As Global Interest in Personal Growth Ascends, Torah Unboxed Helps Jews Connect to The Jewish Source

With Jews seeking direction in a complex world, JNet’s Torah Unboxed series offers a timely exploration of Pirkei Avos, guiding Jews toward genuine growth through the lens of Torah.

The series presents various versions of foundational Jewish books and guides viewers to the edition best suited to their learning level, whether to study on their own or with a JNet chavrusa.

“As Shluchim, we see how people today are turning to self-help books and life coaches to become the best version of themselves,” explains Rabbi Mendel Winner, director of Neshama CTeen in Brighton Beach, NY, and host of the Torah Unboxed series. “They should know they can find it in their own heritage; Pirkei Avos teaches ancient wisdom for modern life and is a path that’s been tried and tested for two thousand years.”

Unlike other Mesechtos, Pirkei Avos does not just focus on halacha, but on refining character. It teaches what it means to be Mentch: humility, respect, discipline, calling the reader to rise beyond the minimum obligations of Torah and strive towards introspection and becoming a better person.

“Pirkei Avos speaks not only to what a Jew does, but to who a Jew is,” Rabbi Winner notes. “It instructs not only to avoid harming others but to greet each person with a smile; not only to perform mitzvos, but to pursue them with joy.”

The episode surveys a range of editions of Pirkei Avos. From the Kehos edition, steeped in the Rebbe’s teachings and Chassidus, to Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz’s work highlighting historical and philosophical context. It also reviews the extensive Pirkei Avos Treasury by Artscroll, rich in mussar, and Rabbi Yanki Tauber’s Beyond the Letter of the Law, presenting profound essays based on the Rebbe’s sichos. Also featured is Starting with Sinai by Rabbi Yossi Shanowitz, offering practical takeaways for everyday life, and Living Lessons, a colorful, engaging edition designed for young readers.

“Today, Jews worldwide are looking to connect and learn more about their heritage,” said Rabbi Mendy Kotlarsky, Executive Director of Merkos 302. “We have to be here to give them the authentic Torah they’re seeking; clear, uncompromised, and real.”

The episode’s release is timely: customarily studied from Pesach to Shavuos, Pirkei Avos prepares Jews to become proper recipients of the Torah on Shavuos. In many communities, including Chabad, the study continues throughout the summer.

“The Rebbe taught that every Jew has the power to transform the world through Torah study,” said Rabbi Mendel Groner, director of JNet at Merkos 302. “Our mission is to give them the tools to grow, to learn in a way that’s personal, relevant, and real. Torah Unboxed brings that to life.”

JNet, a project of Merkos 302, has been connecting volunteer teachers with learners around the world for nearly two decades. The program currently serves over 1,000 weekly participants across 60 countries, providing structured, accessible chavrusa learning from home.

Produced by the Merkos 302 Studio, Torah Unboxed is dedicated Li’iluy Nishmas Harav Moshe Yehuda Ben Tzvi Yosef Kotlarsky Z”L, who devoted his life to the Rebbe’s mission of making Torah study accessible to every Jew.

To join a learning partnership or volunteer as a chavrusa, visit www.jnet.org/learn.