In discussing various laws relevant to a Jewish servant, the Torah commands, “Lo Ta’abod Bo Abodat Abed” – literally, “Do not work him like a servant” (Vayikra 25:39). This is understood to mean that a master who purchases a fellow Jew as an Ebed (servant) is not permitted to assign the servant demeaning work. The Sefer Ha’hinuch gives the example of a “Balinta” – having one’s servant accompany him as he walks outside with a cushion for him to put on the ground if the master grows weary and wishes to rest. Another example is having one’s servant carry his towel and other belongings to the bathhouse. These chores are considered beneath the dignity of an Ebed Ibri (Jewish servant), and they are thus forbidden by force of this Biblical command. The Sages in the Talmud remarked that the master’s responsibilities toward his servant extend so far that “Kol Ha’koneh Ebed Ibri Ke’koneh Adon Le’asmo” – one who purchases a Jewish servant in effect purchases a master. The Torah demands treating the servant with respect, like an employee, and not like a servant. Even though the master of course can compel the servant to work, he must ensure to show him respect and dignity. The Sefer Ha’hinuch writes that the Torah issued this command in order to draw our attention to the exalted status of our nation. The Torah commands masters to treat their Jewish servants with special respect and dignity to impress upon us that each and every member of our nation is special. This newfound respect for the Jewish Nation, the Sefer Ha’hinuch explains, will, in turn, enhance our respect for the Torah which was given to our people. The Sefer Ha’hinuch adds that the Torah wants the master to realize and reflect upon the fact that the servant was forced into this status due to financial hardships, which could befall anyone, even the master. This awareness will lead the master to repent and to strictly follow G-d’s will so he remains worthy of material blessing and will not fall into financial straits. Finally, the Sefer Ha’hinuch writes, this Misva serves to accustom people to act kindly and compassionately, and to distance themselves from cruelty and insensitivity. By molding our characters in this way, we become worthy of the great blessings which Hashem wants to bestow upon us. Elsewhere, in the Book of Debarim (15:16), the Torah says about a servant, “Ki Tob Lo Imach” – that life “with” the master is good. The Sages inferred from this verse that the servant must live “with” the master in the sense that he is given the same comforts and standard of living as the master. He is to be fed the same foods and beverages, and given the same comfortable beds, as the master. This Misva applies to both men and women, but only during periods when the laws of servants apply – meaning, when the laws of Yobel apply (which is when the majority of the Jewish Nation resides in the Land of Israel). One who forces his servant to perform demeaning labor violates this prohibition, but is not liable to Malkut. Since this prohibition is generally transgressed verbally, without an action, by simply commanding the servant, one is not liable to Malkut even if he forces the servant through an action. All Jews have the status of servants of Hashem. As such, the command forbidding disrespecting an Ebed Ibri extends, in a sense, to each and every Jew. We must recognize the value and worth of every fellow Jew, as a servant of the Almighty, and ensure not to disrespect or disparage a fellow Jew in any way.