What Is the Ideal Occupation? The Talmudic Perspective

24 Pages Posted: 1 May 2014

See all articles by Hershey H. Friedman

Hershey H. Friedman

Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Date Written: April 24, 2014

Abstract

Choosing the ideal occupation is not a trivial decision. The profession one chooses can affect the amount of time available for spiritual duties, one’s earnings, and whether an individual remains honest. Clearly, there is a strong connection between business ethics and the occupation one selects. This paper explores the views of the Talmudic sages regarding the ideal profession. Almost all the Talmudic sages had jobs; for example, Hillel was a woodcutter.

Keywords: Talmud, Talmudic attitudes towards work, Talmudic attitudes towards wealth, business ethics, Tikkun Olam, corporate social responsibility

JEL Classification: B11, D63, J78, K00, K40, M14, N00

Suggested Citation

Friedman, Hershey H., What Is the Ideal Occupation? The Talmudic Perspective (April 24, 2014). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2429099 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2429099

Hershey H. Friedman (Contact Author)

Brooklyn College of the City University of New York ( email )

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