Lesson 1: Piecing Together the Puzzle (Private-Religious)
Handout 2

Pirkei Avot Text on Tikkun Olam

Name: ____________________ Date: _____________

Pirkei Avot, Chapter 2:20-21

Directions: Read the text and answer the question. We will discuss your answers together.

20. Rabbi Tarfon said: The day is short, the task is great, the laborers are lazy, the wage is abundant and the master is urgent.

21. He used to say: It is not incumbent upon you to finish the task. Yet, you are not free to desist from it.

*Abundant means plenty.

* Incumbent means an obligation.

* Desist means to hold back.

 

What task do you think Rabbi Tarfon is talking about?