Our Gemara on Amud Beis discusses an interesting, ethical law, that is not utilized in modern times:

The Gemara relates: Rav Se’oram, the brother of Rava, would forcefully seize people who were not acting properly and have them carry Rava’s palanquin. Rava said to him: You acted correctly, as we learn: If you see a Jew who does not behave properly, from where is it derived that you are permitted to have him work as a slave? The verse states: “Of them you may take your slaves forever; and over your brothers” (Leviticus 25:46). It is derived from the conjunctive “and” linking the two clauses of the verse that there are circumstances where it is permitted to treat a fellow Jew as if he were a slave. One might have thought that this is the halacha even if a Jew acts properly. To counter this, the verse states in the continuation: “And over your brothers the children of Israel you shall not rule, one over another, with rigor.”

Tzidkas Hatzaddik (237) explains the moral root of this.  Subsequent to Adam’s curse, one has to work for his food. The work is an opportunity to experience a cleansing that prepares for divine flow and sustenance.  The hard work gives perspective and appreciation that allows for humility to avoid sin, and ways to find God.  Man works six days a week and then can appreciate the fruits of these labors on the seventh day, shabbos. The Jewish slave must work for six years to free himself from the bondage of his lusts and poor character, in order to finally become free to serve God in this world or the next (Shemos 21:2).

Perhaps Freedom is a right that no one may take away from you, but if you abuse it, freedom must be earned.

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

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