Bs”d
Parshas Behar-Bechukosai (5767)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
In dealing with the issue of eved ivri in our parsha (25:39/40) it is very obviously very far from our concept of slavery, as the eved ivri is actually dealt with as a worker and special care must be taken not to lower his esteem. Why, then, was this form of slavery looked down upon by the Torah?
What is really the difference between an eved ivri and a worker? A slave, even an eved ivri, has made a commitment that harnesses him 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to his master; despite the fact that the intensity of his work and his self-esteem is as a plain worker. We must focus a complete harnessing of our essence, energies and talents only to Hashem. “Avodai heim v’lo avodimi l’avodim”.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.