Physical Labor Is Divine
Ben Sira 7:15
ca. 180–132 BCE
Do not hate hard labor or farm work, which was created by the Most High.
Translation from the New Revised Standard Version.
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.
You may also like
Wisdom versus Labor
How can one become wise who handles the plow,
and who glories in the shaft of a goad,
who drives oxen and is occupied with their work,
and whose talk is about bulls?
Translation from the New…
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…
Torah Study with or without Work
The sages taught: What [is the meaning of that which] the verse states: And you shall gather your grain? Because it is stated: This Torah shall not depart from your mouths, [and you shall contemplate…
Labor Is Honorable
When R. Judah would go to the study hall he would carry a pitcher on his shoulder [to sit on], saying, “Labor is great, as it brings honor to the laborer [who performs] it.” [Similarly…
Engage with this Source
You may also like
Wisdom versus Labor
How can one become wise who handles the plow,
and who glories in the shaft of a goad,
who drives oxen and is occupied with their work,
and whose talk is about bulls?
Translation from the New…
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…
Torah Study with or without Work
The sages taught: What [is the meaning of that which] the verse states: And you shall gather your grain? Because it is stated: This Torah shall not depart from your mouths, [and you shall contemplate…
Labor Is Honorable
When R. Judah would go to the study hall he would carry a pitcher on his shoulder [to sit on], saying, “Labor is great, as it brings honor to the laborer [who performs] it.” [Similarly…