Pirkei Avot: Don't Leave Home without It!

AS PUBLISHED IN CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE, SUMMER 2025 EDITION, Ramat Bet Shemesh

Congratulations to Connections Magazine on its Summer Tiyulim Edition 5785. When thinking about travel we generally say to one another, “have a good trip!” The question is, how does each of us define a “good” trip.

For many, thrilling outdoor challenges such as speed boating, mountain climbing, luxury resorts and exotic destinations or quality family time are what come to mind. If someone had that type of experience, they almost certainly would report to others that they had a “good” trip.

However, the Hebrew word “Tov” or “good” regarding travel has many different connotations. What truly defines a “good” trip, or in Mishnaic Hebrew, a “Derech Tova”.

One understanding of the concept of a “Derech Tova” emerges from the teachings of the illustrious author of the Torah Temimah, Harav Boruch Halevi Epstein ztl. In his introduction to his acclaimed sefer, “Baruch She-amar” on Pirkei Avot, he wrote, "It is well known that our custom is to learn a chapter of Pirkei Avot each Shabbat throughout the Zman HaKayis (summertime). While I have never heard a reason for this, there is no doubt that those who established this minhag must have had a reason that we may never know.”

He speculated that this minhag may be based on what Chazal teach us in Masechet Nedarim 37b. That “we are not supposed to teach children any difficult Torah lessons on Shabbat because Shabbat is reserved for putting aside challenges that are inconsistent with the spirit of Menuchat Shabbat.” He therefore explained the reason for the minhag is because, “the days are long, people are on vacation from work, they need to learn Torah, however it generally difficult, even for adults, to study complex Sugiyot at that time, and therefore Pirkei Avot study was introduced for its concepts are easily understandable and they touch the heart’’.

 By learning Pirkei Avot, we link the joyous leisure time of Shabbat and travel with Tikkun HaMiddot (refinement of character), which is necessary in creating an atmosphere that is desirable to all. So according to Rabbi Epstein, summertime which we associate with leisure and travel, is Pirkei Avot time.

One may expand Rabbi Epstein’s thesis about Pirkei Avot in the summer by citing a particular teaching about “good traveling” in the second perek of Pirkei Avot (Avot 2:13).

Raban Yochanan Ben Zakai received the tradition from Hillel and Shamai. He famously asked his 5 primary disciples to seek a pathway of Derech Tova in that critical time of Klal Yisrael’s historical journey post Churban Bayit Sheni. “Ezeh hu derech tovah she-yidbuk bo ha’adam?”

Rebbe Eliezer responded, “having an Ayin Tova” (A good eye).

Rebbe Yehoshua said, “having a Chaver Tov (A good chavruta).

Rebbe Yossi said, “having a Shachen Tov” (A good neighbour).Rebbe Shimon said “Ha’roeh et ha’nolad” (He who anticipates and plans the future).Rebbe Elazar said, “Having a Lev Tov” (A good heart) (Avos 2:13)

They went on to elaborate on each of their recommendations by further clarifying their philosophy. (Avot 2:15-19)

Rabbi Eliezer taught us to honor one's friends as oneself, suppressing criticism, and showing great respect to all Torah scholars.

Rebbe Yehoshua urged us to avoid jealousy and selfishly indulging our yetzer hara.

Rebbe Yossi extolled the virtue of honesty and  financial responsibility to oneself and others , thereby showing Yirat Shemayim.

Rebbe Shimon enjoined us to remember to inject passion in our tefillot and in our conversations with Hashem.

Rebbe Elezar said, to make sure to be engaged in regular Torah study and to protect the honor of Torah.

Rabbi Yochanan Ben Zakai endorsed the teaching of Rabbi Elazar, “Lev Tov” associated with regular Torah study above others. Interesting to note, that the first and last letters of the Torah spell “Lev” and that the first pronouncement of Hashem in the Torah is, “Veyar Elokim et ha’or ki tov”, that Hashem saw his first creation as “Tov”. And each subsequent creation was designed to further fulfill the universal concept of “Lev Tov”, which encompasses Rabban Yochanan’s students' Torah teachings.

Thus we can therefore suggest that a good journey,“Derech Tova" can be defined by the 5 concepts enumerated by all of 5 students of Raban Yochanan Ben Zakai.

1) Have a favorable eye (Ayin Tova). Take a positive outlook and attitude towards everyone.

2) Be very careful to Show incredible respect (Chaver Tov) for all of your fellow travelers and those you meet along the way. Avoid complaints and selfish or indulgent behaviors.

3) Don’t waste other people’s money (Shachen Tov). Don’t take liberties with the finances of others who may be supporting or funding your adventures. By being scrupulously honest and demonstrating financial responsibility, we show Yirat Shamayim in all our activities.

4) Plan ahead to make sure you Daven with Kavana (Ha’roeh et ha’nolad). Look to find Minyanim wherever you are located. If you cannot, try to at least engage Hashem in soulful prayer that is personally meaningful.

5) Set aside time for study of Torah (Lev Tov) by oneself or with others (Pirkei Avot would be ideal!) 

For about 20 years, there was a famous television ad featuring the idea of bringing “travelers cheques” from American Express as a critically important part of vacation planning. the ads depicted distressed families who had lost their wallets or were victims of theft and in complete distress, with no money or credit cards. By failing to prepare, their trip had become a complete disaster. The ad suggested that everyone buy their “traveler’s cheques” which could be easily replaced and redeemed almost anywhere in the world. The ad exhorted us, “American Express. Don’t leave home without it!”.

While in the digital age, these concerns may be obsolete, the message still remains. It is highly recommended to take things along that will ensure your trip is a “good one” with comradery, spirituality, respect, and happiness. We can therefore paraphrase that iconic ad by suggesting that for a “good trip” remember!

Pirkei Avot, “Don’t leave home without it!”