Torah with Work Is Best

R. Gamaliel the son of R. Judah the Prince said: Excellent is the study of Torah when combined with a worldly occupation, for toil in them both keeps sin out of one’s mind. But [study of] Torah that is not combined with a worldly occupation in the end comes to be neglected and becomes the cause of sin. And all who labor with the community should labor with them for the sake of heaven, for the merit of their forefathers sustains them [the community], and their [the forefathers’] righteousness endures forever. And as for you, [God in such a case says,] “I credit you with a rich reward, as if you [yourselves] had [actually] accomplished [it all].”

Adapted from the translation ofJoshua Kulp.