Abstract
When our students study Mishnah in our classrooms, how can we help them to uncover layers of moral discourse?
This paper explores ways in which the study of Mishnah from different tractates can stimulate moral thinking
about ethical behavior, the meaning and possibilities in human existence, mystery and awe, and human dignity
and existential concerns. Although Mishnah Avot may be the first address to which students and teachers turn for
moral discussion, the author instead favors passages of Mishnah that are grounded in ritual life, agricultural life,
business transactions, legal issues and human relations.