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Life is one of the most complex concepts that escapes any cultural, intellectual, or spiritual barriers. Life has ups and downs which, at times, defy our understanding. Most people would want to have a list of rules or tips to guide them along the path of life. In Judaism there are quite a few such rules, but what first comes to my mind is Pirkei Avot, The Ethics of Our Fathers. Pirkei Avot has no boundary of time and is known for its concise listing of how we could better our lives. Life is shaped by the small details -- details which we tend to neglect and even scorn.

Traditional Jewish government consists of three branches: Kingship, Priesthood, and the Torah. Kingship and Priesthood are separate branches which are regulated by the third branch, the Torah. Kingship and Priesthood are aquired by 30 and 24 qualifications, respectively, while the Torah requires 48 traits which anyone can attain. The Torah is therefore given a higher rank then that of Kingship and Priesthood. If read carefully, you will notice that these 48 qualifications consitute a handbook of life.

While each step carries obvious spiritual benefits, Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch's commentary adds depth to our forefather's words of wisdom. What is the secret to life?

[1] To Study: The importance of studying is to give direction to life. Even though the Oral Torah, has been put down in writing, it cannot be learned properly by teaching ourselves. For us to properly understand and appreciate the Torah, we need a mentor to model it for us.

[2] To Listen: With proper listening the harmful consequences of carelessness can be avoided. Listening carefully prevents future mistakes.

[3] Proper Speech: Proper verbalization not only serves as a test of thought but also for impressing and retaining the subject matter of our thoughts. What we cannot express clearly, we do not really know.

[4] To Understand: It is not enough to grasp the message; you should analyze and absorb it.

[5-6] With Awe and Reverence: You must stand in awe, not only of the significance of what you learn, but, especially, you must revere the source from which this knowledge originates. When studying Torah, you must realize that your will and actions must parallel the will of G-d. The path to true wisdom is not easily attained; thought, will, and action must coincide to produce the proper reception. Without due respect for your source, the path to true wisdom is corrupted. As your studies proceed you will realize that your respect for your mentors has grown.

[7] Modesty: In the process of studying you will aquire modesty which will protect you from straying off the path to wisdom and practical judgement.

[8] Happiness: According to our forefathers there is no greater instrument for spiritual elevation than joy of life and all the tasks it brings. Only through happiness can one hope to survive the challenges put to us in this world. Respect and awe are not enough.

[9] Purity: Be aware that your conduct is in your hand; it is your choice.

[10-12] Association With Sages: Communion With Friends. Discussion With Pupils. Isolation does not fit in with G-d's plan. The Torah cannot be studied alone but rather it must be discussed with mentor or student. It is only by the constant communication with our living sages, close communion with our associates, and the thought and judgement utilized for teaching, that the knowledge of Torah can be nurtured and promoted.

[13] Deliberation: The joy intellectual discovery must not lead us to rashness.

[14-5] Knowledge of the Tanach and the Mishnah: the Written and the Oral Torah.

[16] Minimizing Business Activity: To retain the prize of knowledge you must restrict your business activities to a fair minimum. A livelihood is important and even encouraged, but limits must be set. Limit luxury and entertainment. The very essence of life can be destroyed by not limiting you work hours.

[17] Minimizing Civic Activity: Active participation in civic duties is not only a duty which must not be neglected, but actually is a contribution of no mean signifigance to the practical knowledge required for Torah wisdom. However, even here moderation is needed.

[18-19] Minimizing Physical Pleasures and Sleep: Torah should teach you to forego all non-constructive pleasures. One must limit his sleep to the amount needed to preserve his well being and level of functioning. With a proper amount of sleep, much more can be accomplished during the day.

[20-21] Unneccesary Speech and Jesting: One must also limit his speech and not engage in superflous chatter. Our forefathers believed that excessive talk and needless jesting will reduce the spiritual composure needed for study.

[22] Calm: He who is quick to anger will find that he will not be able to accomplish anything properly. Patience should not only be reserved to our studies but applies also to the people with whom we communicate. Decisions must not be rushed but rather studied carefully. Patience is a key ingredient to the pursuit of Torah knowledge.

[23] A Good Heart: A heart free of envy, jealousy, and hate. He who has a good heart will rejoice not only in his own achievements, but also in those of his companions. He will not let jealousy obscure for him the knowledge and Acknowledgement of those facts of truth and justice that were discovered and uttered by others.

[24] Faith in the Sages: Creativity on part of all those who wish to pursue knowlege, is definitely encouraged; but, when uncontrolled, it may lead away from the path of truth. Our wisdom, the wisdom of Torah, has been handed down from generation to generation. Even so, it still offers much room for creativity. At the same time, our wisdom includes a set of safeguards to keep the student on track. These are words of our Rabbis who transmit the wisdom of the Torah. You must faithfully keep our tradition and use our sages as models. Our thinking should parallel theirs so that we may continue on the path of truth.

[25] Acceptance of Misfortune: Misfortunes are part of the process by which G-d trains the mind and spirit. Being optimistic is a basic part of a Torah student's training. Do not use these sufferings as an excuse to desert the Torah, but rather as a way of strengthening the bond with our tradition.

[26] Know Your Place: Neither overestimate your abilities nor boast of them. The road you have journeyed is short compared to the road still ahead of you. Remain humble and modest.

[27] Rejoice in Your Portion: Be content with your material portion, and with your intellectual share, as well. Reward is given on achievements relative to each person's ability and not on material or intellectual wealth.

[28] Express Yourself With Caution: Voice your opinions, but never force your views on others. Every person has a right to free speech, but should not impose his will on others.

[29] Do Not Claim Merit for Achievements: Never take credit for anything except for good intention alone. G-d has supplied you with the circumstances and the tools. Remember that you are a tiny cog in the machine that is called 'G-d's Plan'.

[30-32] He is Loved, Loves G-d, and His Fellow Man: There is no other source that can compare to Jewish wisdom concerning love for both G-d and your fellowmen. The Torah first develops a person from within. As a result, he will gain the love of his fellowmen without even seeking it. And since all of mankind was created in G-d's image, his great love for G-d will include all men as well.

[33-34] Love Kindness and Justice: A true student of the Torah loves justice, duty, and fairness.

[35] Love Criticism: Do not be annoyed with those who criticize you, but rather use their criticism to better yourself.

[36] Remove Yourself From Honor: Each individual knows within himself how far he is from true perfection. Honor and public recognition carry dangerous pitfalls.

[37-38] You Should Not Boast of Your Studies Nor Be Eager to Render Decisions: A modest opinion of yourself will guard you from propounding your views and opinions by way of decision, unless it is required by circumstances.

[39-41] Share the Burden of Your Friend. Judge Him Favourably. Teach Him Truth, and the Meaning of Peace: As you will help your friend ease his burden, you will also seek to render assisitance to every seeker of knowledge. You will help them with their task of learning and their ways of study. You will help give direction to the paths of truth and peace.

[42] Mature Reflection When Studying: Even if you have mastered, in your eyes, the wisdom of the Torah, continue to strive after accuracy in your knowledge.

[43] Question and Seek Out the Answers, Listen and Add To Your Learning: Maintain contact with your teachers and students, and exchange thoughts in order to clarify and consolidate your own understanding. Your goal should be to listen to others so that you may enrich your own knowledge.

[44-46] Study In Order To Teach and In Order To Practice. Help Your Teachers Gain Wisdom: Even though you have attained wisdom, you should continue to study for the purpose of both teaching and practice. You seek knowledge from others, and those who supply it gain knowledge from you in return.

[47-48] Arrange Carefully What You have Learned. Always Cite Your Source: Repeat as accurately as possible what you have learned and never pass on to others as your own that which others have told you.

Which leaves me in the embarrassing position of not remembering the source of the above translations except that they were originally from the Chapters of the Fathers, Feldheim Publishers, 1989