For a number of years I have been following the lessons taught by Rabbi Judith Abrams, who has been running an ongoing discussion of the Yerushalmi Talmud, which is less popular than the Babylonian Talmud that is studied daily by hundreds of thousands of individuals.  A current lesson delves into Pirkei Avot, the Ethics of our Ancestors, as Rabbi Abrams relates them to our young adults who are preparing to leave for college. This is a transition of great importance to both child and parent.  She invites us to share our thoughts with her and her online students, about what sage advice we would give to our loved ones as they enter a new world.

What Advice Would The Sages Give Their Kids as They Head Off to College?

Copyright, Judith Z. Abrams, 2010

As we prepare to send our daughter off to college, I want to cram in, or reinforce, as many lessons as possible.  Here is the list I’ve compiled so far:

1. Some neural pathways are best left never opened:

One mitzvah begets another, one sin begets another (Pirkei Avot 4:2).

2. Don’t skip class:

Rabbi Tarfon said:  The day is short, the task is great, the workers are lazy, the reward is great and the Master is insistent (Pirkei Avot 2:2).

3. Stay away from bars/nefarious characters:

One who is awake at night or travels alone on the road, and turns his mind to idle thoughts, commits a deadly sin (Pirkei Avot 3:5).

4. You are there to learn:

Who is wise?  The one who learns from everyone (Pirkei Avot 4:1).

5. Don’t get discouraged:

Meet everyone with a friendly greeting and be the tail among lions rather than the head among foxes (Pirkei Avot 4:20).

Discussion Questions

1. Have I left out crucial pieces of advice?  What did you tell your children when they went to college?

2. Do you have some more proof-texts for these lessons?

I welcome any suggestions you can add to this list!