Pirke Aboth: Sayings of the Fathers [Hardcover]

Saul Raskin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0819706086 | ISBN-13: 978-0819706089 | Edition: English-Hebrew-Yiddish

Pirke Aboth consists of paragraphs on ethical maxims attributed to 65 teachers, Tannaim, covering a period of about two centuries B.C.E. and two centuries C.E. The form and sentiment of these sayings are of such charm and force, that they found their way to the Jewish heart, as no other writing ever has. It is now included in the prayer book, and has been so since the eleventh century. It became a custom to read a chapter on Sabbath afternoons, after the Minhah service, during the summer months. Saul Raskin's beautiful works of art accompany the Hebrew and Yiddish with the English translations.

Product Details

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Bloch Pub Co; English-Hebrew-Yiddish edition (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0819706086
• ISBN-13: 978-0819706089
• Product Dimensions: 13.6 x 10.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #725,180 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pirke Aboth, February 13, 2007

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Rank amateur (French amateur "lover of... (West Coast: U.S.A.) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Pirke Aboth: Sayings of the Fathers (Hardcover)

Abot, or sometimes translated Aboth, and often called "Pirke Abot, The Chapters of the Wisdom of the Fathers" is a Talmudic text written in the form of maxims and epigrams or Proverbs. Without getting too technical, this ancient book transmitted down the ages focuses on the study and practice of the Law as handed down from Moses. Throughout the book, commentaries by the Fathers or Sages explain the Proverbs and maxims. As a student of religion, history, or poetry, this book is an indispensable item. Travers Herford or Judah Goldin's translations both best express the beauty of the Wisdom of the Fathers.
For example, Rabbi Jonah says, "Thus whenever a person honors other people he is really honoring himself because by his conduct inevitably he leads others to honor him." Also consider, "There are some who say that because man was created in the image of God, one who honors all human beings is in effect honoring the lord, whom we are obliged to honor(Nahmias)"
This one I think is apropos at this time. "Sin is a shameful thing under all circumstances. But if a man has to transgress the will of his creator because of an emergency, let him have even then in mind to carry out the will of his Father in Heaven...When a man gathers wealth, let him have in mind to be able to buy books and carry out the commandments, and give these books over as an inheritance to his children so that they may be found worthy to study Torah...And when a man has found that his body has grown weak from too much study and for a while he has to walk about out-of-doors and in the streets, let him have in mind bringing relief to himself, so that he may return to his study(Duran)".