Ponderings of the Perkei Avot Thoughts 4:22

Ponderings of the Perkei Avot Thoughts

Chapter 4:22

By Yehudah ben Shomeyr

“He would also say: A single moment of repentance and good deeds in this world is greater than all of the World to Come. And a single moment of bliss in the World to Come is greater than all of the present world.”

Psalm 84:10 For a day in thy courts [is] better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.

“The Mishnah deals with two different concepts. Only in This World can one elevate himself spiritually; in the World to Come he can only enjoy the reward for his accomplishments here. On the other hand, all the bliss of all the generations in the history of the world cannot equal an hour of bliss in the World to Come.” – Perkei Avot Art Scroll Commentary

Isa. 64:4 For since the beginning of the world [men] have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, [what] he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.

1Peter 1:7-8 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

As the saying goes, “The best is yet to come.”

Shalom,

-- Yehudah ben Shomeyr