|
Insights for Introductory Mishnah
"Every Jew has a part …"
The mishna does not state 'all of Klal Yisrael will merit
a portion in the World to Come, but rather is says "yesh" - they presently
enjoy a portion in Olam HaBa. Olam HaBa -- The World to Come is not merely
relegated to the distant future but rather is something that very much
exists in the present. Almost innately, every Jew is assured of a portion
in Olam HaBa which can only be fortified as a result of committing certain
grave sins. The fact that Olam HaBa is almost an innate right of every
Jew is not only comforting but also helps us appreciate the gravity of
those sins which could cause us (Heaven forefend) to forfeit our portion
in the World to Come. By committing such heinous aveirot, we are not merely
giving up a promised reward but are also yielding something that is already
in our hands.
Sfas Emes (6)
"… a part to [in] the World to Come"
It is significant that the mishna does not say, in the
World to Come, which would refer to the eventual reward attained after
our life on earth. Instead, it says to the World to Come. Even in This
World, every action of the Jew is blessed with the aura of Olam HaBa.
This Divine gift is not always apparent. However, if one penetrates beneath
the surface one detects a certain sanctity in every deed of the Torah-true
Jew. This inner kedusha is derived from the sacred radiance of the World
to Come that is enjoyed in some small measure in This World. In fact,
the primary purpose of man's creation is that by virtue of his proper
conduct he can elicit the latent Divine Spark that propels this material
world. By doing so he can in some measure help to perfect the world.
Maggidei HaEmes (6)
"...In which to take pride."
Since every Jew’s soul is an actual part of G-d, each and every Jew —
man, woman, and child — praises G-d by virtue of his very existence. “Even
the sinners of Israel are filled with mitzvos as a pomegranate is filled
with seeds.”
This teaching serves as an introduction to each chapter of Pirkei Avot
because Pirkei Avot focuses on ethical development and personal refinement.
When one becomes aware of the essential
G-dly core of every individual, one appreciates: a) the necessity to refine
oneself so that this essential quality can be expressed, and b) that every
individual, regardless of his present level of development, has the potential
to achieve such refinement.
Lubavitcher Rebbe (1)
Insights for Concluding Mishnah
“…To make the people of Israel meritorious…”
Lezakot, translated as ‘to make meritorious’, also means ‘to refine’.
The goal of the Torah and its mitzvos is to refine the Jewish people.
This intention is manifest in Pirkei Avot, which teaches us to
lift our ethical conduct above the limits of human wisdom and cultivate
it according to G-d’s desire.
Lubavitcher Rebbe (1)
|
