Which of the following accurately describes who qualifies as a 'Hebrew servant' (עבד עברי)?
The Torah's 'Hebrew servant' refers specifically to one sold by the court for theft he cannot repay, or one who sells himself due to extreme poverty.
Question 2
What type of labor is explicitly forbidden to assign to a Hebrew servant?
The Rambam prohibits 'crushing labor' (עבודת פרך) and specifically lists demeaning tasks such as carrying shoes, making beds, or massaging — tasks normally done by personal servants — unless the servant offers voluntarily.
Question 3
Can a woman be sold by the court as a Hebrew maid-servant?
The Rambam rules explicitly that a woman cannot be sold by the court for theft and cannot sell herself. These options are closed to women.
Question 4
What are the master's obligations regarding the servant's food and lodging?
The Rambam rules that the master must give the servant food and bedding equal to his own. The Sages said: 'One who acquires a Hebrew servant acquires a master for himself.'
Question 5
When is the institution of the Hebrew servant actually practiced?
Hebrew servitude — both court-sold and self-sold — applies only when the Jubilee is in force, which requires the majority of the Jewish people to be settled in their tribal portions in the Land of Israel.