The most popular tractate of the Mishnah, and thus the most widely known part of the Talmud, is undoubtedly that of Avot, "Fathers." It is the only tractate to have entered the prayerbook whole, and is recited and studied, chapter by chapter, on spring and summer Sabbaths. It has often been translated and commented upon.

Rabbi Stern's translation and commentary is different, however. Its translation is new and gender-neutral, and the commentary reflects the approach of both traditional and modern thinkers on Avot. It also contains readings from elsewhere in talmudic literature which depict the sages of Avot in other settings, as well as some of their other sayings. Likewise, readings from rabbinic literature amplifying the themes of these texts are also included, with reference notes.

The result is a many-sided picture of the thought-world of Rabbinic-Pharisaic Judaism as it was forming itself and creating the Judaism that flourished until modern times, and that remains fundamental to the understanding of Judaism to this day. It provides the reader with a rich set of primary readings on subjects that touch the life of every individual.