The Edited Issue

• מנחה

  The idea of the Sabbatical arises in response to one of the most significant challenges of the era in which… The idea of the Sabbatical arises in response to one of the most significant challenges of the era in which we live, namely: an extended life expectancy. On the one hand, employees are obliged to retire while still able-bodied; on the other, the economy is unable to carry the cost of the extended period of pension. Under this proposal, the aggregated sabbatical years accrued would be added to the number of years of work, thus deferring the retirement age for employees (see Menny Neeman). Furthermore, the sabbatical can be instrumental in addressing the problem of burn-out: Over the course of time, employment in the same occupation creates increasing burn-out (especially if the retirement age is deferred). This is also one reason why research demonstrates that the Y generation has a tendency to change place of employment every few years. The disadvantage is that this frequent movement is doubly detrimental: It creates lack of employment security for employees; For the employer, it leads to the loss of organizational memory and the need to train new staff every few years. Sabbaticals would create the opportunity for personal refreshment and renewal, and thus help to reduce the dimensions of the problem. The Sabbatical concept suggested here is inspired by the Biblical concept of the Shemittah (seventh) year, but the new formats are now discernible around the world. (צפיה בדעה במקור)

• מנחה

  Sabbatical Content

  Sabbatical Content

  (צפיה בדעה במקור)

• מנחה

  The success of the Sabbatical concept depends wholly on the content to be vested in it. In the absence of… The success of the Sabbatical concept depends wholly on the content to be vested in it. In the absence of significant content, the sabbatical could simply lead to apathy and atrophy. This problem was addressed by the Jewish Sages and is also discussed in the Jerusalem Talmud, Tractate Pesachim. I therefore suggest that the individual going on sabbatical choose one of the following activity options: 1. Voluntary work: a framework in line with Israeli National Service. 2. Professional development & in-service training. 3. Research or exploration of subjects unconnected with his or her everyday employment, within a supervised framework. This would be similar to the proscription of original forms of labor on Shabbat (the Biblical Sabbath), which was comprehensive until the advent of the Oral Law which set down the specific details. (צפיה בדעה במקור)

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  מנחה

  If the aim of the sabbatical is refresher programs for employees, mini-courses in professional retraining could be made available at… If the aim of the sabbatical is refresher programs for employees, mini-courses in professional retraining could be made available at his or her place of work. This would help prevent burn-out, as well as any potential disconnection between the employee and the company. (צפיה בדעה במקור)

• מנחה

  The Sabbatical – Optional or Obligatory?

  The Sabbatical – Optional or Obligatory?

  (צפיה בדעה במקור)

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  מנחה

  A sabbatical for every employee should be a matter of choice, rather than compulsory. One should not prevent a person… A sabbatical for every employee should be a matter of choice, rather than compulsory. One should not prevent a person who wants to work during a sabbatical year from doing so. One can try to educate people about the importance of the time off, but the modern economy can’t be paternalistic and compel it. Arrangements in the workplace need to remain between the employee and the employer, and the law cannot compel it to grant privileges. The role of looking after the less able should not lie with the state, but with the community – with philanthropists and others. (צפיה בדעה במקור)

• מנחה

  I find the position of those free market supporters who reject legal intervention on the issue of the sabbatical to… I find the position of those free market supporters who reject legal intervention on the issue of the sabbatical to be unacceptable. In the same way as the State of Israel legislates for provision for pensions. Do you also oppose the law on pensions? Is there any difference between them and, if so, what? (צפיה בדעה במקור)

• מנחה

  Organizational Difficulties

  Organizational Difficulties

  (צפיה בדעה במקור)

• מנחה

  The prerequisite for implementing the sabbatical idea is that the employee’s position should be guaranteed at the end of the… The prerequisite for implementing the sabbatical idea is that the employee’s position should be guaranteed at the end of the sabbatical (similar to maternity leave.) This commitment reduces the number of employees systematically (about one seventh at any given time) and will compel the company to improve efficiency, so as to be able to function with 80% of the staff, with some of them on sabbatical. It is our contention that, in actual fact, the absence of coercion would be instrumental in helping companies achieve greater efficiency, since it is in any case impossible to sustain employees at 100% of effective productivity. Another benefit towards improving company efficiency would be that those skilled employees on sabbatical could easily be called in to assist in any crisis situation requiring immediate additional manpower. (צפיה בדעה במקור)

• מנחה

  Where is the Money and When?

  Where is the Money and When?

  (צפיה בדעה במקור)

• מנחה

  Along the lines of pension funds and advanced study funds, a new fund would be created, entitled the “Sabbatical fund”,… Along the lines of pension funds and advanced study funds, a new fund would be created, entitled the “Sabbatical fund”, which would become available only when the employee takes sabbatical leave. The State of Israel should also grant significant tax breaks for those who open sabbatical savings plans, but it should not pay out to anyone who has not worked or made contributions to the fund. It should be those who have made the effort in the six working years who should enjoy the benefits of a sabbatical. (צפיה בדעה במקור)