The Sabbath, Ki Tisa & Capitalism: A Ten Commandments’ Moment

“And you shall observe the Sabbath, because it is a holy thing to you.”

Exodus 31:14

Before God’s finger inscribed the Ten Commandments onto stone tablets, Sabbath laws were known. The Torah Portion Ki Tisa extensively touched upon the Sabbath. Ki Tisa presents as an opportunity to discuss the Sabbath’s interaction with Capitalism. Can the Torah and Capitalism get along?

Before the Decalogue was ever “read,” the Children of Israel already were aware that “Six days work shall be done, and in the seventh day is a Sabbath, a ceasing, a holy thing to the Lord.” Exodus 31:15. The harsh penalty for non-observance was death. Exodus 31:14.

The Portion Ki Tisa elaborates on the Sabbath. The Sabbath was to be a forever perpetual “stop sign” for laboring.

The Sabbath or ceasing symbolized the Israelite God’s creation of the world. As the Israelite God valued the Sabbath, his intention apparently was to pass this gift as part of the covenant. The benefit? Ceasing provides refreshment. Exodus 31:17.

From Genesis, God appreciated the labor’s difficulties. In the expulsion from the Garden of Eden, Humanity’s future labor involved food production. We are told that “by the sweat of your nostrils you’ll eat bread.” Genesis 3:19. Given the grueling nature of ancient work, days off may have been viewed with greater appreciation than in modernity. Perhaps, they were felt that they were heaven sent.

Modernity and Capitalism

The Sabbath institution of an endless weekly “full “stop” on work activities does not comport with pure capitalism. The labor cessation conflicts with an economic system promoting businesses to conduct their activities as they seem fit.

In a business world full of competition, being open on the Sabbath gives one advantages. It presents opportunities to capitalize on the factor of convenience. It allow for more production time. Store doors open means increased business opportunities. Factories open allows for more sales product.

Is There an Argument for Rest?

Some things need rest. Humans, animals and even machines are not built to operate perpetually. Humans lack the capacity to work 24/7. Even in a single day, a human’s performance throughout a single work day diminishes over time. They become less productive and require time to regenerate. Working animals also require rest. Likewise, certain equipment needs either rest time or maintenance time.

Thus, even in a pure capitalistic environment, a business calculations must be made with respect to the concept of cessation. Time off and maintenance is part of doing business.

The Challenges

In modern times, many people work a 5-day work weeks. Some now even less. Then, there are others who work 6 days plus a week. Thus, taking time off for the Sabbath, for many, does not present the challenges as it did in the past. Labor laws have changed the employment landscape.

The Torah introduced time management to address the Sabbath. This was perhaps a message to those who work long hours. With Manna, people were instructed to gather a double portion so that they would have for the Sabbath. Exodus 16:5. Thus, many juggle schedules to make sure they can take the Sabbath off.

What Is To Be Made

The Sabbath, a gift which is also deemed holy, inevitably runs afoul with capitalism. While this is the case, there are some business realities in which ceasing operations is in a company’s best interest. Further, those working in a capitalistic society are capable of creating Sabbath time. Given modern work schedules and time management, it is possible to have a weekly time of ceasing, refreshment.

Be well!!

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