The name Pirkei Avos hints that it is the “father” of all sefarim of mussar and yiras Shamayim. All the mussar found in the holy texts and moral writings stem from this “father” of mussar, good middos, and proper behavior.
The greatness of this masseches surpasses that of all ethical works, for it is entirely drawn from the words of the early Sages, the holy tanna’im, who were like fiery angels. Their words are like coals of fire—living words of God.
In a shiur I delivered (by broadcast) to an audience of talmidei chachamim and aspiring individuals in the United States, I discussed the immense obligation to study mussar daily. I also admonished the neglect of this essential study in many yeshivos, where time is rarely devoted to it, except during the month of Elul.
Following that shiur, a rosh yeshivah approached me, having heard a recording of the talk. He debated with me, arguing that the yeshivos I had spoken of follow the teachings of the esteemed Rav Aharon Kotler zt”l, and that we should not alter the study schedule by adding a special mussar session.
Immediately, Hashem granted me a fitting response, and I asked him: “Can the way of life in our generation be compared to that of Rav Aharon’s time? Both within and outside the home, when we consider the clothing, vehicles, and all aspects of contemporary life—are we not as distant as the east is from the west from Rav Aharon’s extreme simplicity and modesty, which were well known?
“If, indeed, we follow Rav Aharon’s teachings, how can we justify pursuing the vanities of this world, drawn like magnets to the winds of the street that prevail outside?
“We must concede that our generation requires a response suited to its needs. In these times, when the world is filled with futile temptations and deceptions, it is essential to increase and strengthen our engagement in the study of mussar and pure fear of Heaven.”
A Jew constantly preoccupied with providing for his household once approached Rav Yisrael Salanter zt”l, with a question: since he found only half an hour each day to study, how should he best use that time? Should he focus on studying Gemara with Tosafos and commentaries or prioritize the study of halachah so he would know how to act properly?
Rav Yisrael firmly replied: “Neither in-depth study nor beki’us, neither halachah nor practical rulings. Study mussar! Through mussar, you will realize that you have far more time in your day than you think, time that is not properly utilized. By immersing yourself in sefarim of yirah and mussar, you will discover time for all other areas of Torah as well!”
