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 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 3 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 and Evil, Kindliness, Honesty, Loyalty, Respect, Reward and 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.

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’ (opinions/ideas) and not ‘Midot’ (character traits)? In order to teach us the real sources of both ‘Opinions’ and ‘Character Traits’. “Opinions (good or bad ideas) are what shape our Character. And Character (healthy or otherwise) will determine our opinions.” (Perke Abot 3:13)

“He (R’ Channina Ben Dosa) used to say, If the spirit of one’s fellow is pleased with him, then the spirit of Hashem is pleased with him.” Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L would say that this Mishna provides an answer to the big question which we should all have. How can I realize what Hashem feels about me. If He would only just send me a telegram and let me know. Hashem is telling us through this Mishna that when people are pleased with us, this indicates that Hashem is pleased with us. Therefore, a purpose in life is to make sure people are pleased with us.

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Avigdor Miller ZT”L’s 6TH Yhartzeit 27 Nissan
In Memory of Rav Avigdor Ben Yisrael ZT”L

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