Unlike previous generations, recognize how fortunate we are today to be able to study the Talmud and not have to defend its contents as was the case in Paris in 1244.

We are admonished in the 3rd Mishna of the second chapter of Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers, to be careful and even wary about a government body befriending a person since it is likely that that these actions have been taken only because it currently serves the government’s needs. To learn more and to recognize the possibility that the same government befriending a person may choose not to be responsive to that Indvidual’s distress, print out the second chapter of Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers this afternoon and join thousands of fellow Jews around the globe who will be enjoying an uplifting experience and inspired discussions this Shabbat.