, Baruch Hashem, they have their miracle baby. Every single day they treasure her presence and appreciate the blessing she brings to their family. The lesson was clear and life-changing: thanking Hashem even for the difficulties, and accepting His will even when life doesn't go as we hoped, is among the most powerful forms of avodah. The more heartfelt and sincere the thank-yous are, the more transformative they become. At the very moment a person experiences difficulty, that challenge is truly the best possible thing for them. However, that does not mean that going forward it won't be best to get what he is hoping for. Thanking Hashem for whatever happens has the power to turn hardships into salvations and to open the gates for wondrous outcomes.

Shame is one of the most powerful—and often misunderstood—human emotions. But what role does it play in Jewish thought and life?In this episode, we explore:Why do we feel shame? Is it just a negative emotion, or does it serve a deeper purpose?Is shame a good thing? How Jewish sources distinguish between toxic shame and healthy shame that guides us toward growth.How should we respond to shame? Practical wisdom on transforming shame into an opportunity for reflection, connection, and change.Join us as we uncover how Judaism frames shame not as something to hide from, but as a tool for personal development and a reminder of our potential.Check out my book, Living Beautifully - to bring joy, meaning, and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot

In this episode, we explore one of the most famous teachings of Hillel from Pirkei Avot:"If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?"This timeless mishna challenges us to reflect on three essential questions of life:Self-responsibility: What does it mean to take ownership of my life, my growth, and my spiritual journey?Connection and responsibility to others: How do I balance caring for myself with giving to others?The urgency of now: Why is procrastination so tempting, and how can we overcome it to live with purpose today?We'll discuss how Hillel's words remain as relevant as ever in our world of endless distractions and competing demands. You'll walk away with practical insights into finding the balance between self-care, community, and taking action in the moment.Join us as we dive deep into this short but powerful teaching that can change the way you approach your daily choices.- Check out my book Living Beautifully, for more insights to bring meaning, joy and love into your life

Icarus has so much to say to us now, a few weeks before Rosh Hashanah.According to Greek mythology, Icarus flew too close to the sun with wings made of feather and wax. The sun's heat melted the wax, and Icarus fell into the sea and drowned.In 1560, the Netherlandish master Peter Bruegel the Elder painted a masterpiece entitled Landscape with the Fall of Icarus. This painting is now displayed in a museum in Brussels. The title is so evocative. To Icarus, no story was more important than Icarus. To Icarus, his flying so high, falling so low, and meeting an untimely end in a cold sea in a cold world was all-important. It was THE story. But there is a broader landscape where the fall of Icarus was not only not the story. It was not noticed at all. There are three peasants each doing their thing, plowing, herding and fishing. They are totally absorbed in their own world. They neither see nor care about Icarus.The pathos of the painting—the desperate pain of one, utterly unseen by others—has inspired poetry by William Carlos Williams and W.H. Auden. The last stanza of Williams's poem expresses this dissonance so clearly:a splash quite unnoticedthis was Icarus drowningThe painting, and the poetry of Williams and Auden, convey the world as it is: a splash quite unnoticed. Judaism has a lot to say here. Hillel's famous teaching in Pirkei Avot is a response. Hillel would not be comfortable with the three peasants not seeing and not caring. Yes, they have their own lives to attend to. That is legitimate. But Icarus drowned. How could they not notice? In attempting to move the dial on human indifference, Hillel teaches: If I am not for me, who will be?If I am for myself alone, what am I?And if not now, when?(Pirkei Avot 1:14) This dialectic of Hillel animates our High Holiday liturgy. Take a look at Bruegel's masterpiece. Who are the three peasants today? Who is Icarus today? Where are we in the paining? Who and what are we not seeing? What are we focused on? What is our version of plowing, herding and fishing? What does Hillel say to us?

Pirkei Avot 4:2- explanation of the teaching of Ben Azzai as illustrated through the mitzvot of the Parsha (Ki Tetze)

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

What is the single most important quality a person can hold onto in life? In this episode, we dive into the Mishnah in Pirkei Avot where Rabbi Yochanan ben Zakkai asks his students: What is the best path a person should cling to? Each student suggests something different—generosity, friendship, foresight, kindness—but Rabbi Elazar says: a good heart.Why did Rabbi Yochanan declare this the most valuable path of all? What does it mean to truly have a “good heart”—and how does that shape the way we see others, ourselves, and even God?Join us as we explore:The different answers the students gave and why each mattersWhy a good heart includes all the other qualitiesThis Mishnah invites us to reframe success—not by what we achieve or acquire, but by the quality of our inner world and how it radiates outward.

The classic teaching from Rabbi Hillel. We do a deep dive into the lessons for life. Balancing the inner self with the outer group. When to plan and when to act?Here's the song Magnificence, performed by The Stadlin Twins.

The Torah's allure is so powerful, rabbis had to warn against misusing it. Exploring the concept of "limud" (learning) unique to Deuteronomy, we uncover the rabbis' complex relationship with Torah study. From the joy of learning to the fear of misuse, the discussion spans intentionality, secular study, and the power of Torah to attract even non-believers. We delve into the debate between studying "lishma" (for its own sake) vs. applied learning, and examine how different Jewish movements approach Torah study. The rabbis recognized the profound allure of Torah study, to the point where they had to warn against misusing it for personal gain or pride… or even to make a living. We explore the emergence of the academic and scientific study of our texts as well as contemporary women's yeshivot and secular yeshivot and different rabbinic opinions on the matter, from those who believe any Torah study can lead to observance to those who fear misinterpretation. The segment provides insight into an ongoing debate within Judaism about the nature and purpose of sacred text study. We conclude with the potential for new insights to arise from diverse groups studying Torah highlighted with the fascinating Talmudic story of Rabbi Meir learning from the heretic Elisha Ben Abuya, illustrating the idea that valuable wisdom can come from unexpected sources. Key Takeaways The word "limud" (learning) appears only in Deuteronomy, signaling a shift in Torah transmission. Rabbis grappled with the allure of Torah study for non-religious purposes. The debate continues: should Torah study be restricted to believers or open to all? Timestamps [00:00:00] – The episode opens with a provocative framing: Can the Torah survive being studied like secular literature? [00:02:00] – Discussion on Tisha B'Av and the idea that Torah learning brings too much joy to be permitted on a day of mourning. [00:03:00] – Story from Rabbi Riskin about the heretic who insists he's not a goy, highlighting the irresistible pull of Torah study. [00:04:42] – Deep dive into Deuteronomy and the word “limud,” and how teaching and learning emerge in the text. [00:07:00] – Exploring Maimonides' take on the commandment to teach Torah not just to sons, but to students as children. [00:10:00] – Pirkei Avot is introduced, differentiating learning to teach vs. learning to practice. [00:13:00] – Cautionary wisdom from the sages: Don't use Torah as a tool for ego or profit. [00:17:00] – Talmudic view that learning Torah for the wrong reasons may still lead to righteous practice. [00:23:00] – Norman Lamm and others weigh in on secular vs. sacred motivations for Torah study. [00:30:00] – The closing story of Rabbi Meir and Elisha ben Abuya explores the value of learning Torah even from a heretic. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Safaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/667572 Transcript here: https://madlik.substack.com/

Some love falls apart. Some conflict builds worlds.What makes the difference?In this episode, we explore one of the most powerful teachings in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers 5:16–17):“Any love that depends on something—when that thing ceases, the love also ceases. But a love that does not depend on anything will never cease.”“Any dispute that is for the sake of Heaven will have a lasting outcome, and one that is not for the sake of Heaven will not have a lasting outcome.”With vivid examples—Amnon and Tamar's destructive love vs. David and Jonathan's deep bond; Korach's rebellion vs. the debates of Hillel and Shammai—this Mishnah gives us a roadmap to understand what makes relationships endure and disagreements bear fruit.Excerpted from my book, Living Beautifully - how to bring meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot - gilaross.com/book

July 30, 2025Torah Smash! The Podcast for Nerdy JewsEpisode 86 - Pirkei AvigilanteTime to suit up as we take a daring dive into Pirkei Avot 1:10. From the streets to the courtroom, we unpack some of the tensions between working within the system or outside of it. We also discuss a certain red vigilante's path and how it sometimes struggles when faced by its towering opposing force. If this topic gets too heated, it may be time you left the streets of the kitchen. 00:01:46 Pirkei Avot 1:1000:05:42 Daredevil: Born Again00:14:02 A little too real00:21:17 Out of Character Arc00:25:15 Season Two Predictions00:30:36 The System or the Leader00:34:30 Barak's biggest issue with the ending00:38:47 Pirkei Avot 1:1100:44:27 The Safe Streets Initiative Share this episode with a friend: https://www.torahsmash.com/post/episode-86-pirkei-avigilanteConnect with us online, purchase swag, support us with a donation, and more at www.torahsmash.com.

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

What is the value of one's reputation. Actually, it can impact the next world! Crowns on Hebrew letters. Click here. For seminars, click here.

Rav Milston's Daily Shiur on Pirkei Avot, Kayitz 5785

Hillel and Shammai - the famous Torah study partners - and their timeless teaching about Aaron (the Cohen HaGadol, High Priest)

How a failed biblical uprising reveals the power of productive disagreement. Mark Friedman, author of "Come Now, Let Us Reason Together," joins Madlik to explore Judaism's embrace of disagreement. We dive into the Korach story, contrasting it with the debates of Hillel and Shammai to illustrate how Judaism values constructive conflict. Friedman connects ancient Jewish wisdom to modern philosophical concepts, drawing parallels between Talmudic discourse and Karl Popper's theories on truth-seeking. The episode challenges the notion of absolute truth in religious interpretation, advocating for pluralism within tradition. Key Takeaways Judaism celebrates constructive disagreement as a path to progress The Korach story teaches the importance of sincere, well-intentioned debate Modern philosophical concepts can illuminate traditional Jewish approaches to truth and interpretation= Timestamps [00:00] – Introduction of the theme: Judaism thrives on disagreement, not dogma. [01:44] – Mark Friedman shares his background and journey from secular Judaism to deep Torah engagement. [05:00] – Introduction to Pirkei Avot and the concept of a “dispute for the sake of Heaven.” [07:36] – Why Korach's argument failed: selfish motives vs. truth-seeking intent. [09:34] – Korach's logic vs. divine command: the flaw in rationalizing sacred law. [12:23] – Misapplied questions and the importance of framing debate with sincerity. [16:00] – Comparing the Tower of Babel to Korach: when unity becomes tyranny. [20:00] – Applying Karl Popper's philosophy of falsifiability to Talmudic pluralism. [27:00] – Why Hillel's flexibility makes his rulings endure more than Shammai's rigidity. [31:00] – Wrapping up with pluralism, tradition, and valuing minority opinions in Jewish thought. Links & Learnings Sign up for free and get more from our weekly newsletter https://madlik.com/ Come Now, Let Us Reason Together: Uncovering the Torah's Liberal Values Paperback – December 30, 2024 by Mark D. Friedman Safaria Source Sheet: https://www.sefaria.org/sheets/658585 Transcript on episode web page: https://madlik.com/2025/06/26/pluralism-in-judaism/

Avodah Zarah Bookmark Masechet Avodah Zarah is sponsored by the Talmud class of Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City, CA in honor of the staff of Hadran who make learning possible. "Pirkei Avot 1:6 teaches us עֲשֵׂה לְךָ רַב, וּקְנֵה לְךָ חָבֵר, make for yourself a Rav, and acquire for yourself a companion. We are blessed to have Rabbanit Michelle Farber as our extraordinary teacher, and we- Leslie, Joe, David, Sue, Helen, Batya, Adam, Alana, and Bill- are blessed to have the companionship of our learning." Today's daf is sponsored by Rabbi Lisa Malik & Prof. Adi Wyner in honor of the upcoming wedding of their daughter, Eva Wyner, who was just promoted to Director of Jewish Affairs for the State of NY in Governor Hochul’s Executive Chamber. And in honor of their future son-in-law, Reuven Rosen, who just graduated with honors from Rutgers’ MD/ Ph.D. program and who will be starting his medical residency at NYU. The Mishna says that all types of business dealings with idol worshippers are forbidden three days before their holidays. Rav and Shmuel discuss the spelling of the word used for holidays - "eidaihem" - is it with an aleph or ayin? From which verse in the Torah is the meaning of the term derived from, according to each opinion? One of the verses mentioned is the basis of a long aggada about the nations coming before God in the World-to-Come, looking to get rewarded. God reprimands them for never having kept the Torah. Various claims are made by the nations trying to justify why they didn't keep the Torah.

Avodah Zarah Bookmark Masechet Avodah Zarah is sponsored by the Talmud class of Congregation Beth Jacob in Redwood City, CA in honor of the staff of Hadran who make learning possible. "Pirkei Avot 1:6 teaches us עֲשֵׂה לְךָ רַב, וּקְנֵה לְךָ חָבֵר, make for yourself a Rav, and acquire for yourself a companion. We are blessed to have Rabbanit Michelle Farber as our extraordinary teacher, and we- Leslie, Joe, David, Sue, Helen, Batya, Adam, Alana, and Bill- are blessed to have the companionship of our learning." Today's daf is sponsored by Rabbi Lisa Malik & Prof. Adi Wyner in honor of the upcoming wedding of their daughter, Eva Wyner, who was just promoted to Director of Jewish Affairs for the State of NY in Governor Hochul’s Executive Chamber. And in honor of their future son-in-law, Reuven Rosen, who just graduated with honors from Rutgers’ MD/ Ph.D. program and who will be starting his medical residency at NYU. The Mishna says that all types of business dealings with idol worshippers are forbidden three days before their holidays. Rav and Shmuel discuss the spelling of the word used for holidays - "eidaihem" - is it with an aleph or ayin? From which verse in the Torah is the meaning of the term derived from, according to each opinion? One of the verses mentioned is the basis of a long aggada about the nations coming before God in the World-to-Come, looking to get rewarded. God reprimands them for never having kept the Torah. Various claims are made by the nations trying to justify why they didn't keep the Torah.

Chapter 1:11 A post-wedding conversation that connects Shmuel's thoughts on turning 62 with the words of the ancient sages and the images of water

Rabbinic Intern Aviva Frank's Shabbat Teaching at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, May 31, 2025. (Youtube/Zoom) Special Guest: Aviva Frank.

The Mishnah in Pirkei Avot teaches us how deeply beloved we are to Hashem — not only did He give us His precious Torah, but He also expressed His immense love by telling us just how valuable that gift is. Shavuot is a time to appreciate the Torah as our guiding light and to reflect on the responsibility that comes with such a gift. The pasuk in Tehillim states: " טוֹב לִי תוֹרַת פִּיךָ מֵאַלְפֵי זָהָב וָכָסֶף " — "The Torah of Your mouth is better for me than thousands of gold and silver pieces" (Tehillim 119:72). The mefarshim are puzzled: how can something eternal like the Torah be compared to something as finite and physical as gold and silver? One explanation is that, as physical beings, we naturally place high value on material wealth. The pasuk is providing a relatable point of comparison. To us, there is no greater earthly treasure than vast amounts of gold and silver — and yet, the Torah tells us its value pales in comparison to the Torah's worth. Hashem instilled within us an affinity for wealth specifically so we could begin to grasp, on our own terms, just a fraction of the Torah's true value. Yet, there lies a danger. Sometimes we become so enamored by the mashal that we lose sight of the nimshal — the deeper truth it's meant to teach. The Magen David explains this with a parable: A king wanted his subjects to appreciate his glory, so he adorned his officers in every province with the finest clothing, using wealth from the royal treasury. He hoped people would say, "If the officers are dressed like this, how much greater must the king be!" But instead, people fixated on the officers and forgot the king entirely. This is what happens when we glorify physical wealth and forget that it's merely a tool to help us appreciate the infinitely greater glory of Torah. Another pitfall comes when people view mitzvot as mere tools to achieve physical rewards. For example, someone may take on a 40-day acceptance to refrain from lashon hara in hopes of achieving a personal salvation. In such cases, the mitzvah becomes a means to an end — the salvation is the focus, not the growth. But this perspective is flawed. Physical rewards are minor side effects of the real reward — the mitzvah itself. No worldly pleasure could ever equal the spiritual elevation one receives from performing even the smallest mitzvah. If someone doesn't receive the outcome they were hoping for, they should still rejoice in the merit of having fulfilled a mitzvah. And if the desired outcome is granted, it should not diminish the value of the mitzvah, nor should one think it was only worthwhile because it "worked." The mitzvah brings a person closer to Hashem, elevates the neshama , and yields eternal benefit. The Chatam Sofer writes, to truly benefit from a mitzvah, one must first value it. Chazal tell us that tzitzit protect a person from sin — yet some wonder why they don't feel that protection. One reason might be a lack of appreciation for the mitzvah itself. If we don't value our mitzvot, we don't engage with them fully — and we miss out on their spiritual power. The same is true for all mitzvot. If a teacher of Torah to children understood that the world stands in the merit of what he is doing, he would never interrupt his class to check a message. If he truly internalized what the Kav HaYashar teaches — that 18,000 angels gather the words spoken by children learning Torah — he would not trade his role for anything in the world. Every word of Torah we learn is more precious than any material success this world can offer. Let us take the time to appreciate what we are privileged to do each day and thank Hashem for the indescribable zechut of sharing in His most precious gift — the Torah.

Rabbi Rebecca Schatz's Shabbat Teaching at Temple Beth Am, Los Angeles, May 24, 2025. (Youtube/Zoom)