Notable Sources
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Ethical Treatment of WorkersTANAKH
Ethical Treatment of Workers
TANAKH
The Torah emphasizes the ethical treatment of workers and the prompt payment of their wages. Leviticus, the third book of the Torah, includes commandments against defrauding and robbing fellow Israelites, highlighting the importance of timely wage payment.
Work with PurposeCHASIDUT
Work with Purpose
CHASIDUT
Every step and word involved in making a living should be with the intention of giving to charity. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, a prominent Hasidic master, teaches that charity is the tikkun (rectification) for business activity.
When Custom Overrides LawHALAKHAH
When Custom Overrides Law
HALAKHAH
Community customs can sometimes override Jewish law in monetary matters, especially in employment practices. Rabbi Chaim Jachter explores the principle of 'minhag mevateil halachah,' where community customs take precedence over Halachah when both parties consent.
The Necessity of Self-Benefit in LaborKABBALAH
The Necessity of Self-Benefit in Labor
KABBALAH
Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag argues that self-benefit is a necessary motivator for any effort or labor, challenging the notion of working solely for the benefit of society. In his early 20th-century work, Rabbi Ashlag explores the principles of mutual responsibility and altruism within society from a Kabbalistic perspective.
The Ultimate ProfessionLITURGY
The Ultimate Profession
LITURGY
Teaching one's son Torah is esteemed above all other professions in Jewish tradition, as it promises sustenance and hope throughout life. The Mishnah emphasizes the enduring value of Torah study alongside secular work, recognizing that while every profession may have its share of challenges and successes, the pursuit of Torah knowledge ensures spiritual fulfillment and continuity across generations.
The Virtue of ToilSECOND TEMPLE
The Virtue of Toil
SECOND TEMPLE
Philo of Alexandria argues that toil is the foundation of all goodness and true worth, likening it to light that enables the soul to grasp virtue and achieve excellence. Philo, a Hellenistic Jewish philosopher, blends Jewish theology with Greek philosophy to offer a unique perspective on the intrinsic value of work.
Solomon's Labor ForceTANAKH
Solomon's Labor Force
TANAKH
King Solomon utilized forced labor extensively for his grand construction projects, such as the Temple and his palace, as detailed in the biblical book of Kings I.
Master Craftsman of the TabernacleMIDRASH
Master Craftsman of the Tabernacle
MIDRASH
Bezalel's appointment to build the Tabernacle was divinely ordained and communally approved, reflecting his unique contributions and the unity his work brought about. Louis Ginzberg’s early 20th-century work, Legends of the Jews, synthesizes a vast array of midrashim to narrate the story of Bezalel and the construction of the Tabernacle.
The Categories of Prohibited Labor on ShabbatGUIDES
The Categories of Prohibited Labor on Shabbat
GUIDES
Understanding the primary categories of prohibited labor on Shabbat is essential for observing the day properly. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, in his commentary on the Babylonian Talmud, elucidates the fundamental parameters of these categories and their subcategories.
The Humble TannerREFERENCE
The Humble Tanner
REFERENCE
Rabbi Jose ben Chalafta, a highly respected sage, worked as a tanner, a lowly regarded occupation, demonstrating humility and acceptance for the sake of livelihood. Gershom Bader's early 20th-century work provides biographies of Talmudic rabbis, highlighting their lives and contributions to Jewish law and tradition.
The Importance of Local Customs in EmploymentTALMUD
The Importance of Local Customs in Employment
TALMUD
Employers cannot impose conditions that deviate from what is customary in the community. The Jerusalem Talmud, compiled in the Land of Israel around the 4th-5th centuries CE, discusses labor laws and the importance of adhering to local customs in employer-employee relationships.
Labor on the Eve of PassoverMISHNAH
Labor on the Eve of Passover
MISHNAH
The Mishnah provides detailed regulations on what types of work are allowed on the eve of Passover, highlighting the importance of preparing for the holiday. This early third-century text outlines the specific rules and exceptions for labor on the fourteenth of Nisan, emphasizing the need to complete work before midday and detailing which crafts are permitted.
Divine Mandate for WorkTANAKH
Divine Mandate for Work
TANAKH
Work is not merely a human necessity but a divine mandate, integral to our purpose from the very beginning. The Torah’s account of God placing the first human in the Garden of Eden includes the responsibility to cultivate and care for it.
Wholehearted Devotion in WorkMIDRASH
Wholehearted Devotion in Work
MIDRASH
Bezalel's dedication to his work on the Tabernacle earned him repeated recognition and reward from God. The Midrash Tanchuma, a collection of homiletic teachings, highlights the value of wholehearted devotion in religious and communal tasks through the example of Bezalel.
Legal Protections for Workers in Jewish LawTALMUD
Legal Protections for Workers in Jewish Law
TALMUD
Jewish law provides specific legal protections for workers, ensuring they can claim their wages only if hired in the presence of witnesses. The Talmudic tractate Shevuot outlines the conditions under which a worker can take an oath to receive his wages, emphasizing the necessity of witnesses during the hiring process.
The Ant's Lesson in DiligenceJEWISH THOUGHT
The Ant's Lesson in Diligence
JEWISH THOUGHT
Diligence and self-motivation in work are essential virtues, as illustrated by the example of the ant. In his 11th-century ethical work, Bachya ibn Pekudah uses a verse from Proverbs to emphasize the importance of preparing and working hard without needing external supervision.
The Perils of LazinessMUSAR
The Perils of Laziness
MUSAR
Laziness can lead to both immediate and long-term ruin. The 15th-century ethical work Orchot Tzadikim uses the metaphor of a neglected field to illustrate the consequences of inaction and lack of diligence.