CLD #858

Many of the communities throughout the world tend to learn Prikei Avot during the time of Sefirat Ha’Omer, which is occurring now until Shavuot! Pirkei Avot is studied during these times because its main focus is the behavior and ethical manners people should show eachother. During Sefirat Ha’Omer the Gemara teaches that the 24,000 students of the great Rabi Akiva passed away because they lacked respect for eachother (Yebamot 62b). In order for us to remember this tragedy we tend to learn Pirkei Avot to awaken in us the love we should show each other and the unity we should be constantly working at.

The Second Perek (chapter, 9^th Mishnah) of Pirkei Avot has a Mishnah that goes like this: Rabban Yokhanan the son of Zakkai had five disciples: Rabbi Eliezer the son of Hurkenus, Rabbi Yeshoshua the son of Hananya, Rabbi Yosse the Kohen, Rabbi Shimon the son of Nethanel and Rabbi Elazar the son of Arach. The following Mishnah (the 1oth) explains that each disciple had advice for which trait to acquire throughout life.

Rabbi Eliezer says: [To have] A good eye.

Rabbi Yehoshua says: [To be] A good friend.

Rabbi Yosse says: [To be] A good neighbor.

Rabbi Shimon says: To see what is born [out of one’s actions].

Rabbi Elazar says: [To have] A good heart.

Their Rabbi  then says that he prefers the trait of Rabbi Elazar, a good heart, because a good heart includes all great middot (traits) an individual should have! The Kehati commentary on Mishnah says that when an individual has a good heart everything is revolved around the goodness. All a good hearted person’s traits are channeled in a positive direction, they are happy with their lot and are loved by everyone, they are a good friend and neighbor, and they always try to see the result of all their actions and they are loved by Hashem and just emit goodness wherever they arrive.

How much in our generation do we need to stress a positive outlook! Just going on a single news website today we see how negative the world is! It is fundamental for us to be a positive light for the world around us and to stress the love Hashem has for us because if He does not love us we would not be living and receiving all the gifts of life around us!

SHAVUA TOV!

Judaism=Think.

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