This week, we learn the sixth chapter of Pirkei Avos. It begins with "the Sages taught in the language of the Mishnah." This tells us that the chapter itself is not Mishnah; instead, it is a collection of teachings of the Sages of the Mishnah written in the same language.
The Mishnayos of Pirkei Avos consists of five chapters. This sixth chapter was added later. It is called Kinyan Torah – the Acquisition of Torah. This is because the entire chapter discusses the importance and greatness of Torah study. Some say it was added because of the custom of learning/reciting one chapter of Avos each week between the festival of Pesach and Shavuos. There are six weeks; hence, we need to have six chapters. It is vital to learn this chapter, which teaches us how to acquire the Torah on the Shabbos immediately preceding Shavuos when we celebrate the giving of the Torah.
Rabbi Yehudah Hanossi edited the Mishnah and decided what to include. The teachings in this chapter are called Beraysos, derived from the Aramaic term "Bar," meaning outside. They are "outside of the scope of the Mishnah." However, Beraysos are written in the same language and style as the Mishnah. The Mishnah and the Beraysos are written in Hebrew, contrasting with the Gemorah written in Aramaic. Additionally, the style of the Mishnah and the Beraysos are similar; they are both written in very terse and concise language. Furthermore, the teachings in this chapter are fit to be called Mishnah; they are equal in stature to the Mishnayos.
