[1] Rebe said: Which is the straight path that a person should choose for himself? That which is honorable for him who adopts it, and brings him honor from people.
The focus of this Mishneh is positive character traits. In essence, Rebe teaches the proper approach to good character traits is to walk the middle road. Hence, extremes of either too much or too little, should be avoided in setting one's course in character traits.
For instance, a person should set fixed times for Torah study. At the same time, he must be aware that Torah study does not exempt him from performing acts of kindness. He needs a balanced blend that is comprised both of Torah study and the performance of kindness. If one only studies Torah, and refuses to help others, his relationship to both Torah and kindness is flawed.
The middle path in character traits is honorable for him who adopts it because it engenders a pure heart and awakens a new spirit within him. In other words, adherence to the middle path in character virtues fills one's soul with nobility. One's carefulness to apply the proper trait - in its correct measure - invigorates the human spirit because conducting oneself in a harmonious fashion creates an inner harmony.
And brings him honor from people because the middle path trains him to conduct himself pleasantly with people. For instance, concerning the trait of generosity, one should be neither stingy nor a spendthrift. Rather he should value and protect his money. He should distribute charity intelligently. This involves taking counsel and keeping an organized record of his contributions. If he follows this plan he will have sufficient funds to benefit those causes which are deserving of his support. In this way, he will be honored by people who recognize the structured way he organizes his affairs in order to show consideration to others.
This teaching has illuminated the path that leads both to self-respect, as well as, respect from others. May we walk the middle path so that we feel an inner sense of dignity, and also are dignified in the eyes of others.
[Based on Rabenu Yonah's commentary to Pirkei Avos]
TODAY: Before acting today, ask yourself: Is this an honorable endeavor, and will it bring me honor from others.
This Mishnah essentially paves the way for humanity. The Rebbe in his early adulthood explained that the Mishnah did not mention here the name of its author, while in other places it does for a reason. He brings the Zohar: In every generation there is an extension of a Moshe Rabbeinu, and thus, the Mishnah did not only refer to Rabbi Yehuda Ha'Nassi but to every Rebbe throughout the generations of Jewish life. Just like in Parshas BeHa'aloscha: a non Kohen is allowed to kindle the lights, while only a Kohen (Aharon HaKohen) was allowed to prepare the wicks, and thus we see that every Jew must kindle the flame of his and his fellow Jew's neshama but only a "Kohen" - Jewish Leader is qualified to do 'hatava' (determine the real path of Torah) (preparing the wicks)
Important Numbers
