Pirkei Avot with Commentary by Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz
Tractate Avot is unique within the Mishna and the Talmud. It does not address halakha, but is primarily a book of ethics and wisdom, guiding us in our behavior and inner attitudes. Avot was written for those of us who seek to go above and beyond our standard obligations and follow a more elevated path. It therefore constitutes our aspirations for improving our moral character by keeping its teachings front and center. This book might be the Sages' most personal work; its words of wisdom and ethics were hewn from the hearts of the Sages of Israel, and studying them illuminates the Sages' worldview and way of life. This commentary on Pirkei Avot opens the gate to a wondrous treasure of Jewish tradition, connecting our inner experience today to the world of the Sages.
Rabbi Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz
After a 45-year effort, Rabbi Steinsaltz completed a monumental elucidation of the entire Talmud in modern Hebrew, now used all over the world. Rabbi Steinsaltz then partnered with Koren Publishers Jerusalem to launch the Koren Talmud Bavli, a groundbreaking new edition of the Talmud that includes a modern English translation, color illustrations and previously-censored passages. He has also translated and provided commentary on the Torah in the long-awaited Steinsaltz Humash, which includes a treasure trove of information to make the text clear, fascinating, and relevant to users of all backgrounds.
Guided by his trailblazing educational philosophies, the Steinsaltz Center, a unique pedagogical accelerator bearing his name, develops tools and programs that provide future scholars and lay people alike with fluid explanations of core Jewish sources that set the stage for profound and creative engagement with the texts. The Center also houses the Israel Institute for Talmudic Publications, a research institute and a publishing house for the Rabbi's works.
Rabbi Steinsaltz wrote more than 60 books and hundreds of articles, established the Makor Chaim network of schools in Israel and the former Soviet Union, and holds several honorary degrees, including the Israel Prize for Jewish Studies and Israel’s first President’s Prize. He was born and lived in Jerusalem until his passing in 2020.
The impact that Rabbi Steinsaltz zt"l had in spreading limmud Torah, enhancing the understanding of our texts and religion, bringing Jews closer to their God and to their faith, cannot be overstated. Rabbi Steinsaltz's translations and commentaries of Tanakh, Mishna, Gemara, Rambam, and Tanya placed as perhaps the most prolific commentator of Jewish texts in history, drawing comparison to Rashi. His countless other works on Jewish thought, Hassidut, philosophy, parshanut, and more have touched the souls of thousands and have already taken their place among the core texts of modern Jewish thought. We are proud to have been partners with and inspired by, this most humble of talmidei hahamim and hope to continue sharing his vast wisdom with the world. May the Almighty comfort his family among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem