PIRKEI AVOT 21 - FRIENDS IN HIGH PLACES

Rabbi Dunner continues with the advice offered by Rabbi Gamliel III, son of Rabbi Yehuda HaNassi, who focuses his attention on offering pointers for those in public service and doing work for the benefit of the community. Be careful of your friendships with people in power, as such relationships are always on the basis of benefiting those in authority, and not the reverse. Make your needs and desires identical with those of God, but not -- as the mishna seems to imply -- because it will work out better for you personally. As Rabbi Dunner explains, there is a deeper message here.