The Hebrew Slave

The laws related to the Hebrew slave, are quite fascinating and clearly represent that such laws could only come from Hashem.

Aside from creating a system to rehabilitate a convicted thief, it is also designed to help an impoverished person to get back on his feet.

The criminal gains his self respect by living with a Jewish family as a hired hand. It allows him to see himself as part of society, and that breaking the law is counterproductive. Criminologists have even mentioned that this system works much better than putting an offender behind bars.

One is permitted to self himself as an עבד עברי, Hebrew slave, if he is very poor. He works for a defined period of time for pay. The intention was to allow him to re-enter society with more optimism for his future.

It is interesting to note that only a married Hebrew slave is given the opportunity to father children with the Canaanite slave. The single slave might not want to ever leave his master’s care. He needs to perform the Mitzva of, “Be fruitful and multiply,” which does not count with the שפחה כנענית, because her offspring will be slaves.

The Torah emphasizes that this was meant to be a temporary situation. G-d took us out of Egypt in order that we be free and not slaves. This is why the Hebrew slave who insists on staying with his master, must have his ear pierced. The ear that heard in Sinai that we were taken out to be free men, this slave has chosen to neglect.

We see how these complex laws regarding the Hebrew slave, could only come from Hashem.