תלמוד בבלי, בבא מציעא קיב.
ואידך ההוא מיבעי ליה לכדתניא (דברים כ"ד) , ואליו הוא נשא את נפשו, מפני מה עלה זה בכבש ונתלה באילן ומסר את עצמו למיתה - לא על שכרו? דבר אחר: ואליו הוא נשא את נפשו - כל הכובש שכר שכיר כאילו נוטל נפשו ממנו.
The verse (in Deuteronomy 24) states, “And for it, he risks his life” Why did this worker climb a high ramp to work or suspend himself on the tree to collect its fruits, placing himself in mortal danger? Was it not for his wage? Another explanation translates the verse as follows: “On it she stakes her life.” Whoever withholds the wages of an employee is considered as if she took her life from her. [AJWS translation]
[AJWS translation]
Suggested Discussion Questions:
1. How do the two interpretations of the verse differ? How are they similar?
2. In what ways are wages for work equal to life itself?
3. How can we understand this text in the world today?
Time Period: Rabbinic (Maccabees through the Talmud)