As Heard from Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L

Perke Abot

“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 the practice of 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 and 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.

“Shammai said: Make your Torah study fixed, say little and do much, and receive everyone with a cheerful countenance.” (Abot 1:15) Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L would often teach this Mishna and stress the many benefits we can achieve by the constant proper practice of Shammai’s maxim with which he lived. Firstly, we observe the general idea of greeting every person with a friendly face. The Mishna literally lists three different steps to take in order to refine this holy practice. 1) “Sever,” means with expression 2) “Panim,” with a full face 3) “Yafot,” a pleasant face

Now, we are ready to greet people as Hashem wants us to. With an expression on your face, showing you are happy to see him (not with a non-expression ‘like the bottom of a frying pan’). With your full/whole face, not with half a face or the back of your neck. And with a pleasant Smile.

Once a day give a person a full smile. Just as Hashem shines on us, we should smile on others. Smile because Ha-Shem wants you to, even if you really don’t want to. When we encourage others through giving them a hearty greeting with a smile that includes emotions of love and caring with the G-dly countenance of our Faces, we are giving life and hope to them as well as good health and happiness. When you smile have intentions that you are doing it for the purpose of coming closer to Hashem.

Shabbat Shalom

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