The "working class" is in the news and every political speech must include something about us. I have begun to chuckle when I even hear the term.
I envision a poorly taught adult English class in which the instructor is trying to decline the verb "to work." The teacher gives the example: "I am working; I was working; I will be working."
One of the older students responds and expresses his confusion to the teacher: "I used to work full time, and then part time. I don't have a real job right now, but I'm working to find more work and I'm working every day just to hold onto my sanity and provide whatever I can for my family. I may not be bringing in a check, but I feel I am checking every move I make ... just to stay afloat. So, I consider myself working!"
Another older student raises her hand and makes the comment: "I 'used to' work. I mean I had a full-time job and was able to retire. But, in today's economy, just like the other student said, I'm working at making decisions that are critical to my life and family. It's not like I'm sitting back watching cash flow through my mail slot."
There are people who don't actually work because they have enough money and financial managers to "do the job." They are a minuscule percentage of our population. I am happy for them and sometimes even jealous.
But even they worry.
And there are those who are so severely disabled that they cannot work, but would take great pride in a job they could do well and one that would give them the chance to interact with other people.
"Working class" is too often misunderstood as people who labor at one marketable task or another -- physical, intellectual or both. The definition is too limited.
"Working class" is more a psychological and emotional state of well-being. It suggests that I am capable, contributing, giving, caring and that I have inherent value and dignity.
If I lose a job in manufacturing or service or teaching, my personal sense of value sends me back out to the greater market place. When that market shrinks I expand my search. And when that seeking is unfruitful I go more deeply inward and pray that I will be able to hold onto my "self" while my world erodes.
My teacher, the Rev. Henri J.M. Nouwen taught that every person, even before birth, is loved and valued by God and held with dignity and respect. The rabbis taught that one of the questions asked before admittance to heaven is: "Did you perform honorable work?" Today they would ask: "Did you, a person born of honor, perform or seek honorable work?" And, when the answer is "Yes" the gates of heaven and the arms of all who know and love you are opened wide.
And the chorus sings: "Welcome oh working-class man or woman ... Remember God works and seeks work, too."
In truth our value is not only in what we do, but equally in what we tried to do. The rabbis say "a person must be judged by what he intended to do, not (only) by what he did."
Let us then praise and respect those who work and intend to work. They are surely in the image of God. With them, we are the working class.
Albert Micah Lewis is rabbi of Congregation Beth El in Traverse City. His latest book is "Soul Sounds, Reflections on Life."
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