In Jewish Studies we were told to find verse from chapter 2 of Pirkei Avot and then understand them and find songs that can relate to the verse here is my project:
| Ch. 2
Verse 6 |
He also saw a skull floating upon the water. Said he to it: Because you drowned others, you were drowned; and those who drowned you, will themselves be drowned. | I think that lesson that can be learned from this verse is the quote “live by the sword die by the sword” because the skull drowned others and was drowned itself because it brought others down. And the others who drowned him will also be drowned which is saying that we need peace not more violence | Taylor Swift – Mean
In this song Taylor Swift says “one day I’ll be living in a big ol city and all you’re ever gonna be is mean” this relates to the verse because the person is mean and doing mean things to others and one day they will get what’s coming to them. They will drown for drowning others. |
| Ch. 2 Verse 11 | 11
Rabbi Joshua would say: An evil eye, the evil inclination, and the hatred of one’s fellows, drive a person from the world. |
This verse is talking about how dangerous it is to want what others have and telling us not to give in to actually taking it. Because it can only lead to a spiral of bad morality and jealousy. It talks about not letting yourself get into that spiral and be controlled by jealousy and hate. | JEALOUS GUY. (Ultimate Mix, 2020) – John Lennon and The Plastic Ono Band (w the Flux Fiddlers)
This song talks about jealousy and how it hurts people “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I’m just a jealous guy.” I think this quote shows that being jealous and letting it take over can cause people to be hurt and have negative consequences. |
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Ch. 2 Verse 15 |
15
Rabbi Tarfon would say: The day is short, the work is much, the workers are lazy, the reward is great, and the Master is pressing. |
This verse talks about not giving up on studying the Torah because if you take time off to leave the studying of the Torah you could miss important things that you would learn from studying.. I think this means to use your time wisely because you do not get infinite time so you have to make use of your time correctly. | Pink Floyd – Time (2011 Remastered)
“Tired of lying in the sunshine, staying home to watch the rain / You are young and life is long, and there is time to kill today.” Then the song changes: “And then one day you find ten years have got behind you / I think this quote relates to how you have to use your time correctly and wisely or else it slips away. You don’t get extra chances with time. |
Works Cited
“English Explanation of Pirkei Avot 2:4.” Sefaria, https://www.sefaria.org/English_Explanation_of_Pirkei_Avot.2.4?lang=bi. Accessed 25 May 2023.
“JEALOUS GUY. (Ultimate Mix, 2020) – John Lennon and The Plastic Ono Band (w the Flux Fiddlers).” YouTube, 18 December 2016, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wADRRYNHhOA. Accessed 25 May 2023.
“Pink Floyd – Time (2011 Remastered).” YouTube, 2 December 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwYX52BP2Sk. Accessed 25 May 2023.
Swift, Taylor. “Taylor Swift – Mean.” YouTube, 13 May 2011, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYa1eI1hpDE. Accessed 25 May 2023.