Which family members of a court-sold servant must the master support during the servant's service?
The master must provide sustenance for the servant's wife and children but is not obligated to support parents, siblings, or other relatives.
Question 2
Who is eligible to have his ear pierced to extend his servitude?
Only a court-sold servant is eligible for ear-piercing. A self-sold servant cannot use this mechanism. The servant must declare love for his master and family, and the court must be present.
Question 3
Why may a Hebrew servant who is a Kohen (priest) not have his ear pierced?
Ear-piercing creates a blemish (mum). A priest with a physical blemish is disqualified from Temple service. Therefore, a priestly servant may not pierce his ear.
Question 4
What must a master give his Hebrew servant upon release (ha'anakah)?
The master must give a ha'anakah gift from his herds, grain, and wine. The minimum is 30 shekels worth. Sending the servant away empty-handed violates a Torah prohibition.
Question 5
If a servant fled during service and the Jubilee arrived while he was in hiding, is the master obligated to give ha'anakah?
If the servant fled and freedom came through the Jubilee while he was absent, the master is exempt from ha'anakah, since the servant forfeited the normal release conditions by fleeing.