The Path Before the Tree: Derech Eretz and the Foundations of Torah
While many translate Pirkei Aviot as “Ethics of the Fathers,” Rabbi Meir Lau presents an inspiring alternative translation of the title of this Jewish classic.
In his introduction to Pirkei Avot — a compendium of ethical teachings that is part of the Jewish oral tradition — Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau offers a profound insight: Pirkei Avot is called “Avot” because it contains the essential teachings needed to shape a person’s character and conduct.
Avot in Rabbinic literature often refers to a "fundamental trait." Rabbi Lau's insight is that rather than referring to Avot in genealogical terms, the tractate is referring to Avot as a fundamental trait.
(For reference, the categories of labor on Shabbat are called Avot Melacha, and the categories of impurity are called Avot Tumah.)
Pirkei Avot, therefore, teaches Rabbi Lau, contains the fundamental middot, traits, that form the foundation of a meaningful life. This is what our sages also refer to as derech eretz—the proper path of living.
Remarkably, the Midrash teaches that derech eretz preceded the giving of the Torah by twenty-six generations. Rav Yishmael, the son of Rav Nachman, explains this through the verse in Bereishit Genesis: “To guard the way to the Tree of Life.” The way —derech — refers to derech eretz, and the Tree of Life is the Torah itself.
Before one can receive Torah, one must first walk a path of Derech eretz — integrity, respect, and uprightness. That is the path which Pirkei Avot teaches. Derech eretz is our soul’s groundwork—how we treat others, how we hold ourselves, how we live with decency and kindness.
There is a custom of studying Pirkei Avot during the season of the counting of the Omer, from Pesach to Shavuot. This learning prepares us for the giving of the Torah. During this season of learning and growth, Pirkei Avot reminds us: Torah isn’t only about intellect; it’s how we live our lives. The wisdom of our tradition flows most fully into hearts prepared with humility, honesty, and a commitment to the dignity of others.
May we walk the path that leads to the Tree of Life, with derech eretz as our compass and Torah as our guide.
Thanks to Rabbi Eliezer Kwass of Darche Noam for introducing me to Rabbi Lau’s work.