On
Labor Day, it’s important to note that the Hebrew expression for work, Avoda,
also means worship.
As
Rabbi
Michael Strassfeld puts it: Avodah connotes service. (It is also the
word for slavery, which is involuntary service.) Work is not only a necessary
part of life, it is a form of service to the world, to the rest of humanity,
and to God. We are meant to be of service, to be partners with God in the
ongoing creation of the world. Yet even as we serve God, we also serve our
fellow human beings.
I’ve
written regarding my own profession:
It
is no coincidence that the Hebrew word for work, avodah, is also the word for
worship. Our work is nothing less than our supreme offering to God, whether we
are a rabbi, doctor or welder. Each of us must try to discern the cry of the
times, perceive this mission and act on it. I see my task as being analogous to
that of the ancient biblical prophet, of whom Heschel wrote, "He is
neither a singing saint nor a moralizing poet. His images must not shine, they
must burn."
Happy
Labor Day!
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