GEN421 After eating the forbidden fruit, Adam was told that he would eat bread only by the sweat of his brow [this verse], and the Talmud (Pesachim 118A) notes that he felt relieved upon hearing this because he understood that making bread involved toil that would separate him from the other animals.  While work conveys dignity, idleness is often portrayed as dangerous. The Mishna (Ketubot 5.5) states that people who can afford not to work should work anyway because idleness can lead to lewdness or depression.  The rabbis say that no matter how wealthy one is, one has an obligation to personally play some role in the preparations for Shabbat. Without making the effort to prepare for Shabbat, we would not be able to fully appreciate the rest and joy that it brings.  A midrash (Tanhuma Vayetze 13) says that “when a person toils with both hands, God grants blessing.” While we might not all agree with the theology of this passage, the point it makes about work is clear—our lives are shaped and given meaning, in part, by the work that we do.  Of course not all work conveys dignity. Oppressive work conditions, poor treatment of workers and devaluing the results of labor remove the meaning and satisfaction from work.  Labor that is dehumanizing or degrading robs the worker of kavod (dignity or honor). Leading a life of kavod is one of the important reasons to work. Thus, a good society is one that ensures meaningful work to those who are willing and able to do it.  Work should not be understood in purely selfish terms as producing value only for the workers.  One rabbinic tale (Vayikra Rabba 25.5) describes an old man planting a tree.  The emperor Hadrian happens by and asks why the old man is planting the tree since it will take many years to bear fruit and the old man will not benefit.  The old man replies that just as his ancestors planted for him so is he planting for those who will come after him.  Work can be a generative and redemptive act.  Employers must meet several conditions for work to produce kavod for their employers.  The employer must treat the worker as a person who has kavod.  The worker must see the work as accomplishing something worthwhile.  And the conditions under which the worker labors must be compatible with worker dignity in terms of hours, expectations, safety, physical surroundings, compensation and so on.  AGTJL 329-31