Life, the universe, and everything according to Pirkei Avot

Most parents think their teenagers spend too much time on the internet and too little time engaging with the real world.

Chabad has come up with an unusual way to address this problem. It’s setting up online lessons for parents on the ancient Torah wisdom of Pirkei Avot (Chapters of the Fathers) so that they can spend more quality time engaging with their kids in debates about life and ethics.

“Children are spending too much time on the internet, and we’re not communicating enough with them. It’s out of control,” says Rabbi David Masinter, the director of Chabad Johannesburg.

But, the online tutorials aren’t just about helping adults to engage with children, they are literally a “five-step programme” in how to transform all of our lives, something badly needed in this “mad world, full of sickness, and lack of vision”.

“You have no idea how tough it is for some people at the moment,” Masinter says. “This is very serious. In this world, now more than ever, we need to do this.”

From Monday, 30 November, people can sign up for the online lessons, which will be delivered free of charge by numerous teachers, including Masinter. Learning is flexible, with the ability to study for 15 minutes a day, or once a week, for example.

Those who sign up will be sent a free copy of the Pirkei Avot, valued at R500, to study with their children. Asked why Chabad is sending a book to kids rather than an online game, for example, Masinter says, “There are enough games out there. That’s the point. We need to engage more with our kids.”

“The Chapters of the Fathers is a truly remarkable work, which gives one tools for life in every area, from learning how to have patience to business advice. Written by our sages 1 800 years ago, its lessons are more vital today than any other time,” Chabad says.

Masinter points out that in just the first chapter, we learn about the importance of humility, perseverance, vision, consequences, and the imperative of making a difference.

“This book has the tools for life. Each Mishnah is more down to earth than the next. This is a transformational programme to get hope flowing.”

To sign up for the tutorials, WhatsApp 082 370 1770.