Page 53 - Reflections on St. Joseph

In the Jewish tradition

In the Jewish tradition, this negative connotation of work has been transformed into a
positive value. A correct dimension of man's toil is restored in the subsequent biblical
reflection. The work is appreciated and considered to be a fundamental dimension of
man planned by God in a right relationship with Him and with creation. Work must not
become an idol or an absolute value, but always should remain related to prayer and
subordinate to the day of rest, a day dedicated exclusively to the worship of God.

In the Jewish tradition, work is closely related to the study of Torah. A thought of the
wise Gamaliel is very significant in this regard: "It is good that the study of the Torah is
accompanied by some profitable work, because the involvement in both keeps one away from
sin: while when the study of the Torah is not combined with another work, it ends up falling
short and causes sin ”(Cit. in Elena Bartolini, Il lavoro opera delle nostre mani,, 101).

It can be said that the transmission of practical knowledge that enables one for work is
placed at the level of the obligation to teach the Torah to one's descendants. In fact, "if a
man learns two paragraphs of the Torah in the morning and two in the evening, and all day
takes care of his work, he is considered to have performed the whole Torah" (ibidem, 102). It
is understood, then, that every father has an obligation to teach a trade to his son. Failing
in this task is tantamount to predisposing him to become a thief. "Man is obliged to teach
his son a trade; anyone who does not teach his son a trade, teaches him to become a thief "
(Talmud).

Despite the sin of the first parents, the plan of the Creator, the sense of His creatures and,
among these, of man, called to cultivate and care for creation, remains unchanged. "Your
own labors will yield you a living, happy and prosperous will you be ", says Psalm 128.

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Reflections on st. joseph