Visions of the fathers : Pirkei Avos

by Abraham J. Twerski

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Genres: Judaism, Religion, Nonfiction

405 pages, Hardcover

First published May 1, 1999

About the author

Abraham Joshua Twerski (Hebrew: אֲבְרָהָם יְהוֹשֻׁע טווערסקי‎) was an Israeli-American Hasidic rabbi, a scion of the Chernobyl Hasidic dynasty, and a psychiatrist specializing in substance abuse.

Reviews

[batya7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finally completed my word-by-word study of this timely classic, Pirkei Avos, with the commentaries by Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski!

I received this volume at a class about 15 years ago and we used it for the first chapter. Rabbi Twerski himself addressed the class one session and inscribed the book for me! Some time in late 2019 I committed to learning it and have been plunking away at it every Shabbos. I am celebrating that I now finished it cover to cover.

Pirkei Avos is a collection of "sayings" gleaned from various Torah Sages and sources. The work covers human behavior/characteristics, the way to knowing and coming close to G-d, and how a Jew should comport himself. It is not always stated in the most direct language; indeed, some of the language seems cryptic or poetic. To improve my Hebrew reading and comprehension skills, I studied this volume with a dictionary at my side and a basic knowledge of Hebrew grammar. I relied on the English translations to compare my growing comprehension to the more conventional meanings.

I have several other volumes of Pirkei Avos (ArtScroll, Yalkut Me'Am Loez), and each has its own strengths, whether elucidating various points or presenting historical and other source material. This volume adds to my body of knowledge and I like it very much. It has a convivial, personal voice; I feel the commentator sitting with me. There are many places where R' Twerski comments on the translation and suggests a better one or different interpretation which contributed to my understanding of the verses. Further, he peppers the commentary liberally with Chassidic stories from his family traditions and treasure stores of knowledge. His experience as an addiction counselor informed many of the examples strewn amongst classical explanations.

I know I will turn to this volume time and again.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rabbi Twerski's, Visions of the Fathers, is a contemporary commentary on the Mishnah tractate, Pirkei Avot, which is a collection of ethical teachings of the rabbis (the Zugot and Tannaim) from the years 170 BCE to 220 CE. Famous sayings from Pirkei Avot include:

"He [Rabbi Hillel] used to say: If I am not for me, who will be for me? And when I am for myself alone, what am I? And if not now, then when?"

"Ben Zoma says: Who is the wise one? He who learns from all men...Who is the mighty one? He who conquers his impulse...Who is the rich one? He who is happy with his lot...Who is honored? He who honors the created beings..."

Using his experience as a psychiatrist in treating addiction, his keen insight into human behavior and psychology, and his knowledge and understanding of Hebrew and the classical rabbinic literature, Rabbi Twerski creates a unique and erudite commentary that provides applicable lessons for the reader. By "applicable" I mean that the reader will be stimulated to self-reflection, and feel capable of adopting the principles/lessons to effect change in their own life.

[Nathan Elberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rabbi Twerski provides deep insights from traditional and contemporary sources. These make the teachings of Pirkai Avot resonate with contemporary readers, without giving in to pop fadism. It is my source for Pirkai Avot this summer, as I do a few Mishnayot each week.= with R Twerski.

[Tehila · Rating 5 out of 5]

an annual go-to between Pesach and Shavuot; one chapter per week.