Rabbi Eliezer Chisma would say: the laws of kinin (bird offerings) and the laws of menstrual periods--these, these are the meat of Halachah (Torah law). The calculations of solar seasons and gematria are the condiments of wisdom.

Rabbi Eliezer the son of Azariah would say: If there is no Torah, there is no common decency; if there is no common decency, there is no Torah.

The collection-officers make their rounds every day and exact payment from man, with his knowledge and without his knowledge

“It is good to combine the study of Torah with an occupation” -- Which is more important, studying Torah or doing a profession.

“Be as careful in minor commandments as of a major one” -- What does G-d judge us by: the actual achievements or the work and emotion that is put into performing the commandments?

“Be as careful in minor commandments as of a major one” -- What defines larger or smaller commandments?

In this class you will learn some historical context to the authoring of the mishnah and the meaning of the Sages teaching that one should lead a balanced lifestyle.

Torah Aspirations - Part 2: Ethics of Our Fathers: Avot 6:5 Do not seek greatness for yourself, and do not lust for honor. More than you study, do. Desire not the table of kings, for your table is greater than theirs, and your crown is greater than theirs, and faithful is your Employer to pay you the rewards of your work.

Torah Aspirations - Part 1: Ethics of Our Fathers: Avot 6:5 Do not seek greatness for yourself, and do not lust for honor. More than you study, do. Desire not the table of kings, for your table is greater than theirs, and your crown is greater than theirs, and faithful is your Employer to pay you the rewards of your work.

Who Is Greater Part IV: Part 4 of 4 - Ethics of Our Fathers: Avot 6:6 “Torah is greater than priesthood or royalty”.

Who Is Greater Part III: Part 3 of 4 - Ethics of Our Fathers: Avot 6:6 “Torah is greater than priesthood or royalty”.

Who Is Greater Part II: Part 2 of 4 - Ethics of Our Fathers: Avot 6:6 "Torah is greater than priesthood or royalty”.

Who Is Greater Part I: Part 1 of 4 - Ethics of Our Fathers: Avot 6:6 “Torah is greater than priesthood or royalty”.

Ten Miracles in the Holy Temple (2) Ethics of Our Fathers: Avot 5:5 Ten miracles were performed for our forefathers in the Holy Temple.

Ten Miracles in the Holy Temple (1) Ethics of Our Fathers: Avot 5:5 Ten miracles were performed for our forefathers in the Holy Temple.

Ten Tests Ethics of Our Fathers: Avot 5:4 With ten tests our forefathers tested G-d in the desert, as is stated (Numbers 14:22), "They tested Me these ten times, and did not hearken to My voice."

Ten Miracles in Egypt Ethics of Our Fathers: Avot 5:4 Ten miracles were performed for our forefathers in Egypt, and another ten at the sea. Ten afflictions were wrought by G-d upon the Egyptians in Egypt, and another ten at the sea.

Miracles and Trials Ethics of Our Fathers: Avot 5:3 With ten tests our father Abraham was tested and he withstood them all--in order to make known how great our father Abraham’s love [for G-d] was.

Why Ten Part 4 of 4 - Ethics of Our Fathers: Avot 5:1 Explore creation and the implication of the words: “The world was created by means of ten Divine utterances.”

Why Ten Part 3 of 4 - Ethics of Our Fathers: Avot 5:1 Explore creation and the implication of the words: “The world was created by means of ten Divine utterances.”