MINIMUM WAGE

A Jewish Approach to a Living Wage

by RABBI JILL JACOBS

This article proposes a Jewish approach to the living wage issue. It is an exploration of the ways in which halakhah governing employer-employee relationships is and is not relevant to the contemporary living wage debate.

Jewish Values and Minimum Wage

From RELIGIOUS ACTION CENTER

We are told in Deuteronomy 15:11 that "there will never cease to be needy ones in your land, which is why I command you, open your hand to the poor and needy kinsman in your land." Though the Torah recognizes that we cannot necessarily eliminate all poverty, we are taught that we must work to alleviate its impact. Making sure the poor are provided for is a responsibility for society as well as for the individual. While we are commanded to give tzedakah and "provide for the poor according to their needs" (Katubot 67b), our tradition also teaches us that the highest form of tzedakah is to help a person gain self-sufficiency. An increase in the federal minimum wage gives those in entry-level jobs a little more help in their struggles to support themselves.

Helping Others "Dress For Success"

By RAHEL MUSLEAH

Breaking out of a Catch-22: Without jobs, women can’t afford career-oriented clothes. Without the right clothes, they can’t get jobs.