Pisqa’ 2791
1
“Pay him for his day’s work” (Dt.24:15).
This teaches that
the night-laborer may collect his pay
during the entire next day.2
But, how do I know that
the day-laborer may collect his pay
during the entire following night?
The Teaching states:
“Do not keep a worker’s pay with you over-night till morning” (Lv.19:13)—
[rather, pay him promptly].3
“Nor shall the sun set upon it, since he is poor” (Dt.24:15)—
unless he has made other
arrangements with him [for payment].
“For his life depends upon it” (Dt.24:15)—
otherwise, why would he risk his life for you
by climbing a scaffold?
Isn’t it because he expects his pay that day?
If so, why is it stated:
“For his life depends upon it” (Dt.24:15)?
Actually, this teaches that
whoever withholds a hired hand’s pay—
Scripture considers it as if he had taken his life!
2
“So that he not call out against you to HASHEM” (Dt.24:15).
Is it possible to say that
he is commanded not to call out?
The Teaching states:
“And he shall call out” (Dt.15:9).
Is it possible to say that
he is commanded to call out?
The Teaching states:
“So that he will not call out to HASHEM, on your account, and sin be imputed to you” (Dt.24:15).
Is it possible to say that
if he calls out because of you,
sin will be imputed to you,
but if not,
sin will not be imputed to you?
The Teaching states:
“And sin be imputed to you” (Dt.24:15)—
either way sin will be imputed to you.
Well, if so, why is this stated:
“And he shall call out to HASHEM on your account” (Dt.15:9)?
[It is as if the Holy One were to say:]
“I will rush to exact retribution
on behalf of one who calls out,
before attending to one who fails to call out!”4