Pirkei Avos

Reciting Pirkei Avos:[1]

It is customary to recite Pirkei Avos on every Shabbos between Pesach and Shavuos.[2] Some are accustomed to continue reciting it after Shavuos, throughout the summer months, until Rosh Hashanah.[3] [Practically, the Chabad custom is to say Pirkei Avos until Rosh Hashanah.[4] On the Shabbosim which are in approximation to Rosh Hashanah, two chapters of Pirkei Avos are read, in order to complete the cycle prior to Rosh Hashanah.]

Reciting “Kol Yisrael…” prior to each chapter and “Rebbe Chanania Ben Akashyia…” at the end of each chapter: One is to recite the Mishnaic saying of “Kol Yisrael…” prior to beginning the chapter of Pirkei Avos. At the conclusion of the chapter one is to recite the teaching of “Rebbe Chanania Ben Akashyia.”[5] [On the Shabbosim which are in approximation to Rosh Hashanah, in which two chapters of Pirkei Avos are read, some[6] write one is to read the above opening and closing statements before and after each individual chapter. Others[7] write it is only to be said once; the opening statement at the beginning of the first chapter and the concluding statement after concluding the second chapter. Others[8] write that by the first four chapters that are said together [1-2 and 3-4], one reads the opening statement at the beginning of the first chapter and the concluding statement after concluding the second chapter. However, by the last two chapters [5-6] one reads the opening statement at the beginning of the first chapter and the concluding statement after concluding the second chapter.]

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[1] Siddur Admur; This custom is recorded in the following Poskim regarding Erev Tishe Beav that falls on Shabbos: Rama 553:2; Maharil; M”A 553:7 in name of Kneses Hagedola

[2] There are six Shabbosim between Pesach and Shavuos corresponding to the six chapters of Pirkei Avos. The reason for saying Pirkei Avos between Pesach and Shavuos is as a preparation for Matan Torah.

[3] Admur ibid; See Poskim ibid regarding Erev Tishe Beav that falls on Shabbos

[4] Sichas Parshas Naso 1982 [Hisvadyus 3:1633]; So was the custom of the Rebbe Rashab. [Rebbe in Reshimos brought in Otzer p. 244]

Background: The widespread Chabad custom until the year 1978 was to learn Pirkei Avos up until Shavuos and not onwards. However, from 1978 and onwards, based on a Sichah of the Rebbe on the Shabbos after Shavuos, the custom became to say Pirkei Avos also on the Shabbosim after Shavuos.

[5] Siddur; Admur in 54:4

The reason: The reason we conclude with these verses is because it is customary to recite Kaddish after Pirkei Avos, and we do not recite Kaddish unless we read a teaching that contains a verse or an expoundation of a verse. [Admur 54:4]

[6] Otzer Minhagei Chabad p. 246 based on Sichas Netzavim Vayeilech 1987

Background: The Rebbe in Sichas Parshas Seitzei 1981 plainly mentioned that the custom is to say it only once. However, in later years, the Rebbe publically debated whether it should be said once or twice. [See Hisvadyus 1985 5:2887; Hisvadyus 1987 4:352; Hisvadyus 1989 4:279; Sefer Hasichos 1990 2:681; Sefer Hasichos 1991 2:797] This led to a variety of opinions on this matter.

[7] Hiskashrus 946 based on Sichas Parshas Seitzei 1981

[8] Siddur Tehillas Hashem Kehos Eretz Yisrael based on Hisvadyus 1990 4 page 259 footnote 104 and Hisvadyus 1987 4 page 400

[9] Sichas 1991 2 p. 597

[10] It is the Ashkenazi custom to read the first chapter of Pirkei Avos on this Shabbos. [Luach Eitz Chaim; Bein Pesach Leshavuos p. 162; Luach Dvar Beito] The Sephardic custom is to begin it only the next Shabbos.

Custom of Tzefas: The custom of Tzefas Jewry is to read the first chapter this Shabbos and to read the first chapter in Miseches Derech Eretz Zuta on the Shabbos. Before Shavuos. [Eretz Chaim 292 in name of Tikkun Yissachar p. 38]

The Chabad Custom: In Sichas Shabbos Parshas Bamidbar 1989 [Sefer Hasichos p. 485 footnote 66] the Rebbe mentions that there are usually six Shabbosim between Pesach and Shavuos corresponding to the six chapters in Pirkei Avos. However, in Eretz Yisrael there are at times seven Shabbosim. The Rebbe then says there are different customs regarding the seventh Shabbos which is directly prior to Shavuos. Some repeat the sixth chapter again while others begin again from the first chapter. This implies that according to all customs they would already begin the reading on the first Shabbos. The Rebbe then concludes that when there is a dispute between the Diaspora and Eretz Yisrael the ruling is like the Diaspora. In Sichas Naso 1982 3:1633 the Rebbe says that in the Diaspora they are learning the first chapter while in Eretz Yisrael they are already learning the second chapter, hence giving credence to the difference of order between Eretz Yisrael and the Diaspora. Practically, in Otzer Minhagei Chabad p. 247 they write, based on the above Sichah, that in Eretz Yisrael they are to study the first chapter that Shabbos. However, Luach Kolel Chabad writes that in Eretz Yisrael one is not to begin Pirkei Avos until the next Shabbos, and so concludes Hiskashrus 45. Their reasoning is in order to avoid making a differentiation between their reading and the reading in the Diaspora.

[11] So concludes Luach Kolel Chabad; Hiskashrus 45 that is the proper custom to follow.

[12] As seems to be the Rebbe’s opinion as based on the above Sichas.

[13] Sichas Naso 1982 3:1633; Luach Kolel Chabad; Hiskashrus