Editing Mesechtas Avot (section)

== About the Tractate ==

==== Name of the Tractate ====
Several explanations appear in the commentaries regarding the name of the tractate:

a. The name of the tractate was established based on the ethical teachings it contains, which are the "avot" (fathers/foundations) of the mitzvot, meaning fundamental principles for human conduct.

b. "Because the words of the early fathers who received the Torah from one another were arranged here."

c. According to what is stated at the beginning of Mesechet Bava Kamma, "Avot" hints that the matter is written in the Torah. Indeed, the Vilna Gaon's commentary on this tractate is characterized by bringing sources from the Torah for each Mishnah.

d. "He called this tractate by the name Avot, because in truth the sages are the fathers. As was said by Elisha 'My father, my father' about Eliyahu of blessed memory, and similarly the students are called sons..." meaning that the tractate is named after the sages who taught it.

Additionally, the tractate is also called "Pirkei Avot" because it is customary to study it chapter by chapter (unlike the method of learning other tractates where there is no established custom for a fixed pace and scope of learning).

==== Importance of the Tractate ====
According to the Meiri's version, Mesechet Avot is the first tractate in the entire Shas (Talmud).

The Rebbe explains that the reason for this is because this tractate is the source ("avot") for all other tractates, since the statements of the Tannaim in all tractates of the Talmud are in accordance with their methods of divine service, which are expressed in their statements in Mesechet Avot.
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