Pirkei Avos – Make Room for Others
Today we turn to a Mishnah in Pirkei Avos, Chapter 3, the chapter studied this Shabbos during the weeks between Pesach and Shavuos. These weeks prepare us for Matan Torah, the giving of the Torah, and therefore it is customary to study Pirkei Avos, the tractate devoted to ethics, character, and refined conduct.
Unlike many sections of Mishnah that focus on practical law, Pirkei Avos teaches mili d’chassidusa—guidance that goes beyond the strict letter of the law. It shapes the character of a Jew and teaches how Torah should transform the person from within.
The Mishnah
Rabbi Chanina, the deputy Kohen Gadol, teaches:
“Hevei mispallel bishloma shel malchus, she’ilmalei mora’ah, ish es re’eihu chayim bela’o.”
“Pray for the peace of the government, for were it not for fear of it, a person would swallow his fellow alive.”
On the simple level, the meaning is clear.
Even if one does not admire every government, society requires order. Without law and authority, chaos would prevail. People would harm one another, and civilization could not function.
Therefore, one should pray for peace and stability in government.
The Rebbe’s Question
Yet the Rebbe asks:
If this Mishnah means only public order and safety, why is it taught in Pirkei Avos?
This is not merely an ethical refinement. If praying for the government protects human life, it would seem to be a basic obligation for everyone, not a teaching reserved for a tractate of elevated conduct.
There must therefore be a deeper lesson hidden in the wording of the Mishnah.
Why “Swallow Alive”?
The Mishnah does not say:
- one person would kill another,
- destroy another,
- or harm another.
Instead it says:
“A person would swallow his fellow alive.”
This unusual expression suggests something subtler than physical violence.
The Rebbe explains that sometimes one person can overwhelm another without ever striking them.
A person can dominate the room.
Take all the space.
Silence another voice.
Dismiss another person’s worth.
Make others feel invisible.
That too is a form of swallowing someone alive.
Even in Torah and Spiritual Life
This danger can appear even in holy settings.
Sometimes a person is genuinely learned, talented, or accomplished. He knows Torah, gives guidance, teaches others, and is looked up to with respect.
Yet precisely there lies a subtle danger.
He may begin to feel that because he knows more, others matter less. Because others need him, their individuality becomes secondary. Their ideas, growth, and contribution become overshadowed by his presence.
He does not “harm” them outwardly.
But he swallows them alive.
He leaves no room for another soul to shine.
Pray for the Kingdom
What then is the remedy?
The Mishnah says:
“Pray for the peace of the government.”
The Rebbe explains that the earthly kingdom reflects the Heavenly Kingdom—Malchus Shamayim.
To pray for the peace of government means to remember that above all human status stands Hashem, the true King.
Before Hashem:
- the scholar and beginner both matter,
- the teacher and student both matter,
- the strong and weak both matter.
When a person truly senses Divine kingship, ego softens. He no longer needs to occupy all the space.
He can make room for others.
That is why the Mishnah says pray for this. It is not always easy. Human nature seeks recognition and importance. We need Hashem’s help to rise above that instinct.
The Link to Torah Study
The Rebbe connects this with the next Mishnah, which speaks of two people sitting together and engaging in Torah.
Why two?
Because Torah is not meant to become a monument to self-importance. Torah flourishes where there is humility, listening, and shared growth.
This is echoed in the prayer we say after the Amidah:
“V’nafshi k’afar lakol tihyeh.”
“May my soul be like dust before all.”
And immediately after:
“P’sach libi b’Torasecha.”
“Open my heart to Your Torah.”
The order is precise.
First humility.
Then Torah.
When a person approaches Torah with arrogance, Torah can become self-display.
When approached with humility, Torah becomes Divine wisdom.
The Lasting Lesson
The Mishnah teaches a message urgently relevant in every generation:
Do not use strength to diminish others.
Do not use knowledge to silence others.
Do not use success to erase others.
Real greatness does the opposite.
Real greatness lifts others.
Real wisdom listens.
Real Torah makes room.
When a person lives with awareness of Hashem’s kingship, he learns to honor the dignity and place of every soul.
That is true peace.
That is true Torah.
And that is the deeper meaning of not swallowing another alive.