,,transcrib]',s ,,comm5ts  ,! s\rce  
book = ?is e-text includ$ an            
,introduction1 ,preface1 & ext5sive     
footnotes4  ,^! are omitt$ 9 ?is text1  
:i* consi/s ( only ! translation ( !    
,pirkei ,avot4  ,a full v]sion ( ?is    
e-text may be f\nd z a diff]5t entry 9 !
 ,gut5burg ,project ar*ives4  ,see ! end
 ( ?is e-text = ,transcrib]'s ,notes4   
,,libr>y ,,( ,,jewi% ,,classics-,,iii4  
,! ,say+s ( !              ,jewi% ,fa!rs
               pirkei avot              
,,pirke ,,abot               ,translat$1
 ) an          ,introduction & ,notes   
,,by        ,,joseph ,i4 ,,gorf9kle1    
,ph4,d4                 ,au?or (  ,!    
,eight ,*apt]s ( ,maimonides on ,e?ics  
,,second ,,edition       ,,say+s ,,( ,,!
 ,,fa!rs  ,"o ( ! foll[+ *apt]s is read 
on ea* ,sabba? f ! ,sabba? aft] ,passov]
 until ! ,sabba? be=e ,new ,ye>4  ,all  
,israel h a portion 9 ! _w to come1 & x 
is said1 ,& ?y p %all be all righte\s2  
!y %all inh]it ! l& = ev]1 ! bran* ( my 
plant+1 ! "w ( my h&s1 t ,i may be      

glorifi$4  ,,*apt] ,i  #a4 ,moses       
receiv$ ! ,torah f ,s9ai1 & h&$ x d[n to
 ,jo%ua1 & ,jo%ua to ! eld]s1 & ! eld]s 
to ! prophets1 & ! prophets deliv]$ x to
 ! m5 ( ! ,great ,synagogue4  ,!y said  
?ree ?+s1 ,be delib]ate 9 judgm5t2 raise
 up _m disciples2 & make a f5ce ab\t !  
,torah4  #b4 ,simon1 ! ,j1 0 ( ! la/    
survivors ( ! ,great ,synagogue4 ,he us$
 to say1 ,^u ?ree ?+s ! _w re/s3 ^u !   
,torah1 ^u ! ,temple s]vice1 & ^u ! do+ 
( acts ( k9dness4  #c4 ,antigonus (     
,soko receiv$ 7! tradition7 f ,simon1 ! 
,j4 ,he us$ to say1 ,be n l hirel+s :o  
"w = _! ma/] = ! sake ( receiv+         
recomp5se2 b be l s]vants :o m9i/] to _!
 ma/] )\t any ?\ght ( receiv+ a rew>d2 &
 let ! fe> ( ,heav5 be ^u y4  #d4 ,jose1
 ! son ( ,joez]1 ( ,z]$ah1 & ,jose1 !   
son ( ,jo*anan1 ( ,j]usalem receiv$ 7!  
tradition7 f !m4  ,jose1 ! son ( ,joez]1
 ( ,z]$ah said1 ,let ?y h\se be a       
meet+-place = ! wise2 cov] ?yself ) !   
du/ ( _! feet1 & dr9k 9 _! words ) ?ir/4
  #e4 ,jose1 ! son ( ,jo*anan1 (        

,j]usalem said1 ,let ?y h\se be op5     
wide2 let ! poor be memb]s ( ?y         
h\sehold1 & engage n 9 mu* gossip )     
woman4  ,?is applies to "o's own wife2  
h[ mu* m1 !n1 to ! wife ( "o's neighbor8
  ,h5ce ! sages say1 ,:oso engages 9 mu*
 gossip ) woman br+s evil ^u himself1   
neglects ! /udy ( ! ,torah1 & w 9 ! end 
inh]it geh9nom4  #f4 ,jo%ua1 ! son (    
,p]a*yah1 & ,nittai1 ! ,arbelite1       
receiv$ 7! tradition7 f !m4  ,jo%ua1 !  
son ( ,p]a*yah1 said1 ,provide ?yself ) 
a tea*]1 & possess ?yself ( a companion2
 & judge e man 9 ! scale ( m]it4  #g4   
,nittai1 ! ,arbelite1 said1 ,keep alo( f
 a bad neighbor2 associate n ) ! wick$1 
& ab&on n ! belief 9 retribution4  #h4  
,judah1 ! son ( ,tabbi1 & ,simeon1 ! son
 ( ,%ata*1 receiv$ 7! tradition7 f !m4  
,judah1 ! son ( ,tabbi1 said1 7,9 !     
judge's (fice7 act n ! c\nsel's "p2 :ile
 ! litigants are /&+ be=e !e1 let !m be 
reg>d$ by !e z guilty1 b :5 !y are      
dep>t$ f ?y pres5ce1 reg>d !m z innoc5t1
 ! v]dict hav+ be5 acquiesc$ 9 by !m4   

#i4 ,simeon1 ! son ( ,%ata*1 said1 ,be v
 se>*+ 9 ! exam9ation ( witnesses1 & be 
gu>d$ 9 ?y words1 le/ ?r\gh !m !y le>n  
to lie4  #aj4 ,%emaiah & ,abtalion      
receiv$ 7! tradition7 f !m4 ,%emaiah    
said1 ,love "w2 hate lord%ip2 & seek no 
intimacy ) ! rul+ p[]4  #aa4 ,abtalion  
said1 ,ye sages1 be he$ful ( y\r words1 
le/ ye incur ! p5alty ( exile & be exil$
 to a place ( evil wat]s1 & ! disciples 
:o come aft] y dr9k !re( & die1 & !     
,heav5ly ,"n be pr(an$4  #ab4 ,hillel & 
,%ammai receiv$ 7! tradition7 f !m4     
,hillel said1 ,be ( ! disciples ( ,a>on1
 lov+ peace & pursu+ peace1 lov+ mank9d 
& draw+ !m night to ! ,torah4  #ac4 ,he 
us$ to say1 ,a "n made great is a "n    
de/roy$2 he :o does n increase 78 k7    
decreases 7x72 & he :o does n /udy      
des]ves to die2 & he :o makes a worldly 
use ( ! cr[n 7( ! ,torah7 %all wa/e     
away4  #ad4 ,he us$ to say1 ,if ,i am n 
= myself1 :o w be = me8  ,b if ,i c>e = 
myself only1 :at am ,i8  ,& if n n[1 :58
  #ae4 ,%ammai said1 ,set a fix$ "t = ?y

 7/udy (7 ,torah2 say little & d mu*2 & 
receive all m5 ) a *e]ful c\nt5ance4    
#af4 ,rabban ,gamaliel said1 ,provide   
?yself ) a tea*]2 be quit ( d\bt2 &     
accu/om n ?yself to give ti!s by a      
conjectural e/imate4  #ag4 ,simeon 8    
son1 said1 ,all my days ,i h gr[n up    
among/ ! wise1 & ,i h f\nd no?+ bett] = 
man ?an sil5ce2 n le>n+ b do+ is ! *ief 
?+2 & :oso multiplies words causes s94  
#ah4 ,rabban ,simeon1 ! son ( ,gamaliel 
said1 ,by ?ree ?+s is ! _w pres]v$2 by  
tru?1 by judgm5t1 & by peace1 z x is    
said1 ',judge ye ! tru? & ! judgm5t (   
peace 9 y\r gates4'  ,rabbi ,*anania1 ! 
son ( ,aka%ia1 said1 ,! ,holy ,"o1      
bless$ be ,he1 0 pleas$ to make ,israel 
wor?y2 :]e=e ,he gave !m a copi\s ,torah
 & _m comm&m5ts1 z x is said1 ',x pleas$
 ! ,"l1 = 8 righte\sness' sake1 to      
magnify ! ,torah & make x honorable4'   
,,*apt] ,,ii  ,all ,israel h a portion 9
 ! _w to come1 & x is said1 ,& ?y p %all
 be all righte\s2 !y %all inh]it ! l& = 
ev]1 ! bran* ( my plant+1 ! "w ( my h&s1

 t ,i may be glorifi$4  #a4 ,rabbi said1
 :i* is ! "r c\rse t a man %\ld *oose = 
himself8  ,t :i* is a pride to him :o   
pursues x & :i* also br+s him honor f   
mank9d4  ,be z scrupul\s ab\t a light   
precept z ab\t a grave "o1 = ?\ kn[e/ n 
! grant ( rew>d = ea* precept4  ,reckon 
! loss incurr$ by ! fulfilm5t ( a       
precept aga9/ ! rew>d secur$ by its     
obs]vance1 & ! ga9 gott5 by a           
transgression aga9/ ! loss x involves4  
,consid] ?ree ?+s1 t ?\ maye/ n come )9 
! p[] ( s94  ,"k :at is above !e--a see+
 eye1 & a he>+ e>1 & all ?y de$s writt5 
9 a book4  #b4 ,rabban ,gamaliel1 ! son 
( ,rabbi ,judah1 ! ,pr9ce1 said1        
,excell5t is ! /udy ( ,torah comb9$ ) "s
 worldly pursuit1 = ! ef=t dem&$ by !m  
bo? makes s9 to be =gott54  ,all /udy ( 
,torah )\t "w mu/ at l5g? be futile1 &  
leads to s94  ,let all :o are employ$ ) 
! congregation act ) !m = ,heav5's sake1
 = !n ! m]it ( _! fa!rs su/a9s !m1 & _! 
righte\sness endures = ev]4  ,& z = y   
7,god w !n say71 ',i acc\nt y wor?y (   

great rew>d1 z if y _h wr\ght x all     
y\rselves4'  #c4 ,be on y\r gu>d aga9/ !
 rul+ p[]2 = !y :o ex]cise x draw no man
 ne> to !m except = _! own int]e/s2     
appe>+ z fri5ds :5 x is to _! own       
advantage1 !y /& n by a man 9 ! h\r ( 8 
ne$4  #d4 ,he us$ to say1 ,d ,8 w z if x
 7 ?y w4  ,nullify ?y w be=e ,8 w1 t ,he
 may nullify ! w ( o!rs be=e ?y w4  #e4 
,hillel said1 ,sep>ate n ?yself f !     
congregation2 tru/ n 9 ?yself until !   
day ( ?y dea?2 judge n ?y neighbor until
 ?\ art come into 8 place2 & say n any?+
 :i* _c be und]/ood at once1 9 ! hope t 
x w be und]/ood 9 ! end2 nei!r say1 ',:5
 ,i h leisure ,i w /udy'2 p]*ance ?\    
wilt h no leisure4  #f4 ,he us$ to say1 
,an empty-head$ man _c be a s9-fe>+ man1
 nor c an ignorant p]son be pi\s1 nor c 
a %amefac$ man le>n1 nor a passionate   
man tea*1 nor c "o :o is engag$ ov]mu* 9
 bus9ess gr[ wise4  ,9 a place :]e !re  
are no m51 /rive to be a man4  #g4      
,moreov]1 he once saw a skull float+ on 
! surface ( ! wat]4  ,he said to x1     

,because ?\ did/ dr[n 7o!rs7 !y h dr[n$ 
!e1 & at ! la/ !y t dr[n$ !e %all       
!mselves be dr[n$4  #h4 ,he us$ to say1 
,! m fle%1 ! m works2 ! m prop]ty1 ! m  
anxiety2 ! m wom51 ! m wit*craft2 ! m   
maid-s]vants1 ! m lewdness2 ! m         
m5-s]vants1 ! m robb]y2 ! m ,torah1 ! m 
life2 ! m s*ool+1 ! m wisdom2 ! m       
c\nsel1 ! m und]/&+2 ! m *>ity1 ! m     
peace4  ,he :o has acquir$ a good "n has
 acquir$ x = himself2 he :o has acquir$ 
= himself words ( ,torah has acquir$ =  
himself life 9 ! _w to come4  #i4       
,rabban ,jo*anan1 ! son ( ,zakkai       
receiv$ 7! tradition7 f ,hillel &       
,%ammai4  ,he us$ to say1 ,if ?\ ha/    
le>nt mu* ,torah1 ascribe n any m]it to 
?yself1 = !reunto wa/ ?\ creat$4  #aj4  
,rabban ,jo*anan1 ! son ( ,zakkai1 _h   
five disciples1 & ^! are !y3 ,rabbi     
,eliez]1 ! son ( ,hyrcanus2 ,rabbi      
,jo%ua1 ! son ( ,hananiah2 ,rabbi ,jose1
 ! ,prie/2 ,rabbi ,simeon1 ! son (      
,nataniel2 & ,rabbi ,eleaz>1 ! son (    
,ara*4  #aa4 ,he us$ ?us to rec\nt _!   

praise3 ,eliez]1 ! son ( ,hyrcanus1 is a
 cem5t$ ci/]n1 :i* loses n a drop2      
,jo%ua1 ! son ( ,hananiah1 happy is %e t
 b>e him2 ,jose1 ! ,prie/1 is a pi\s    
man2 ,simeon1 ! son ( ,nataniel1 is a   
fe>] ( s92 ,eleaz>1 ! son ( ,ara*1 is l 
a spr+ fl[+ ) ev]-su/a9$ vigor4  #ab4   
,he us$ to say1 ,if all ! sages (       
,israel 7 9 "o scale ( ! balance1 &     
,eliez]1 ! son ( ,hyrcanus1 9 ! o!r1 he 
w\ld outweigh !m all4  ,abba ,saul said 
9 8 "n1 ,if all ! sages ( ,israel 7 9 "o
 scale ( ! balance1 & ,eliez]1 ! son (  
,hyrcanus1 also ) !m1 & ,eleaz>1 ! son (
 ,ara*1 9 ! o!r scale1 he w\ld outweigh 
!m all4  #ac4 ,he said to !m1 ,g =? &   
see :i* is ! good way to :i* a man %\ld 
cleave4  ,r4 ,eliez] said1 ,a good eye2 
,r4 ,jo%ua said1 ,a good fri5d2 ,r4     
,jose said1 ,a good neighbor2 ,r4       
,simeon said1 ,"o :o =esees ! fruit ( an
 action2 ,r4 ,eleaz> said1 ,a good he>t4
  ,!reupon he said to !m1 ,i approve ( !
 words ( ,eleaz>1 ! son ( ,ara*1 r ?an  
y\r words1 = 9 8 words y\rs are includ$4

  #ad4 ,he said to !m1 ,g =? & see :i*  
is ! evil way t a man %\ld %un4  ,r4    
,eliez] said1 ,an evil eye2 ,r4 ,jo%ua  
said1 ,a bad fri5d2 ,r4 ,jose said1 ,a  
bad neighbor2 ,r4 ,simeon said1 ,"o :o  
borr[s & does n repay--x is ! same :e!r 
"o borr[s f man or ! ,omnipres5t2 z x is
 said1 ',! wick$ borr[e? & paye? n aga91
 b ! righte\s deale? graci\sly & give?'2
 ,r4 ,eleaz> said1 ,a bad he>t4         
,!reupon he said to !m1 ,i approve ( !  
words ( ,eleaz>1 ! son ( ,ara*1 r !n y\r
 words1 = 9 8 words y\rs are includ$4   
#ae4 ,!y ea* said ?ree ?+s4  ,r4 ,eliez]
 said1 ,let ?y fri5d's honor be z de> to
 !e z ?9e own2 be n easily excit$ to    
ang]2 & rep5t "o day be=e ?y dea?4  ,&  
7he fur!r said71 ,w>m ?yself by ! fire (
 ! wise1 b bew>e ( _! gl[+ coals1 le/ ?\
 be burnt1 = _! bite is ! bite ( ! fox1 
& _! /+ is ! scorpion's /+1 & _! hiss is
 ! s]p5t's hiss1 & all _! words are l   
coals ( fire4  #af4 ,r4 ,jo%ua said1 ,! 
evil eye1 ! evil incl9ation1 & hatr$ ( 8
 fell[-creatures1 put a man out ( ! _w4 

#ag4 ,r4 ,jose said1 ,let ! prop]ty ( ?y
 fri5d be z de> to !e z ?9e own2 prep>e 
?yself = ! /udy ( ,torah1 s9ce ! k ( x  
is n an inh]itance ( ?9e1 & let all ?y  
de$s be done 9 ! "n ( ,god4  #ah4 ,r4   
,simeon said1 ,be c>eful 9 read+ ! ,%ema
 & ! ,amidah2 & :5 ?\ praye/1 consid] n 
?y pray] z a fix$ 7me*anical7 task1 b z 
7an appeal =7 m]cy & grace be=e !       
,all-pres5t1 z x is said1 ',= he is     
graci\s & full ( m]cy1 sl[ to ang]1 &   
ab\nd+ 9 lov+-k9dness1 & rep5te? him ( !
 evil'2 & be n wick$ 9 ?9e own e/eem4   
#ai4 ,r4 ,eleaz> said1 ,be dilig5t 9    
/udy+ ,torah1 & "k :at answ] to give to 
! unbeliev]2 "k also be=e :om ?\ toile/1
 & :o ?y ,employ] is1 :o w pay !e !     
rew>d ( ?y labor4  #bj4 ,rabbi ,tafron  
said1 ,! day is %ort1 ! task is great1 !
 labor]s are sluggi%1 ! rew>d is mu*1 & 
! ,ma/] ( ! h\se is urg5t4  #ba4 ,he    
also us$ to say1 ,x is n ?y duty to     
complete ! "w1 b nei!r art ?\ free to   
desi/ f x2 if ?\ ha/ /udi$ mu* ,torah1  
mu* rew>d w be giv5 !e2 & fai?ful is ?y 

,employ] to pay !e ! rew>d ( ?y labor2 &
 "k t ! grant ( rew>d unto ! righte\s w 
be 9 ! "t to come4  ,rabbi ,*anania1 !  
son ( ,aka%ia1 said1 ,! ,holy ,"o1      
bless$ be ,he1 0 pleas$ to make ,israel 
wor?y2 :]e=e ,he gave !m a copi\s ,torah
 & _m comm&m5ts1 z x is said1 ',x pleas$
 ! ,"l1 = 8 righte\sness' sake1 to      
magnify ! ,torah & make x honorable'4   
,,*apt] ,,iii  ,all ,israel h a portion 
9 ! _w to come1 & x is said1 ,& ?y p    
%all be all righte\s2 !y %all inh]it !  
l& = ev]1 ! bran* ( my plant+1 ! "w ( my
 h&s1 t ,i may be glorifi$4  #a4        
,akabia1 ! son ( ,mahalalel1 said1      
,consid] ?ree ?+s1 & ?\ wilt n come )9 !
 p[] ( s93 "k :5ce ?\ came/1 & :i!r ?\  
art go+1 & be=e :om ?\ wilt 9 ! future h
 to give an acc\nt & reckon+4  ,:5ce ?\ 
came/3 f a fetid drop2 :e!r ?\ art go+3 
to a place ( du/1 worms1 & maggots2 &   
be=e :om ?\ wilt 9 ! future h to give an
 acc\nt & reckon+3 be=e ! ,supreme ,k+ (
 k+s1 ! ,holy ,"o1 bless$ be ,he4  #b4  
,r4 ,*an9a1 ! ,vice-,high-,prie/1 said1 

,pray = ! welf>e ( ! gov]nm5t1 s9ce b = 
! fe> !re( m5 w\ld swall[ ea* o!r alive4
  #c4 ,r4 ,*ananiah1 ! son ( ,t]adion1  
said1 ,if two sit toge!r & int]*ange no 
words ( ,torah1 !y are a meet+ (        
scorn]s1 conc]n+ :om x is said1 ',!     
godly man sitte? n 9 ! seat ( !         
scorn]s'2 b if two sit toge!r &         
int]*ange words ( ,torah1 ! ,div9e      
,pres5ce abides among !m2 z x is said1  
',!n !y t fe>$ ! ,"l spake "o ) ! o!r2 &
 ! ,"l he>k5$ & he>d1 & a book (        
remembrance 0 writt5 be=e ,him1 = !m t  
fe>$ ! ,"l1 & t ?\ght ^u ,8 "n4'  ,n[ ! 
,scripture enables me to draw ?is       
inf]5ce 9 respect to two p]sons2 :5ce c 
x be d$uc$ t if ev5 "o p]son s$ul\sly   
occupies himself ) ! ,torah1 ! ,holy    
,"o1 bless$ be ,he1 appo9ts unto him a  
rew>d8  ,because x is said1 '?\gh he sit
 alone1 & m$itate 9 /illness1 yet he    
take? x 7! rew>d7 ^u him4'  #d4 ,r4     
,simeon said1 ,if ?ree h eat5 at a table
 & h spok5 !re no words ( ,torah1 x is z
 if !y _h eat5 ( sacrifices to dead     

idols1 ( :om x is said1 ',= all _!      
tables are full ( vomit & fil?9ess2 !   
,all-pres5t is n 79 _! ?\ghts74' ,b if  
?ree h eat5 at a table & h spok5 !re    
words ( ,torah1 x is z if !y _h eat5 at 
! table ( ! ,all-pres5t1 = ,scripture   
says1 ',& he said unto me1 ,?is is !    
table t is be=e ! ,"l4'  #e4 ,r4 ,*an9a1
 ! son ( ,hak9ai1 said1 ,he :o keeps    
awake at night1 & goes on 8 way alone1  
:ile turn+ 8 he>t to vanity1 su* a "o   
=feits 8 own life4  #f4 ,r4 ,ne*unya1   
son ( ha-,kanah1 said1 ,:oso receives ^u
 himself ! yoke ( ! ,torah1 f ! yoke ( !
 k+dom & ! yoke ( worldly c>e w be      
remov$1 b :oso breaks (f f him ! yoke ( 
! ,torah1 ^u him w be laid ! yoke ( !   
k+dom & ! yoke ( worldly c>e4  #g4 ,r4  
,*alafta1 ! son ( ,dosa1 ( ! village (  
,*anania said1 ,:5 t5 p sit toge!r &    
occupy !mselves ) ! ,torah1 ! ,%e*9ah   
abides among !m1 z x is said1 ',god /&e?
 9 ! congregation ( ! godly4'  ,& :5ce c
 x be %[n t ! same applies to five8     
,because x is said1 ',he ha? f\nd 8 b&  

^u ! e>?4'  ,& :5ce c x be %[n t ! same 
applies to ?ree8 ,because x is said1    
',he judge? among ! judges4'  ,& :5ce c 
x be %[n t ! same applies to two8       
,because x is said1 ',!n !y t fe>$ ! ,"l
 spake "o ) ! o!r2 & ! ,"l he>k5$1 &    
he>d4'  ,& :5ce c x be %[n t ! same     
applies ev5 to "o8  ,because x is said1 
',9 e place :]e ,i cause my "n to be    
rememb]$ ,i w come unto !e & ,i w bless 
!e4'  #h4 ,r4 ,eleaz> ( ,b]tota said1   
,give unto ,him ( :at is ,81 = ?\ & ?9e 
are ,83 ?is is also f\nd express$ by    
,david1 :o said1 ',= all ?+s come ( ,!e1
 & ( ,?9e own we h giv5 ,!e4'  #i4 ,r4  
,jacob said1 ,he :o is walk+ by ! way & 
/udy+1 & breaks (f 8 /udy & says1 ',h[  
f9e is t tree1 h[ f9e is t fall[1' him !
 ,scripture reg>ds z if he _h =feit$ 8  
life4  #aj4 ,r4 ,do/ai1 ! son ( ,jannai1
 said 9 ! "n ( ,r4 ,meir1 ,:oso =gets "o
 ^w ( 8 /udy1 him ! ,scripture reg>ds z 
if he _h =feit$ 8 life1 = x is said1    
',only take he$ to ?yself1 & keep ?y s\l
 dilig5tly1 le/ ?\ =get ! ?+s :i* ?9e   

eyes h se54'  ,n[1 "o might suppose 7t !
 same result foll[s7 ev5 if a man's /udy
 has be5 too h>d = him4  7,to gu>d aga9/
 su* an inf]5ce71 x is said1 ',& le/ !y 
dep>t f ?y he>t all ! days ( ?y life4'  
,?us a p]son's guilt is n e/abli%$ until
 he delib]ately & ( set purpose removes 
^? lessons f 8 he>t4  #aa4 ,r4 ,*an9a1 !
 son ( ,dosa1 said1 ,he 9 :om ! fe> ( s9
 prec$es wisdom1 8 wisdom %all endure2 b
 he 9 :om wisdom comes be=e ! fe> ( s91 
8 wisdom w n endure4  #ab4 ,he us$ to   
say1 ,he ^: works exce$ 8 wisdom1 8     
wisdom %all endure2 b he ^: wisdom      
exce$s 8 works1 8 wisdom w n endure4    
#ac4 ,he us$ to say1 ,he 9 :om ! _s ( 8 
fell[-creatures takes n delight1 9 him !
 ,_s ( ! ,all-pres5t takes n delight4   
#ad4 ,r4 ,dosa1 ! son ( ,hork9as1 said1 
,morn+ sleep1 midday w9e1 *ildi% babbl+1
 & att5d+ ! h\ses ( assembly ( !        
ignorant wa/e a man's life4  #ae4 ,r4   
,eleaz> ha-,mudai said1 ,he :o pr(anes  
?+s sacr$1 & despises ! fe/ivals1 & puts
 8 fell[-man to %ame 9 public1 & makes  

void ! cov5ant ( ,abraham1 our fa!r1 &  
makes ! ,torah be> a mean+ o!r ?an ! "r2
 7su* a "o7 ev5 ?\gh k ( ! ,torah & good
 de$s be 81 has no %>e 9 ! _w to come4  
#af4 ,r4 ,i%mael said1 ,be submissive to
 a sup]ior1 affable to ! "y1 & receive  
all m5 ) *e]fulness4  #ag4 ,r4 ,akiba   
said1 ,je/+ & levity lead a man on to   
lewdness4  ,! ,massorah is a ramp>t     
ar\nd ! ,torah2 ti!s are a safegu>d to  
ri*es2 good resolves are a f5ce to      
ab/95ce2 a h$ge ar\nd wisdom is sil5ce4 
#ah4 ,he us$ to say1 ,belov$ is man1 =  
he 0 creat$ 9 ! image 7( ,god72 b x 0 by
 a special love t x 0 made kn[n to him t
 he 0 creat$ 9 ! image ( ,god1 z x is   
said1 ',= 9 ! image ( ,god made he man4'
  ,belov$ are ,israel1 or !y 7 call$    
*ildr5 ( ! ,all-pres5t1 b x 0 by a      
special love t x 0 made kn[n to !m t !y 
7 call$ *ildr5 ( ! ,all-pres5t1 z x is  
said1 ',ye are *ildr5 unto ! ,"l y\r    
,god4' ,belov$ are ,israel1 = unto !m 0 
giv5 ! desirable in/rum5t2 b x 0 by a   
special love t x 0 made kn[n to !m t t  

desirable in/rum5t 0 !irs1 ?r\gh :i* !  
_w 0 creat$1 z x is said1 ',= ,i give y 
good doctr9e2 =sake ye n my ,torah4'    
#ai4 ,ev]y?+ is =ese51 yet free w is    
giv52 & ! _w is judg$ by grace1 yet all 
is accord+ to ! am\nt ( ! "w4  #bj4 ,he 
us$ to say1 ,ev]y?+ is giv5 on pl$ge1 & 
a net is spread = all liv+2 ! %op is    
op52 ! deal] gives cr$it2 ! l$g] lies   
op52 ! h& writes2 & :osoev] wi%es to    
borr[ may come & borr[2 b ! collectors  
regul>ly make _! daily r\nd1 & exact    
paym5t f man :e!r he be cont5t or n2 &  
!y h t :]eon !y c rely 9 _! dem&2 & !   
judgm5t is a judgm5t ( tru?2 & ev]y?+ is
 prep>$ = ! fea/4  #ba4 ,r4 ,eleaz>1 !  
son ( ,az>iah1 said1 ,:]e !re is no     
,torah1 !re are no mann]s2 :]e !re are  
no mann]s1 !re is no ,torah3 :]e !re is 
no wisdom1 !re is no fe> ( ,god2 :]e !re
 is no fe> ( ,god1 !re is no wisdom3 :]e
 !re is no k1 !re no und]/&+2 :]e !re is
 no und]/&+1 !re is no k3 :]e !re is no 
meal1 !re is no ,torah2 :]e !re is no   
,torah1 !re is no meal4  #bb4 ,he us$ to

 say1 ,he ^: wisdom exce$s 8 works1 to  
:at is he l8  ,to a tree ^: bran*es are 
_m1 b ^: roots are few2 & ! w9d comes & 
plucks x up1 & ov]turns x ^u its face1 z
 x is said1 ',& he %all be l a lonely   
junip] tree 9 ! des]t1 & %all n see :5  
good come?2 b %all inhabit ! p>*$ places
 9 ! wild]ness1 a salt l& & n inhabit$4'
  ,b he ^: works exce$ 8 wisdom1 to :at 
is he l8  ,to a tree ^: bran*es are few1
 b ^: roots are _m1 s t ?\gh all ! w9ds 
9 ! _w come & bl[ ^u x1 !y _c /ir x f   
its place1 z x is said1 ',& he %all be z
 a tree plant$ by ! wat]s2 & t spreade? 
out its roots by ! riv] & %all n p]ceive
 :5 heat come?1 b 8 leaf %all be gre52 &
 %all n be tr\bl$ 9 ! ye> ( dr\ght1     
nei!r %all cease f yield+ fruit4'  #bc4 
,r4 ,eleaz> ,*isma said1 ,! laws conc]n+
 ! sacrifices ( birds & ! purification (
 wom5 are ess5tial ord9ances2 a/ronomy &
 geometry are ! aft]-c\rses ( wisdom4   
,rabbi ,*anania1 ! son ( ,aka%ia1 said1 
,! ,holy ,"o1 bless$ be ,he1 0 pleas$ to
 make ,israel wor?y2 :]e=e ,he gave !m a

 copi\s ,torah & _m comm&m5ts1 z x is   
said1 ',x pleas$ ! ,"l1 = 8             
righte\sness' sake1 to magnify ! ,torah 
& make x honorable'4        ,,*apt] ,,iv
  ,all ,israel h a portion 9 ! _w to    
come1 & x is said1 ,& ?y p %all be all  
righte\s2 !y %all inh]it ! l& = ev]1 !  
bran* ( my plant+1 ! "w ( my h&s1 t ,i  
may be glorifi$4  #a4 ,b5 ,zoma said1   
,:o is wise8  ,he :o le>ns f all m51 z x
 is said1 'f all my tea*]s h ,i gott5   
und]/&+4'  ,:o is mighty8  ,he :o       
controls 8 passions1 z x is said1 ',he t
 is sl[ to ang] is bett] ?an ! mighty1 &
 he t rule? ov] 8 _s ?an he t take? a   
city4'  ,:o is ri*8  ,he :o rejoices 9 8
 portion1 z x is said1 ',:5 ?\ eate/ !  
labor ( ?9e h&s1 happy art ?\1 & x %all 
be well ) !e'2 happy art ?\ 9 ?is _w1 & 
x %all be well ) !e 9 ! _w to come4  ,:o
 is honor$8  ,he :o honors o!rs1 z x is 
said1 ',= !m t honor me ,i w honor1 & !y
 t despise me %all be held 9 contempt4' 
#b4 ,b5 ,azzai said1 ,ha/5 to d ev5 a   
slight precept1 & flee f transgression2 

= "o virtue leads to ano!r1 &           
transgression draws transgression 9 its 
tra92 = ! recomp5se ( a virtue is a     
virtue1 & ! recomp5se ( a transgression 
is a transgression4  #c4 ,he us$ to say1
 ,despise n any man1 & c>p n at any ?+2 
= !re is n a man t has n 8 h\r1 & !re is
 n a ?+ t has n its place4  #d4 ,r4     
,levitas ( ,jabneh said1 ,be exce$+ly   
l[ly ( _s1 s9ce ! hope ( man is b !     
worm4  #e4 ,r4 ,jo*anan1 ! son (        
,b]okah1 said1 ,:osoev] pr(anes ! ,"n ( 
,heav5 9 secret w suff] ! p5alty = x 9  
public2 & ?is1 :e!r ! ,heav5ly ,"n be   
pr(an$ 9 ignorance or 9 wilfulness4  #f4
 ,r4 ,i%mael1 8 son1 said1 ,he :o le>ns 
9 ord] to tea*1 to him ! means w be     
grant$ bo? to le>n & to tea*2 b he :o   
le>ns 9 ord] to practise1 to him ! means
 w be grant$ to le>n1 & to tea*1 to     
obs]ve1 & to practise4  #g4 ,r4 ,zadok  
said1 ,sep>ate n ?yself f !             
congregation2 79 ! judge's (fice7 act n 
! c\nsel's "p2 make n ( ! ,torah a cr[n 
:]e) to aggr&ize ?yself1 nor a spade    

:]e) to dig4 ,s also us$ ,hillel to say1
 ,he :o makes a worldly use ( ! cr[n 7( 
! ,torah7 %all wa/e away4  ,h5ce ?\     
maye/ inf] t :osoev] d]ives a pr(it =   
himself f ! words ( ! ,torah is help+ on
 8 own de/ruction4  #h4 ,r4 ,jose said1 
,:oso honors ! ,torah w himself be      
honor$ by mank9d1 b :oso di%onors !     
,torah w himself be di%onor$ by mank9d4 
#i4 ,r4 ,i%mael1 8 son1 said1 ,he :o    
%uns ! judicial (fice rids himself (    
hatr$1 robb]y1 & va9 swe>+2 b he :o     
presumptu\sly lays d[n decisions is     
fooli%1 wick$1 & ( an arrogant _s4  #aj4
 ,he us$ to say1 ,judge n alone1 = none 
may judge alone save ,"o2 nei!r say 7to 
?y judicial colleagues71 ',accept my    
view1' = ! *oice is !irs 7to concur72 & 
x is n = !e 7to compel concurr5ce74     
#aa4 ,r4 ,jona?an said1 ,:oso fulfils ! 
,torah 9 ! mid/ ( pov]ty %all 9 ! end   
fulfil x 9 ! mid/ ( weal?2 & :oso       
neglects ! ,torah 9 ! mid/ ( weal? %all 
9 ! end neglect x 9 ! mid/ ( pov]ty4    
#ab4 ,r4 ,meir said1 ,less5 ?y toil =   

worldly goods1 & be busy 9 ! ,torah2 be 
humble ( _s be=e all m52 if ?\ neglecte/
 ! ,torah1 _m causes = neglect+ x w be  
pres5t !mselves to !e1 b if ?\ labore/ 9
 ! ,torah1 ,he has abundant recomp5se to
 give !e4  #ac4 ,r4 ,elies]1 ! son (    
,jacob1 said1 ,he :o does "o precept has
 gott5 himself "o advocate2 & he :o     
commits "o transgression has gott5      
himself "o accus]4  ,rep5tance & good   
de$s are z a %ield aga9/ puni%m5t4  #ad4
 ,r4 ,jo*anan1 ! s&al-mak]1 said1 ,e    
assembly :i* is 9 ! ,"n ( ,heav5 w 9 !  
end be e/abli%$1 b t :i* is n 9 ! ,"n ( 
,heav5 w n 9 ! end be e/abli%$4  #ae4   
,r4 ,eleaz]1 ! son ( ,%ammua1 said1 ,let
 ! honor ( ?y disciple be z de> to !e z 
?9e own1 & ! honor ( ?9e associate be l 
! fe> ( ?y ma/]1 & ! fe> ( ?y ma/] l !  
fe> ( ,heav54  #af4 ,r4 ,judah said1 ,be
 cauti\s 9 /udy1 = an error 9 /udy may  
am\nt to presumptu\s s94  #ag4 ,r4      
,simeon said1 ,!re are ?ree cr[ns3 !    
cr[n ( ,torah1 ! cr[n ( prie/hood1 & !  
cr[n ( royalty2 b ! cr[n ( a good "n    

excels !m all4  #ah4 ,r4 ,nehorai said1 
,betake ?yself to a home ( ! ,torah1 &  
say n t ! ,torah w come aft] !e2 = !re  
?y associates w e/abli% !e 9 !          
possession ( x2 & lean n ^u ?9e own     
und]/&+4  #ai4 ,r4 ,jannia said1 ,x is n
 9 our p[] 7to expla97 ei!r ! prosp]ity 
( ! wick$ or ! afflictions ( ! righte\s4
  #bj4 ,r4 ,matti?iah1 ! son ( ,h]e%1   
said1 ,be be=eh& 9 ! salutation ( peace 
to all m52 & be r a tail to lions ?an a 
head to foxes4  #ba4 ,r4 ,jacob said1   
,?is _w is l a ve/ibule be=e ! _w to    
come2 prep>e ?yself 9 ! ve/ibule1 t ?\  
maye/ ent] into ! hall4  #bb4 ,he us$ to
 say1 ,bett] is "o h\r ( rep5tance &    
good de$s 9 ?is _w ?an ! :ole life ( !  
_w to come2 & bett] is "o h\r (         
blissfulness ( _s 9 ! _w to come ?an !  
:ole life ( ?is _w4  #bc4 ,r4 ,simeon1 !
 son ( ,eleaz]1 said1 ,d n appease ?y   
fell[ 9 ! h\r ( 8 ang]1 & com=t him n 9 
! h\r :5 8 dead lies be=e him1 & "q him 
n 9 ! h\r ( 8 v[1 & ru% n to see him 9 !
 h\r ( 8 disgrace4  #bd4 ,samuel1 !     

y\ng]1 us$ to say1 ,rejoice n :5 ?9e    
enemy falle?1 & let n ?9e he>t be glad  
:5 he /umble?3 le/ ! ,"l see x & x      
displease him1 & he turn away 8 wra? f  
him4  #be4 ,eli%a1 ! son ( ,abuyah1     
said1 ,if "o le>ns z a *ild1 :at is x l8
  ,l ink writt5 9 clean pap]4  ,if "o   
le>ns z an old man1 :at is x l8  ,l ink 
writt5 on us$ pap]4  #bf4 ,r4 ,jose1 !  
son ( ,judah1 ( ,*ef> ,babli said1 ,he  
:o le>ns f ! "y1 to :at is he l8  ,to "o
 :o eats unripe grapes1 & dr9ks w9e f 8 
vat4  ,& he :o le>ns f ! old1 to :at is 
he l8  ,to "o :o eats ripe grapes1 &    
dr9ks old w9e4  #bg4 ,rabbi ,meir said1 
,look n at ! flask1 b at :at x conta9s3 
!re may be a new flask full ( old w9e1 &
 an old flask t has n ev5 new w9e 9 x4  
#bh4 ,r4 ,eleaz> ha-,kapp> said1 ,envy1 
cupidity1 & ambition take a man f ! _w4 
#bi4 ,he us$ to say1 ,!y t are born are 
doom$ to die2 & ! dead to be br\ght to  
life aga92 & ! liv+ to be judg$1 to "k1 
to make kn[n1 & to be made consci\s t   
,he is ,god1 ,he ! ,mak]1 ,he !         

,creator1 ,he ! ,disc]n]1 ,he ! ,judge1 
,he ! ,witness1 ,he ! ,accus]2 ,he x is 
t w 9 future judge1 bless$ be ,he1 )    
,:om !re is no unrighte\sness1 nor      
=getfulness1 nor respect ( p]sons1 nor  
tak+ ( bribes2 & "k also t ev]y?+ is    
accord+ to ! reckon+2 & let n ?y        
imag9ation give !e hope t ! grave w be a
 place ( refuge = !e2 = p]=ce ?\ wa/    
=m$1 & p]=ce ?\ wa/ born1 & ?\ live/    
p]=ce1 & p]=ce ?\ wilt die1 & p]=ce ?\  
wilt 9 ! future h to give acc\nt &      
reckon+ be=e ! ,supreme ,k+ ( k+s1 !    
,holy ,"o1 bless$ be ,he4  ,rabbi       
,*anania1 ! son ( ,aka%ia1 said1 ,!     
,holy ,"o1 bless$ be ,he1 0 pleas$ to   
make ,israel wor?y2 :]e=e ,he gave !m a 
copi\s ,torah & _m comm&m5ts1 z x is    
said1 ',x pleas$ ! ,"l1 = 8             
righte\sness' sake1 to magnify ! ,torah 
& make x honorable'4        ,,*apt] ,v  
,all ,israel h a portion 9 ! _w to come1
 & x is said1 ,& ?y p %all be all       
righte\s2 !y %all inh]it ! l& = ev]1 !  
bran* ( my plant+1 ! "w ( my h&s1 t ,i  

may be glorifi$4  #a4 ,) t5 say+s ! _w 0
 creat$4  ,:at does ?is tea* u8 ,c\ld x 
n h be5 creat$ ) "o say+8  ,x is to make
 kn[n ! puni%m5t t w befall ! wick$ :o  
de/roy ! _w t 0 creat$ ) t5 say+s1 z    
well z ! goodly rew>d t w be be/[$ ^u ! 
j :o pres]ve ! _w t 0 creat$ ) t5 say+s4
  #b4 ,!re 7 t5 g5]ations f ,adam to    
,noah1 to make kn[n h[ long-suff]+ ,god 
is1 see+ t all ^? g5]ations cont9u$     
provok+ him1 until he br\ght ^u !m !    
wat]s ( ! flood4  #c4 ,!re 7 t5         
g5]ations f ,noah to ,abraham1 to make  
kn[n h[ long-suff]+ ,god is1 see+ t all 
^? g5]ations cont9u$ provok+ him1 until 
,abraham1 our fa!r1 came1 & receiv$ !   
rew>d !y %\ld all h e>n$4  #d4 ,) t5    
trials our fa!r ,abraham 0 tri$1 & he   
/ood firm 9 !m all1 to make kn[n h[     
great 0 ! love ( our fa!r ,abraham4  #e4
 ,t5 miracles 7 wr\ght = our fa!rs 9    
,egypt1 & t5 at ! ,sea4  #f4 ,t5 plagues
 did ! ,holy ,"o1 bless$ be ,he1 br+ ^u 
! ,egyptians 9 ,egypt1 & t5 at ! ,sea4  
#g4 ,) t5 temptations did our fa!rs     

tempt ! ,holy ,"o1 bless$ be ,he1 9 !   
wild]ness1 z x is said1 ,& !y tempt$ me 
^! t5 times1 & h n he>k5$ to my voice4  
#h4 ,t5 miracles 7 wr\ght = our fa!rs 9 
! ,temple2 no woman misc>ri$ f ! sc5t ( 
! holy fle%2 ! holy fle% nev] became    
putrid2 no fly 0 se5 9 ! slaught]-h\se2 
no unclean accid5t ev] befell !         
high-prie/ on ! ,day ( ,atonem5t2 ! ra9 
nev] qu5*$ ! fire ( ! wood-pile on !    
alt>2 nei!r did ! w9d ov]come ! column (
 smoke t arose !refrom2 nor 0 !re ev]   
f\nd any disqualify+ defect 9 ! om] 7(  
new b>ley1 (f]$ on ! second day (       
,passov]7 or 9 ! two loaves 7! fir/     
fruits ( ! :eat-h>ve/1 (f]$ on          
,p5teco/71 or 9 ! %ewbread2 ?\gh ! p    
/ood closely press$ toge!r1 !y f\nd     
ample space to pro/rate !mselves2 nev]  
did s]p5t or scorpion injure any "o 9   
,j]usalem2 nor did any man ev] say to 8 
fell[1 ! place is too /rait = me to     
lodge ov] night 9 ,j]usalem4  #i4 ,t5   
?+s 7 creat$ on ! eve ( ,sabba? 9 !     
twilight3 ! m\? ( ! e>?2 ! m\? ( ! well2

 ! m\? ( ! ass2 ! ra9b[2 ! manna2 ! rod2
 ! %amir2 ! %ape ( writt5 *>act]s2 !    
writ+1 & ! tables ( /one3 "s say1 !     
de/roy+ spirits also1 & ! sepul*re (    
,moses1 & ! ram ( ,abraham our fa!r2 &  
o!rs say1 tongs1 also1 made ) tongs4    
#aj4 ,!re are sev5 m>ks ( an uncultur$1 
& sev5 ( a wise man4 ,! wise man does n 
speak be=e him :o is great] ?an he 9    
wisdom2 & does n int]rupt ! spee* ( 8   
companion2 he is n ha/y to answ]2 he    
que/ions accord+ to ! subject-matt]2 &  
answ]s to ! po9t2 he speaks ^u ! fir/ ?+
 fir/1 & ^u ! la/1 la/2 reg>d+ t :i* he 
has n und]/ood he says1 ,i d n und]/& x2
 & he ackn[l$ges ! tru?4  ,! rev]se (   
all ?is is to be f\nd 9 an uncultur$    
man4  #aa4 ,sev5 k9ds ( puni%m5t come   
into ! _w = sev5 important              
transgressions4  ,if "s give _! ti!s &  
o!rs d n1 a de>? ensues f dr\ght & "s   
suff] hung] :ile o!rs are full4  ,if !y 
all det]m9e to give no ti!s1 a de>?     
ensures f tumult & dr\ght4  ,if !y fur!r
 resolve n to give ! d\gh-cake1 an      

ext]m9at+ de>? ensures4  ,pe/il5ce comes
 into ! _w to fulfil ^? dea? p5alties   
?reat5$ 9 ! ,torah1 ! execution ( :i*1  
h[ev]1 is )9 ! function ( a human       
tribunal1 & = ! violation ( ! law reg>d+
 ! fruits ( ! sev5? ye>4  ,! sword comes
 into ! _w = ! delay ( ju/ice1 & = !    
p]v]sion ( ju/ice1 & on acc\nt ( ! (f5ce
 ( ^? :o int]pret ! ,torah1 n accord+ to
 its true s5se4  ,noxi\s bea/s come into
 ! _w = va9 swe>+1 & = ! pr(anation ( ! 
,div9e ,"n4  ,captivity comes into ! _w 
on acc\nt ( idolatry1 immortality1      
blood%$1 & ! neglect ( ! ye> ( re/ = !  
soil4  #ab4 ,at f\r p]iods pe/il5ce gr[s
 apace3 9 ! f\r? ye>1 9 ! sev5?1 at !   
conclusion ( ! sev5? ye>1 & at !        
conclusion ( ! ,fea/ ( ,tab]nacles 9 ea*
 ye>3 9 ! f\r? ye>1 = default ( giv+ !  
ti! to ! poor 9 ! ?ird ye>2 9 ! sev5?   
ye>1 = default ( giv+ ! title to ! poor 
9 ! six? ye>2 at ! conclusion ( ! sev5? 
ye>1 = ! violation ( ! law reg>d+ !     
fruits ( ! sev5? ye>1 & at ! conclusion 
( ! ,fea/ ( ,tab]nacles 9 ea* ye>1 =    

robb+ ! poor ( ! grants legally assign$ 
to !m4  #ac4 ,!re are f\r *>act]s among 
m53 he :o says1 ,:at is m9e is m9e & :at
 is ?9e is ?9e1 8 is a neutral "*2 "s   
say1 ,?is is a "* l t ( ,sodom2 he :o   
says1 ,:at is m9e is ?9e & :at is ?9e is
 m9e1 is a boor2 he :o says1 ,:at is m9e
 is ?9e & :at is ?9e is ?9e1 is a sa9t2 
he :o says1 ,:at is ?9e is m9e & :at is 
m9e is m9e1 is a wick$ man4  #ad4 ,!re  
are f\r k9ds ( temp]s3 he :om x is easy 
to provoke & easy to pacify1 8 loss     
disappe>s 9 8 ga92 he :om x is h>d to   
provoke & h>d to pacify1 8 ga9 disappe>s
 9 8 loss2 he :om x is h>d to provoke & 
easy to pacify is a sa9t2 he :om x is   
easy to provoke & h>d to pacify is a    
wick$ man4  #ae4 ,!re are f\r qualities 
9 disciples3 he :o quickly und]/&s &    
quickly =gets1 8 ga9 disappe>s 9 8 loss2
 he :o und]/&s ) difficulty & =gets )   
difficulty1 8 loss disappe>s 9 8 ga92 he
 :o und]/&s quickly & =gets )           
difficulty1 8 is a good portion2 he :o  
und]/&s ) difficulty & =gets quickly1 8 

is an evil portion4  #af4 ,z to almsgiv+
 !re are f\r dispositions3 he :o desires
 to give1 b t o!rs %\ld n give1 8 eye is
 evil t[>d :at app]ta9s to o!rs2 he :o  
desires t o!rs %\ld give1 b w n give    
himself1 8 eye is evil aga9/ :at is 8   
own2 he :o gives & wi%es o!rs to give is
 a sa9t2 he :o w n give & does n wi%    
o!rs to give is a wick$ man4 #ag4 ,!re  
are f\r *>act]s among ^? :o att5d ! h\se
 ( /udy3 he :o goes & does n practise   
secures ! rew>d = go+2 he :o practises b
 does n g secures ! rew>d = practis+2 he
 :o goes & practises is a sa9t2 he :o   
nei!r goes nor practises is a wick$ man4
  #ah4 ,!re are f\r qualities among ^? t
 sit be=e ! wise3 !y are l a sponge1 a  
funnel1 a /ra9]1 or a sieve3 a sponge1  
:i* sucks up ev]y?+2 a funnel1 :i* lets 
9 at "o end & out at ! o!r2 a /ra9]1 :i*
 lets ! w9e pass out & reta9s ! dregs2 a
 sieve1 :i* lets out ! bran & reta9s !  
f9e fl\r4  #ai4 ,:5ev] love dep5ds ^u "s
 mat]ial cause1 ) ! pass+ away ( t      
cause1 ! love1 too1 passes away2 b if x 

be n dep5d+ ^u su* a cause1 x w n pass  
away = ev]4  ,:i* love 0 t :i* dep5d$ ^u
 a mat]ial cause8  ,su* 0 ! love (      
,ammon & ,tam>4  ,& t :i* dep5d$ ^u no  
su* cause8  ,su* 0 ! love ( ,david &    
,jona?an4  #bj4 ,e controv]sy t is 9 !  
,"n ( ,heav5 %all 9 ! end lead to a     
p]man5t result1 b e controv]sy t is n 9 
! ,"n ( ,heav5 %all n lead to a p]man5t 
result4  ,:i* controv]sy 0 t :i* 0 9 !  
,"n ( ,heav58  ,su* 0 ! controv]sy (    
,hillel & ,%ammai4  ,& t :i* 0 n 9 ! ,"n
 ( ,heav58  ,su* 0 ! controv]sy ( ,korah
 & all 8 company4  #ba4 ,:osoev] causes 
! multitude to be righte\s1 ov] him s9  
prevails n2 b he :o causes ! multitude  
to s9 %all n h ! means to rep5t4  ,moses
 0 righte\s & made ! multitude righte\s2
 ! righte\sness ( ! multitude 0 laid ^u 
him1 z x is said1 ,he execut$ ! ju/ice (
 ! ,"l & 8 judgm5ts ) ,israel4          
,j]oboam1 ! son ( ,nebat1 s9n$ & caus$ !
 multitude to s92 ! s9 ( ! multitude 0  
laid ^u him1 z x is said1 ,= ! s9s (    
,j]oboam :i* he s9n$ & :i* he made      

,israel to s94  #bb4 ,:osoev] has ^!    
?ree attributes is ( ! disciples (      
,abraham1 our fa!r1 b :osoev] has ?ree  
o!r attributes is ( ! disciples (       
,balaam1 ! wick$4  ,a good eye1 a humble
 m9d1 & a l[ly _s 7are ! tok5s7 ( !     
disciples ( ,abraham1 our fa!r2 an evil 
eye1 a haughty m9d1 & a pr\d _s 7are !  
signs7 ( ! disciples ( ,balaam1 ! wick$4
  ,:at is ! diff]5ce betwe5 ! disciples 
( ,abraham1 our fa!r1 & ^? ( ,balaam1 ! 
wick$8 ,! disciples ( ,abraham1 our     
fa!r1 enjoy ?is _w & inh]it ! _w to     
come1 z x is said1 ,t ,i may cause ^? t 
love me to inh]it sub/ance1 & may fill  
all _! treasuries2 b ! disciples (      
,balaam1 ! wick$1 inh]it ,geh9nom1 &    
desc5d into ! pit ( de/ruction1 z x is  
said1 ,b ?\1 ,o ,god1 wilt br+ !m d[n   
into ! pit ( de/ruction2 blood?ir/y &   
deceitful m5 %all n live out half _!    
days2 b ,i w tru/ 9 !e4  #bc4 ,judah1 ! 
son ( ,tema1 said1 ,be bold z a leop>d1 
swift z an eagle1 fleet z a h>t1 & /rong
 z a lion1 to d ! w ( ?y ,fa!r :o is 9  

,heav54  #bd4 ,he us$ to say1 ,at five  
ye>s 7! age is rea*$ = ! /udy ( !7      
,scripture1 at t5 = 7! /udy (7 !        
,mi%nah1 at ?irte5 = 7! fulfilm5t (7 !  
comm&m5ts1 at fifte5 = 7! /udy (7 !     
,talmud1 at eighte5 = m>riage1 at tw5ty 
= seek+ 7a livelihood71 at ?irty =      
7ent]+ into "o's full7 /r5g?1 at =ty =  
und]/&+1 at fifty = c\nsel1 at sixty 7a 
man atta9s7 old age1 at sev5ty ! ho>y   
head1 at eighty 7! gift ( special7      
/r5g?1 at n9ety1 7he b5ds b5ea?7 !      
weight ( ye>s1 at a hundr$ he is z if he
 7 already dead & _h pass$ away f ! _w4 
#be4 ,b5 ,bag ,bag said1 ,turn x1 & turn
 x ov] aga91 = ev]y?+ is 9 x1 &         
contemplate x1 & wax grey & old ov] x1 &
 /ir n f x1 = ?\ can/ h no bett] rule   
?an ?is4  #bf4 ,b5 ,he ,he said1        
,accord+ to ! labor is ! rew>d4  ,rabbi 
,*anania1 ! son ( ,aka%ia1 said1 ,!     
,holy ,"o1 bless$ be ,he1 0 pleas$ to   
make ,israel wor?y2 :]e=e ,he gave !m a 
copi\s ,torah & _m comm&m5ts1 z x is    
said1 ',x pleas$ ! ,"l1 = 8             

righte\sness' sake1 to magnify ! ,torah 
& make x honorable'4        ,,*apt] ,,vi
  ,,! ,,acquisition ,,( ,,! ,,torah     
,all ,israel h a portion 9 ! _w to come1
 & x is said1 ,& ?y p %all be all       
righte\s2 !y %all inh]it ! l& = ev]1 !  
bran* ( my plant+1 ! "w ( my h&s1 t ,i  
may be glorifi$4  ,! sages taught 7!    
foll[+7 9 ! language ( ! ,mi%nah--bless$
 be ,he t made *oice ( !m & _! ,mi%nah4 
#a4 ,r4 ,meir said1 ,:osoev] labors 9 ! 
,torah = its own sake m]its _m ?+s2 & n 
only s1 b ! :ole _w is indebt$ to him3  
he is call$ fri5d1 belov$1 a lov] ( !   
,all-pres5t1 a lov] ( mank9d3 x clo!s   
him ) meekness & rev]5ce2 x fits him to 
become j1 pi\s1 upright1 & fai?ful2 x   
keeps him f> f s91 & br+s him ne> to    
virtue2 ?r\gh him are enjoy$ c\nsel &   
s\nd k1 und]/&+ & /r5g?1 z x is said1   
',c\nsel is m9d1 & s\nd k2 ,i am        
und]/&+2 ,i h /r5g?4'  ,x gives him     
sov]eignty & dom9ion & disc]n+ judgm5t2 
to him ! secrets ( ! ,torah are reveal$2
 he is made l a nev]-fail+ spr+ & l a   

riv] t fl[s on ) ev]-increas+ vigor2 he 
becomes mode/1 long-suff]+1 & =giv+ (   
insults2 & x magnifies & exalts him     
above all ?+s4  #b4 ,r4 ,jo%ua1 ! son ( 
,levi1 said1 ,e day a bat-kol goes =? f 
,m\nt ,horeb1 proclaim+ & say+1 ',woe to
 mank9d = contempt ( ! ,torah1 = :oev]  
does n occupy himself 9 ! ,torah is said
 to be "u ! div9e c5sure1 z x is said1  
',z a r+ ( gold 9 a sw9e's sn\t1 s is a 
fair woman :o turne? aside f            
discretion'2 & x says1 ',& ! tables 7 ! 
"w ( ,god1 & ! writ+ 0 ! writ+ ( ,god1  
grav5 ^u ! tables4'  ,read n *>ut1 b    
*]ut1 = no man is free b he :o occupies 
himself 9 ! le>n+ ( ,torah4  ,b :osoev] 
labors 9 ! torah1 behold he %all be     
exalt$1 z x is said1 ',& f ,mattanah to 
,na*aliel1 & f ,na*aliel to ,bamot4'    
#c4 ,he :o le>ns f 8 companion a s+le   
*apt]1 a s+le rule1 a s+le v]se1 a s+le 
expression1 or ev5 a s+le lett]1 ought  
to pay him honor1 = s we f9d ) ,david1  
,k+ ( ,israel1 :o le>n$ only two ?+s f  
,ahitophel1 & yet reg>d$ him z 8 ma/]1 8

 guide1 & famili> fri5d1 z x is said1 ,b
 x 0 ?\1 a man1 m9e equal1 my guide1 &  
my famili> fri5d4  ,n[1 is x n an       
argum5t f m9or to major1 t if ,david1 ! 
,k+ ( ,israel1 :o le>n$ only two ?+s f  
,ahitophel1 reg>d$ him z 8 ma/]1 guide1 
& famili> fri5d1 he :o le>ns f 8 fell[ a
 *apt]1 rule1 v]se1 expression1 or ev5 a
 s+le lett]1 is b\nd to pay him honor4  
,& honor is no?+ b ,torah1 z x is said1 
,! wise %all inh]it honor & ! p]fect    
%all inh]it good4  ,& good is no?+ b    
,torah1 z x is said1 ,= ,i give y good  
doctr9e1 =sake ye n my ,torah4  #d4 ,?is
 is ! way t is becom+ = ! /udy ( !      
,torah3 a morsel ( bread ) salt ?\ mu/  
eat1 & wat] by measure ?\ mu/ dr9k1 ?\  
mu/ sleep ^u ! gr\nd1 & live a life (   
tr\ble ! :ile ?\ toile/ 9 ! ,torah4  ,if
 ?\ doe/ ?us1 ,happy %alt ?\ be1 & x    
%all be well ) !e1 happy %alt ?\ be 9   
?is _w1 & x %all be well ) !e 9 ! _w to 
come4  #e4 ,seek n greatness = ?yself1 &
 c\rt n honor2 let ?y works exce$ ?y    
le>n+2 & crave n aft] ! table ( k+s2 =  

?y table is great] ?an !irs1 & ?y cr[n  
is great] ?an !irs1 & ?y ,employ] is    
fai?ful to pay !e ! rew>d ( ?y "w4  #f4 
,! ,torah is great] ?an ! prie/hood &   
?an royalty1 = royalty dem&s ?irty      
qualifications1 ! prie/hood tw5ty-f\r1  
:ile ! ,torah is acquir$ by =ty-eight4  
,& ^! are !y3 by audible /udy2 by a     
li/5+ e>2 by di/9ct pronunciation2 by   
und]/&+ & disc]nm5t ( ! he>t2 by awe1   
rev]5ce1 meekness1 *e]fulness2 by m9i/]+
 to ! sages1 by atta*+ "o's self to     
colleagues1 by discussion ) disciples2  
by s$at5ess2 by k ( ! ,scripture & ( !  
,mi%nah2 by mod]ation 9 bus9ess1 9      
int]c\rse ) ! _w1 9 pleasure1 9 sleep1 9
 conv]sation1 9 laught]2 by long suff]+2
 by a good he>t2 by fai? 9 ! wise2 by   
resignation "u *a/isem5t2 by recogniz+  
"o's place1 rejoic+ 9 "o's portion1     
putt+ a f5ce to "o's words1 claim+ no   
m]it = "o's self1 by be+ belov$1 lov+ ! 
,all-pres5t1 lov+ mank9d1 lov+ j c\rses1
 rectitude1 & repro(2 by keep+ "o's self
 f> f honor1 n boa/+ ( "o's le>n+1 nor  

delight+ 9 giv+ decisions2 by be>+ !    
yoke ) "o's fell[1 judg+ him favorably1 
& lead+ him to tru? & peace2 by be+     
compos$ 9 "o's /udy2 by ask+ & answ]+1  
he>+ & add+ !reto2 by le>n+ ) ! object (
 tea*+1 & by le>n+ ) ! object (         
practis+2 by mak+ "o's ma/] wise1 fix+  
att5tion ^u 8 disc\rse1 & report+ a ?+ 9
 ! "n ( :o said x4  ,s ?\ ha/ le>n$1    
,:osoev] reports a ?+ 9 ! "n ( him t    
said x br+s deliv]ance into ! _w1 z x is
 said1 ,& ,e/h] told ! k+ 9 ! "n (      
,mordecai4  #g4 ,great is ! ,torah1 :i* 
gives life to ^? t practise x 9 ?is _w &
 9 ! _w to come1 z x is said1 ,= !y are 
life unto ^? t f9d !m1 & heal? to all _!
 fle%2 & x says1 ,x %all be heal? to ?y 
navel1 & m>r[ to ?y bones2 & x says1 ,x 
is a tree ( life to !m t grasp x1 & ( !m
 t uphold x e "o is r5d]$ happy2 & x    
says1 ,= !y %all be a *aplet ( grace    
unto ?y head1 & *a9s ab\t ?y neck2 & x  
says1 ,x %all give to ?9e head a *aplet 
( grace1 a cr[n ( glory x %all deliv] to
 !e2 & x says1 ,= by me ?y days %all be 

multipli$1 & ! ye>s ( ?y life %all be   
increas$2 & x says1 ,l5g? ( days is 9   
its "r h&2 9 its left h& are ri*es &    
honor2 & x says1 ,= l5g? ( days1 & ye>s 
( life1 & peace %all !y add to !e4  #h4 
,r4 ,simeon1 ! son ( ,judah1 9 ! "n (   
,r4 ,simeon1 ! son ( ,yohai1 said1      
,beauty1 /r5g?1 ri*es1 honor1 wisdom1   
old age1 a ho>y head1 & *ildr5 are      
comely to ! righte\s & comely to ! _w1 z
 x is said1 ',! ho>y head is a cr[n (   
glory1 if x be f\nd 9 ! way (           
righte\sness'2 & x says1 ',! glory ( "y 
m5 is _! /r5g?1 & ! adornm5t ( old m5 is
 ! ho>y head'2 & x says1 ',a cr[n unto !
 wise is _! ri*es'2 & x says1 ',*ildr5's
 *ildr5 are ! cr[n ( old m51 & !        
adornm5t ( *ildr5 are _! fa!rs'2 & x is 
said1 ',!n ! moon %all be conf\nd$ & !  
sun a%am$2 = ! ,"l ( ho/s %all reign 9  
,m\nt ,zion & 9 ,j]usalem1 & be=e 8     
eld]s %all be glory4'  ,r4 ,simeon1 !   
son ( ,m5asya1 said1 ,^! sev5           
qualifications :i* ! sages enum]at$ z   
becom+ to ! righte\s 7 all realiz$ 9    

,rabbi ,judah1 ! ,pr9ce1 & 9 8 sons4    
#i4 ,r4 ,jose1 ! son ( ,kisma1 said1 ,i 
0 once walk+ by ! way1 :5 a man met me &
 salut$ me1 & ,i return$ ! salutation4  
,he said to me1 ',rabbi1 f :at place art
 ?\8'  ,i said to him1 ',i come f a     
great city ( sages & scribes4'  ,he said
 to me1 ',if ?\ art will+ to dwell ) u 9
 our place1 ,i w give !e a ?\s& ?\s&    
gold5 d9>s & preci\s /ones & pe>ls4'  ,i
 said to him1 ',w]t ?\ to give me all ! 
silv] & gold & preci\s /ones & pe>ls 9 !
 _w1 ,i w\ld n dwell any:]e b 9 a home (
 ! ,torah'2 & ?us x is writt5 9 ! book (
 ,psalms by ! h&s ( ,david1 ,k+ (       
,israel1 ',! law ( ?y m\? is bett] unto 
me ?an ?\s&s ( gold & silv]'2 & n only  
s1 b 9 ! h\r ( man's dep>ture nei!r     
silv] nor gold nor preci\s /ones nor    
pe>ls accompany him1 b only ,torah &    
good works1 z x is said1 ',:5 ?\ walke/ 
x %all lead !e2 :5 ?\ lie/ d[n x %all   
wat* ov] !e2 & :5 ?\ awake/ x %all talk 
) !e'2 ':5 ?\ walke/ x %all lead !e'--9 
?is _w2 & ':5 ?\ awake/ x %all talk )   

!e'--9 ! _w to come4  ,& x says1 ',!    
silv] is m9e1 & ! gold is m9e1 sai? !   
,"l ( ho/s4'  #aj4 ,five possessions !  
,holy ,"o1 bless$ be ,he1 made          
especially ,8 own 9 ,8 _w1 & ^! are !y1 
! ,torah1 heav5 & e>?1 ,abraham1        
,israel1 & ! h\se ( ! sanctu>y4  ,:5ce  
"k we ?is ( ! ,torah8  ,because x is    
writt51 ,! ,"l possess$ me z ! beg9n+ ( 
8 way1 be=e 8 works1 f ( old4  ,:5ce (  
heav5 & e>?8  ,because x is writt51 ,?us
 sai? ! ,"l1 ! heav5 is my ?rone1 & !   
e>? is my foot/ool3 :at mann] ( h\se w  
ye build unto me8 & :at mann] ( place = 
my re/82 & x says1 ,h[ manifold are ?y  
works1 ,o ,"l6  ,9 wisdom ha/ ?\ made !m
 all3 ! e>? is full ( ?y possessions4   
,:5ce ( ,abraham8  ,because x is writt51
 ,& he bless$ him1 & said1 ',bless$ be  
,abram ( ! ,mo/ ,high ,god1 possessor ( 
heav5 & e>?4  ,:5ce ( ,israel8  ,because
 x is writt51 ,till ?y p pass ov]1 ,o   
,"l1 till ! p pass ov] :i* ?\ ha/       
acquir$2 & x says1 ,z = ! sa9ts t are 9 
! e>?1 !y are ! noble ones 9 :om is all 

my delight4  ,:5ce ( ! h\se ( !         
sanctu>y8  ,because x is writt51 ,!     
place1 ,o ,"l1 :i* ?\ ha/ made = ,!e to 
dwell 91 ! sanctu>y1 ,o ,"l1 :i* ,?y h&s
 h prep>$2 & x says1 ,& he br\ght !m to 
! bord] ( 8 sanctu>y1 to ?is m\nta9 :i* 
8 "r h& _h acquir$4  #aa4 ,:atsoev] !   
,holy ,"o1 bless$ be ,he1 creat$ 9 ,8 _w
 ,he creat$ b = ,8 glory1 z x is said1  
,ev]y?+ t is call$ by my "n1 x is = my  
glory ,i h creat$ x1 ,i h =m$ x1 yea1 ,i
 h made x2 & x says1 ,! ,"l %all reign =
 ev] & ev]4  ,rabbi ,*anania1 ! son (   
,aka%ia1 said1 ,! ,holy ,"o1 bless$ be  
,he1 0 pleas$ to make ,israel wor?y2    
:]e=e ,he gave !m a copi\s ,torah & _m  
comm&m5ts1 z x is said1 ',x pleas$ !    
,"l1 = 8 righte\sness' sake1 to magnify 
! ,torah & make x honorable'4           
,,transcrib]',s ,,notes  ,,*apt]s ,,ii  
?r\gh ,,vi3  ,! s\rce text includ$ !    
foll[+ l9es3           ,all ,israel1    
etc41 p4 #bi &           ,rabbi         
,*anania1 etc41 p4 #ch4  z ! fir/ & la/ 
l9e ( ea* *apt]1 ! page numb]s ref]r+ to

 ! beg9n+ & end+ ( ,*apt] ,i4  ,r ?an   
ref]5ce ^! two s5t5ces 9 ?is mann]1 ?is 
text v]sion copies ! two s5t5ces to _!  
int5d$ locations4  ,! transcrib]        
believes ?is bett] captures ! int5t &   
functionality ( ! text4    ,*apt] ,,iii3
  ,r4 ,meir      umlaut ov] ! i1 :]ev]  
?is "n appe>s    ,,*apt] ,,iv3  happy   
art ?\ 9 ?is _w1 &      9 ! s\rce text1 
! comma aft] 'worls' 0 a p]iod4  ,?is   
0 correct$ = ?is electronic text4       
,,*apt] ,v3  tables ( /one      are z   
writt5 9 ! s\rce text z a translation ( 
! ,hebrew      lu*ot2 mod]n read]s may  
bett] recognize ! phrase 'tablets      (
 /one'4