Work is a human construct that traps individuals in a cycle of consumerism. I work, I earn money, I pay bills, I eat, I sleep, I work. I must earn more money so that I can do something ‘fun’. I work harder, and longer. I cut back, I eat processed foods, stuff my face with snacks and garbage. I spend and spend and wonder where my money went. I beat my body. I weaken my immune system, I become sick, I become injured, I am unable to have fun. I now spend my money on medical bills, medication, and treatments.

Everyone is out to make money to live and to survive. My dream job is to be stranded on a deserted island. Where I am able to create my own society based on a shared goal. To have everything in common, not a commonality of nature, or of wealth, but of mind. The final goal, to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Also, to love our neighbor as ourselves. These two are the building blocks of peaceful society.

“Then, they that gladly received his word were baptized. The same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed were together, and had all things common. They sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house. They ate their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the Way daily those being saved.” Acts 2:41-47

If one is unwilling to contribute they are not welcome. If one is unable to contribute they are cared for. There is a difference. To follow the statutes and the commands of God are greater than striving for gain. For in the end all that is gained in life is left in the grave. But what is done for God will last, treasures in heaven. We spend more than a third of our day striving and working. A third of our day asleep. Leaving less than third for leisure which is spent, spending. That or it is spent cooking, cleaning, or wasted. A day for ourselves? Maybe. A day of God? Rarely.

God said, “Six days you shall labor but the seventh day is Holy. You are to do no work. Neither you or you servant, or your livestock.” A day of rest, a day of honoring God. Six days of labor isn’t simply laboring for income. It is laboring also for what brings us pleasure, hobbies, and cleaning. Striving for one another even. Even in those days of labor there is intended times of pleasure. But In most house holds both the father and the mother work. Which leaves no one to tend to the home. In which case there is still work to be done. Cooking and cleaning. When is there rest?

So what is my dream job? With commonality, to work towards community. Where there are some who labor in the field, some that tend the flock, some that strive at home. My desire would be to tend to the flocks. To be a shepherd of sorts. To tend to the horses and the cattle. In my leisure I would write, and I would instruct others in the Way of community and honor. To love God, to love our neighbor. This is my dream job.

This is the Way of the Rabbi,
You are loved,
cj