Why does the Torah insert the (otherwise superfluous) phrase ve'Chi Yamuch Achicha ... ":
Sifra: To teach us that one may not sell oneself in order to make money to put in one's purse, only if one is forced to do so due to poverty. 1
See Torah Temimah, note 202.
What sort of a Eved Ivri is the Pasuk talking about?
Rashi (in Mishpatim): An Eved who sells himself because he is poor. 1
How can he be an Eved and Achicha at one and the same time?
Sifra: 'You must treat him like a brother, and he must serve you faithfully. 1
See Torah Temimah, note 203.
For how long is the sale valid?
Kidushin, 14b: For as long as the seller sells himself. The sale is not limited to six years, since the Torah writes in Re'ei 15:12 ? in connection with Machruhu Beis-Din "Va'avadcha Sheish Shanim" ? to preclude a Mocher Atzmo. 1
See Torah Temimah, note 204, who elaborates.
Why does the Torah write "Venimkar lach" and not 'Venimkar le'Eved'?
Sifra: To prohibit a Mocher Atzmo from selling himself to a Nochri. 1
In which case Pasuk 47 must be speaking where he sold himself be'Isur or where no Yisrael wanted to purchase him.
What is the definition of "Avodas Eved"?
Rashi: Demeaning tasks that show him up as an Eved ? such as carrying his clothes after him to the bathhouse or tying his shoes (or following his master carrying a large, heavy sack - Sifra).
Rashbam: It means back-breaking work, like that performed by an Eved Cana'ani.
What is the word "Lo Sa'avod bo Avodas Aved" oming to preclude?
Sifra: It precludes a fellow-Jew who is not an Eved, whom one is permitted to employ to do Avodas Eved. 1
Since, as opposed to an Eved Ivri, he is permitted to retract in the middle of the day (Oznayim la'Torah).
QUESTIONS ON RASHI
Rashi writes that one may not make an Eved Ivri do demeaning tasks. But we do so to our Jewish servants?
Moshav Zekenim: The Mechilta permits it if the servant is used to doing them, and we rely on this. 1
Moshav Zekenim (citing Kesuvos, 96a): A Talmid serves his Rebbi like a slave serves his master, except for putting on his shoes, and washing his hands, feet and face, and even these are permitted if it is known that he is his Rebbi. (Talmid and Rebbe notwithstanding, the question and answer are difficult to understand, since the Din of Eved Ivri does not apply nowadays. Refer to 25:40:2:2 & 25:39:4:1.
