Ethics of the Fathers - A New Translation with a Commentary Anthologized from the Classical Rabbinic Sources.

"Moses received the Torah from Sinai and transmitted it to Joshua" These simple words introduce Avos, the world's best-known tractate of the Mishnah. It is an introduction that speaks volumes about Jewish belief and the Torah's teachings. Avos is a book of ethics, honesty, and advice. It is idealistic and practical, visionary and down to earth, demanding and tolerant. But at its very beginning it tells us that even this part of Jewish life came from Sinai; from the Divine Lawgiver. And that Moses taught not only law and ritual, he taught Jews how to lead and live, how to judge major court cases and the minor foibles of their neighbors. All of that is part of Judaism. There is a challenge and inspiration in this fact. It means that religions, service of the Creator, embraces every human act and every human relationship. What can be more inspiring than the knowledge that every smile and kind word can be a cosmic act? And what can be more challenging than the realization that every moment of our day demands as much insight as the most intense interlude of prayer or study? This slim volume, Pirkei Avos / Ethics of the Fathers, presents a new translation and concise commentary on Avos. And it contains an overview that sheds new light on the book.
by R. Meir Zlotowitz