This Week's Article

Love Work

Avot (1:10) | Yisrael Bankier | 6 days ago

The Mishnah (1:10) records that amongst the things that Shamaya taught was "love work". We shall try to understand this statement.

Rashi simply explains that work is necessary, otherwise one would need to turn to thievery or charitable handouts for support.

The Nishmat Chayim adds that a chacham that is self-sufficient, is generally accepted with a great level or respect and he can therefore create a greater kiddush Hashem.

The Bartenura explains that Shamaya is teaching that even if a person has means to support himself, he should nevertheless still work. The reason is because doing nothings can drive a person mad (shi'amum). The Tosfot Yom Tov continues that that is why the Mishnah taught that one should "love" work and not just "do" work. One works not just for the paycheck, but for the love of it.

The Ruach Chaim explains that this statement is understood in contrast to the second statement of Shamaya "hate leadership". He explains that it is better to earn a living by working than by acting as a spiritual leader. A leader can potentially become arrogant and is also punished for the sins of his people. In other words, despite natural aspiration to be a leader, love working instead.

Irving Bunim also explains that the Mishnah is referring to spiritual leadership; however, the Mishnah does not deter one from taking the position. Instead, he explains that the Mishnah is focusing on the different aspects of that job. There is lot of work to be done in a rabbinic post -- building the religious infrastructure and taking care of the people. It is that work that he must love and not position or title.

Focusing more broadly, the Mishnah mentions that one must "love the work".

Irving Bunim explains that this love is the positive emotion resulting from success and the satisfaction coming from a creative enterprise. Ironically however, we find that such success hinges on one's attitude to the work at hand. Indeed, the Tifferet Yisrael explains that the Mishnah's instruction to love work, is providing the key to success in one's work. Furthermore, doing so makes the work itself easier. He notes that we find sailors that engage in heavy lifting, will sings as they work, to lighten the burden.

Interestingly the Avot DeRebbi Natan explains that one should love melacha, because just as the Torah was given with a brit, so too melacha was given with a brit. It would seem then, that the love is not for any particular practical benefit, be it physical or spiritual. Instead, it is because it was given with a brit, a covenant, that we should work for six days and rest on the Shabbat. That brit entails the connection we have with Hashem and it should therefore be loved.

With all the above said, one should note that the term "love" is used rather than amal, toil. The term "love" is also used by Hillel (1:12) when referring to people. Perhaps the Mishnah is also teaching that with all the positive benefits of work, it should not be all consuming and become servitude. One's relationship with work should be one of love -- a healthy relationship.

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