Torah from Rabbi Saunders

In Parshas Ki Seitzei, the Torah presents two striking mitzvos that elevate the dignity of labor:

“On that day you shall give him his wages, and the sun shall not set upon it…” (Devarim 24:15)
“When you come into your fellow’s vineyard, you may eat grapes to your fill, but you may not put any into your vessel.” (Devarim 23:25)

At first glance, these laws seem practical, pay your workers promptly and allow them to eat while they work. But beneath the surface lies a profound Torah ethic, work is not just transactional, it’s relational. The Torah doesn’t just legislate fairness, it demands empathy.

The mitzvah of paying workers on time, known as bal talin, is more than a financial obligation. It’s a spiritual imperative to honor the humanity of those who serve us. Chazal teach that delaying payment, especially when the worker is in need, is a form of theft. The Torah even gives two deadlines, sunset and sunrise, depending on when the work was completed. Why such precision?

Because time matters. Waiting for wages can mean going hungry, missing rent, or losing dignity. The Torah insists, don’t let the sun set on someone’s anxiety. Pay not just with money, but with respect.

The second mitzvah allows workers to eat from the produce they’re harvesting, but only “to their fill,” not to take home. It’s a beautiful balance, generosity from the employer, restraint from the worker. The Sefer HaChinuch notes that this mitzvah teaches trust and boundaries. The laborer is not a thief, and the owner is not a miser. Torah creates a culture of mutual respect.

In our modern world, these mitzvos speak volumes:

In the workplace, whether hiring a caterer, a graphic designer, or a babysitter, pay promptly. Don’t wait for reminders. Timely payment is a form of chesed.

In communal life, volunteers and staff deserve appreciation. Even when payment isn’t monetary, acknowledgment and gratitude are forms of “wages.”

In leadership, when people give of themselves,time, energy, ideas,honor their contributions. Let them “eat from the vineyard” by feeling nourished, not depleted.

The Torah’s vision is not just about economics, it’s about ethics. It’s about creating a society where no one feels used, and everyone feels uplifted. In a world that often commodifies labor, Ki Seitzei reminds us, every worker is an image of Hashem. Pay them with dignity, feed them with kindness, and let the sun set on a day well-lived.

 Warm Regards, 

Rabbi Zeev Saunders