Pirkei Avot: the Name

After studying the Book of Ruth and its relation to Shavuot, Leora and I have started to explore Pirkei Avot.

Pirkei Avot (Hebrew:פרקי אבות) is is a tractate of the Mishna. It consists of six chapters and is the second-last tractate in the Mishnaic order Nezikin.

Literally it means “Chapters of the Fathers”. Perek means chapter in Hebrew and Pirkei is its plural. However it is often translated as “Maxims” or even more frquently as “Ethics”.

As for Av, it means father and Avot is the plural form. In this work, it can also be translated as “Elders” or “Sages.” The term refers to the sages from Simon the Just (3rd century B.C.E.) to Judah haNasi (3rd century C.E.) – the redactor of the Mishnah – to whom the sayings (or short statements) of this tractate are attributed.

However, some have suggested that the word Avot be translated not as “fathers,” but as “categories” “bases” or “principles”. This translation hints that these sayings are the principles of all ethics, those from which they all derive.

Here’s Leora’s first post on the subject.

Anyone willing to study Pirkei Avot with us or just to throw in their two cents (shekels) is obviously welcome.

Salade Niçoise – Carbohydrate-Free Recipe

This is a quick and healthy recipe for a busy day. The measurements are for two but can easily been multiplied for a larger crowd. There are numerous variations on this recipe so you may choose to add one or two ingredients – such as cucumber, sliced pepper or rice- depending on your taste and what you have in store.

Salade Niçoise (serves 2 people)

Ingredients:
1 middle-sized jar of extra-fine French beans
1 small can tuna in olive oil
6 anchovy fillets
2 hard-boiled eggs
2 small tomatoes
black or green olives (optional)

Drain the French beans, tuna and anchovy fillets and assemble all the ingredients in a salad bowl. Drizzle a little olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Some people add garlic to the seasoning. Season to taste and enjoy.