Making It All Work: A Practical Guide to Hashkafah & Halacha in the Workplace by Avi Wasserman and Miryam Wasserman; Philipp Feldheim publisher; ISBN-10: 16802-50310; 538 pages; Price $25.00
By Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel
CHULA VISTA, California — The authors of Making It All Work present the Orthodox Jewish community with an interesting book about some of the ethical issues that can come up in the modern workplace. They focus upon a variety of practical questions, e.g., shaking hands with the opposite sex, attending a business meeting at a non-kosher restaurant, being truthful at an interview, being a single woman at the job, drinking alcoholic beverages with non-Jews, dress and personal demeanor, and so on. The Wassermans touch upon the types of practical matters that men and women encounter on a daily basis. For example, they contend that a Jewish mother who is devoted to her children can still be true to her religious principles even away from home. The balance between ones home life and professional life can be challenging at times.
There was one issue I wished the authors would have broached—one that often comes up in many Jewish communities around the country—getting time off for the Jewish holidays. I mention this because every year, as a rabbi, I remind my congregants that they need to let their employers know when the Jewish holidays are occurring. With ample notice, a thoughtful employer should be able to accommodate his Jewish workers. But sometimes, employers demand that their Jewish workers must work on the holiday. This creates a serious problem. Being familiar with the local, state, and national laws can provide a practical guide for Jews wishing to be observant of Rosh HaShanah and other significant holidays.
For the most part, the Wassermans’ approach is thought-provoking—especially since religious Jews often find themselves in awkward situations at the workplace, e.g., how does one conduct oneself in an environment that can be antithetical to Judaic values, e.g., when other workers engage in the pastime of gossip, or where workers flirt with someone who is already married. The authors stress that each person must strive to model the best kind of religious behavior—amounting to what they call a “Kiddush Hashem,” a sanctification of God’s Name.
Making it All Work takes on these issues with aplomb.
Since people often compartmentalize religious values in their lives, the Wassermans reminds their readers that adhering to Jewish values demands that one’s inner and outer life be properly integrated. Any Jew who does not faithfully carry out his or her ethical responsibilities may risk creating a Hillul HaShem—a desecration of God’s Name.
Negative behavior patterns that can desecrate one’s religious standing is something every worker needs to avoid; a genuinely pious attitude requires vigilance and awareness of how others perceive you at the job. The Wassermans are emphatic in stating that a religious Jew must realize that s/he is always under the magnifying glass and that matters of personal integrity and ethics must be something that the worker is always mindful of.
The workplace, is always in a state of flux; with all its many opportunities, it poses the thoughtful Jew with a series of ever-changing challenges. You want to excel in your chosen profession, and be the best mother and wife you can be, and still remain strong in your commitment to Torah. How can you make it all work?
On the subject of meeting at a non-kosher restaurant, the authors cite numerous legal authorities (poskim) who permit it, despite the apparent problem of “ma’arat ayin” being seen at non-kosher restaurant. I found the sources he cited as accurate and interesting, but he cautions against eating questionable items there. Frankly, there is a lot a room for leniency, for one could always order a tuna-fish sandwich or salad.
In Talmudic times, the rabbis were pretty lenient with regard to these things. Many devout Kosher observing friends I have will eat sushi out because it is easy to supervise how the cook prepares the food.
On the subject of handshaking, while the authors point out the strict and lenient points of view, I think it is appropriate to always follow the lenient viewpoint, for not extending one’s hand can easily be interpreted as a personal slight.
One of the most interesting parts of the book deals with the problem of being alone with a woman, which rabbis refer to as yichud. Skillfully, the authors mention the cause célèbre from the book of Genesis, the story of Madam Potiphar and Joseph. I must admit, I have never thought of this story quite in this context before, but the example is certainly a valid one.
Many years ago, when I was an Orthodox rabbi in San Francisco, I recall listening to the President of the SF Board of Rabbis recall an incident that happened to him. On one occasion, a beautiful woman came to his office wearing a trench-coat. When she entered the rabbi’s office, she removed it, thus exposing her naked body. Had it not been for the see-through glass-walls of his office, and his secretary who observed everything that happened, the rabbi might have been in a lot of trouble!
Doctors—especially—when working with female patients must have a female nurse with him at all times—if he wishes to avoid scandal and litigation. Anyone wishing to see a modern cinematic illustration of this problem may want to see, A Price Above Rubies, a 1998 British-American drama film written and directed by Boaz Yakin and starring Renée Zellweger. The story centers on a young woman who finds it difficult to conform to the restrictions imposed on her by her community.
The Wassermans suggest that one should always keep the door open, or at least have space in between the members of the opposite sex. They offer practical advice, and one should never be so arrogant, as he warns, to think that s/he is not subject to temptation!
That’s pretty good advice.
I give the book a four-star rating.
I used the yichud example in one my classes, and it gave my students a valuable insight into the psychological challenges of the workplace.
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Rabbi Dr. Michael Leo Samuel is and author and spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom in Chula Vista, California. His latest book is Maimonides’ Hidden Torah Commentary on Genesis