daf intermission

[cellio]

It's like this. The daf yomi cycle began a new tractate, Zevachim, last week, and I'm finding it close to impenetrable. It's about details of the various offerings and mistakes made in designating and bringing them, and it seems there's some background knowledge I'm lacking.

However! During the period between Pesach and Shavuot, it is customary to read one chapter a week of Pirke Avot, a mishna collection of wisdom teachings. Last week I read from there and tomorrow I'll do the same. Here are the ones I chose.

Last week, from chapter 3:

Rabbi Akiva would say: Beloved is man, for he is created in the image of God; even more beloved is man, for it is revealed to him that he is created in the image of God (Gen 9:6). Beloved are Israel, for they are called children of God; even more beloved, for it is revealed to them (Deut 14:1). Beloved are Isreal, for a precious instrument is given to them; even more beloved, for it is revealed to them that the precious instrument with which the world was created is given to them (Proverbs 4:2, "for a good teaching I have given you; do not forsake it", referring to the torah).

This week, from chapter 4, one of my favorites:

Ben Zoma taught: Who is wise? He who learns from everybody. Who is mightey? He who conquers his impulses. Who is rich? He who is content with his lot. Who is honored? He who honors others. (See Sefaria for proof-texts.)

Comments

[goljerp]

Oooh, I love Pirke Avot, as you may have noticed over the years. :-)