What does Rabbi Marc Angel note about Pirkei Avot advising against talking to women?

The view that Rabbi Marc Angel expresses regarding the advice in Pirkei Avot about talking to women highlights the historical context in which these teachings were formulated. During earlier periods, particularly in ancient societies, women often lacked formal education and literacy, which meant that interactions with women could have been less productive or meaningful in a learning context. Hence, the caution against conversing with women was more reflective of the societal norms of that time rather than a timeless mandate.

By understanding this context, it becomes clear why the guidance is viewed as somewhat outdated in modern times, where women are universally educated and can participate equally in religious and scholarly discussions. The emphasis on context helps to recognize that these teachings were more about the circumstances of their time rather than being an absolute rule against interaction.