Our Gemara on Amud Beis uses specific terms to describe two different levels of mental incapacity that would allow Beis Din to act on behalf of the husband, should his wife be suspected of adultery. In the first case they describe a Shoteh, which is a degree of mental incapacity (see Chagigah 3b which defines a Shoteh, as well as an interesting Psychology of the Daf, Chagigah 3, click here: https://nefesh.org/SimchaFeuerman/chaggigah--talmudic-werewolves/read ).  In the second case, they describe somebody who suffers from שעמום “shiamum”. What is this mental state? Rashi here describes it as תמהון לבב a state of confusion. This corresponds with Onkelos’ Aramaic translation of תמהון לבב in the curses of Devarim (28:28) as שעמומית ליבא which is confusion of the heart.

We are told in Mishna Kesuvos (5:5) that idleness leads to shiamum - mental confusion. This is considered so problematic that Rabbenu Yonah (Berachos 21a) says it is valuable to work, even if no profit is coming from it because at the very least, it prevents this mental disintegration.  The Piazecne Rebbe in his sefer, Bnei Machshava Tova (16) goes further to say that it is not even truly a mental disorder in a sense that it represents an illness. Rather, it is a superficial problem coming specifically from not being engaged in constructive activity. He claims, work itself, will heal it. Not that we need to research to support such a common sense idea, however, it is good to know that this is supported by researchers Drake and Wallach in: “Employment is a critical Mental Health Intervention” (Epidemiol Psychiatr Sci. 2020 Nov 5;29:e178. doi: 10.1017/S2045796020000906. PMID: 33148366; PMCID: PMC7681163):

Gaining employment can improve mental health, even for people with the most serious mental illnesses. In this editorial, we argue for a new treatment paradigm in mental health that emphasizes employment, because supported employment is an evidence-based intervention that can help the majority of people with mental health disability to succeed in integrated, competitive employment. Unlike most mental health treatments, employment engenders self-reliance and leads to other valued outcomes, including self-confidence, the respect of others, personal income and community integration.

Chasam Sofer (Al HaTorah Eighth Day of Pesach 2) cleverly read this into the essence of matzah. Matzah not only is humble, represented by not being leavened, but it also must constantly be kneaded, and if it is left alone, starts to rise and turns into chometz. This shows the importance of constant work in order to maintain humility and perspective. 

Happiness for humans comes from being challenged enough that there is a purpose and meaning in their efforts and work, and not for it to be too easy or too hard. If it is too hard despair sets in. If it is too easy, indolence and apathy result. This is an important lesson for today’s generation that has unprecedented opportunities, luxuries, and wealth. With the increasing changes in society that will come from artificial intelligence and abundant free energy from nuclear fusion, mankind will have to face the realities of finding meaning in new challenges, when there will be no imperative to work for its own sake.  

Of course, if we aren’t careful, we can blow ourselves to smithereens and back to the Stone Age before we achieve these wondrous technological milestones. And who knows? We might unconsciously arrange for this to happen in order to still have meaningful challenges, or out of fear of losing meaningful challenges. Let’s hope not. Let’s hope Mankind is wise enough to look for broader spiritual challenges, instead of dooming itself back to primitive savagery. 

Translations Courtesy of Sefaria, except when, sometimes, I disagree with the translation

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