Avos is the locus for ethics – What is the locus of Avos?

Iyun Lemachshava English · Oct 9, 2026 · 1m

This lecture examines the fundamental dispute between Rambam (Maimonides) and Rashi regarding the proper interpretive framework for Pirkei Avos (Ethics of the Fathers). Rambam argues that Pirkei Avos should be understood through universal philosophical ethics, particularly Aristotle's works, since human perfection and ethical truth are the same regardless of cultural or religious origin. The opposing view, represented by Rashi and later commentators, maintains that Pirkei Avos must be interpreted through biblical wisdom literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Psalms) as a distinctly Torah-based…