Orthodox

Product Description
There are many commentaries, and collections of commentaries, on Pirkei Avot. The uniqueness of this sefer is the presentation of thoughts in a question - answer format. From my educational experience as a Rosh Yeshivah and principal at the United Lubavitcher Yeshivoth for more than three decades, and a teacher of Pirkei Avot as Rav of Congregation Yeshivah of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, New York. I learned that a thought is better understood and appreciated when it is presented in the form of a question and answer. The question, challenges the intellect of the listener and focuses his attention on the thought, which is afterwards delivered as an answer and clarification. This style has been well received and complimented.

With slight variation, all texts of Pirkei Avot are alike. We followed the wording and set up of mishnayot as in the Nusach Ari Siddur of Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi.

Vedibarta Bam has become a handbook for many rabbis, teachers, students, and lay people. Many requests have been received to add more stories, anecdotes, and homiletic material. This is especially appropriate in Pirkei Avot, which is taught extensively in many settings to people of all ages, particularly between Pesach and Rosh Hashanah.

I once heard Rabbi Rafael z"l Stein, the Baranavitcher Maggid, interpret the words of the Mishnah "Lo hadmidrash ikar ela hama'aseh" (1:17) to mean the main thing is not the derashah - sermon - but the ma'aseh - story. It is the story that makes the speech memorable and enjoyable, and, therefore, wherever possible we added a ma'aseh - story. Hopefully it will be a help to the speaker and a delight to the listener.