Music and Lyrics by Jay Rapoport, www.JayRapoport.com
NOTE FOR DISCUSSION: This song is based on various quotations from Chapter 1 of Pirkei Avot - the wisdom of our ancestors, including:
Joshua the son of Perachia would say: "Find yourself a teacher, and acquire yourself a friend." (Pirkei Avot 1:6)
Shimon the son of Shotach would say: "Be careful with your words, lest they learn from them how to lie." (Pirkei Avot 1:9)
Hillel would say: "Be of the disciples of Aaron--a lover of peace, a pursuer of peace, one who loves the creatures and draws them close to Torah." (Pirkei Avot 1:12)
Shammai would say: "Make your Torah study a permanent fixture of your life. Say little and do much. And receive everyone with a pleasant countenance." (Pirkei Avot 1:15)
Rabban Gamliel would say: "Assume for yourself a master; stay away from doubt." (Pirkei Avot 1:16)
CONVERSATION STARTERS:
Which of the above quotations do you like the most? Why?
Which do you think is the most important?
If you were going to give a piece of wisdom to the next generation, what would you say?
LYRICS:
Inspired by Meir Rotem & Pirkei Avot (the wisdom of our ancestors)
Find yourself a teacher, and get yourself a friend
Make time for the Torah, build for it a fence
Let your heart be open, be cautious with your words
Always work for justice, pursue peace for the world
Every time I see you
I learn something new
CHORUS
Baruch Hashem, Baruch Hashem
Thank God for you
My teacher, my friend
Provide yourself a teacher, and remove yourself from doubt
Stand up for others, and of yourself be proud
Share your smile freely, try to get along
Appreciate your blessings, sing another song
Every day you tell me
Things I never knew
CHORUS
You inspire us with your stories
Your spirit and your journey
Thank you for your wisdom
I have been so blessed
Every time I see you
I learn something new
CHORUS
credits
from They Tried To Get Us, We Won, Let's Rock!, released 02 December 2014
Written & composed by Jay Rapoport,
copyright 2014 Maxfun Music (ASCAP), all rights reserved
www.ruachrock.com