Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 'Thou shalt not rule over him with rigour' mean in Leviticus 25:43?
A: This verse instructs Jewish employers not to treat their Hebrew servants harshly or oppressively. According to Rashi, this means avoiding excessive labor or demeaning tasks. The Torah emphasizes compassion even in a master-servant relationship.
Q: Why does the verse add 'but shalt fear thy God' at the end?
A: The Rambam explains that fearing Hashem reminds us that even when no human is watching, G-d sees our actions. This prevents hidden mistreatment of servants, as true ethical behavior comes from awareness of Divine supervision (Hilchos Avadim 1:7).
Q: How does this law apply to employer-employee relationships today?
A: While the specific context was Hebrew servants, Chazal derive timeless principles about ethical treatment of workers. The Talmud (Bava Metzia 83a) expands this to fair wages, reasonable demands, and dignified treatment - obligations binding on all Jewish employers.
Q: What counts as 'rigour' (perech) in Jewish law?
A: The Sifra defines perech as unnecessary harshness - assigning purposeless work, changing tasks frequently to cause frustration, or giving impossible deadlines. Even permitted work becomes forbidden if administered cruelly (Toras Kohanim, Behar 6:3).
Q: Why does the Torah give special laws about Hebrew servants?
A: The Midrash (Vayikra Rabbah 34:5) teaches that since Bnei Yisrael were slaves in Egypt, we must be especially sensitive to those in servitude. These laws transform servitude into a rehabilitative system rather than oppression, reflecting Torah's value of human dignity.
Context and Source
The verse לֹא־תִרְדֶּה בוֹ בְּפָרֶךְ וְיָרֵאתָ מֵאֱלֹהֶיךָ (Vayikra 25:43) appears in the context of the laws governing the treatment of an eved Ivri (Hebrew indentured servant). The Torah prohibits harsh treatment of such a servant, emphasizing the ethical responsibility of the master and the reverence due to Hashem.
Explanation of the Prohibition
Rashi explains that the phrase בְּפָרֶךְ ("with rigour") refers to imposing excessive or unnecessary labor upon the servant. This includes assigning tasks that are:
The Role of Yirat Shamayim (Fear of Heaven)
The clause וְיָרֵאתָ מֵאֱלֹהֶיךָ ("but shalt fear thy God") serves as a moral safeguard. Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 1:6) teaches that even if a master avoids overt cruelty, he must still act with yirah (reverence) for Hashem, ensuring fairness and compassion. This principle extends beyond legal technicalities to the spirit of the mitzvah.
Broader Ethical Implications
The Talmud (Bava Metzia 10a) derives from this verse that all forms of oppression—whether physical, emotional, or financial—are prohibited. The Midrash (Toras Kohanim 25:7) further connects this mitzvah to the broader Jewish value of derech eretz (ethical conduct), teaching that one who mistreats a servant violates the sanctity of human dignity, as all people are creations of Hashem.
Practical Applications