Pirkei Avot

There are not enough Shabbatot between Pesach and Rosh HaShana to complete Pirkei Avot four times, without doubling up chapters as we approach Rosh HaShana. Most often it is the last two Shabbatot before Rosh HaShana that we read/learn chapters 3-4 and 5-6. This is the case this year. (In Chutz LaAretz, they doubled 1 and 2 this year too.) On this Shabbat - Parshat Ki Tavo - we study chapters 3 and 4.

In chapter 4, Rabbi Yanai reminds us that we cannot necessarily understand the tranquility of the wicked nor the trials and tribulations of the righteous. During Elul and the Yamim Nora'im, one tends to do a lot of thinking, self-
inspection, re-evaluation of one's way of life. The confusing observations referred to by Rabbi Yanai can tend to lead a person to false conclusions in his thinking process. If we believe that "G-d knows what He's doing", then everything else falls into its proper place and perspective.

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