DEUT160 Hard work is in itself an admirable trait. … But we must admit that this fine trait can be overdone. The Torah is concerned that man may be reduced to a mere working machine. To this end, the Ten Commandments specifically give the Sabbath day as a day of rest for everyone – ourselves, our animals and our servants [this verse]. The Torah further tells us that we are not to give our servants "crushing work," Leviticus 25:43 and this ethical principle applies to ordinary workers as well. Sefer Ha-Hinnukh 346. Where do we draw the line between admirable and excessive work? According to Jewish law, this distinction is not based primarily on how much exertion is involved. The nature of the work is just as important. In particular, we have to be careful not to assign work that is gratuitous or demeaning