Perke Abot - Perek A
As Heard From Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
“Derech eretz precedes the acquisition of Torah”
We traditionally study the Mishnayot of Perke Abot, The Ethics of the Fathers, during the weeks between Pesach and Shavuot. These Mishnayot are especially selected because of the instruction/mussar of our great Sages through which we can perfect our character in order to be prepared to accept Hashem’s Torah. This is one way to understand why Sefer Beresheet, which includes only three Mitzvot, preceeded Sefer Shemot, which includes the giving of the Torah. Sefer Beresheet is known as Sefer Derech Eretz. Through the many episodes which Hashem relates to us, we can see clear examples of Good & Evil, Kindliness, Honesty, Loyalty, Respect, Reward & Punishment, Power of Prayer, Prophesy, Inspiration, Family, Plan & Purpose, Hashem, Self Control…Beresheet is filled with models of good character in order for us to follow them to be prepared to be able to accept the Torah.
The Gaon of Vilna, in ‘Even Shelema’, opens his sefer with this great principle. “All Hashem’s service is dependent upon the improvement of one’s character. Character traits are fundamental to the performance of Mitzvot and to Torah principles.”
The Rambam devotes a whole chapter in his ‘Yad Hachazaka’ to the subject of perfecting our character traits. He titles it ‘Hilchot De’ot’, The Laws of Opinions. When we study this chapter we do not find any ideas regarding “opinions.” It contains detailed instructions regarding correcting and perfecting our character traits.
So, why did Rambam name his chapter ‘De’ot’ and not ‘Midot?’ In order to teach us the real sources of both ‘Opinions’ & ‘Character Traits.’ “Opinions (good or bad Ideas) are what shape our Character. And Character (healthy or otherwise) will determine our opinions.”
Shabbat Shalom
From your friends at Yeshiva Gedolah Bais Yisroel - Founded by Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L
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