what were people permitted to do during the sabbath
The Virtual Reader will annotation that there are "Notes" fastened to many, if not all, the definitions of particular "melachot." This unabridged chapter is taken, with permission, from the volume "SABBATH 24-hour interval of Eternity" by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan (available separately, or included in the "The Aryeh Kaplan Anthology II," published by the NCSY (National Conference of Synagogue Youth) Division of the Orthodox Wedlock.
In the book itself, these notes refer the reader to detailed footnotes. These accept not been included on the Website. However, the interested V-Reader may locate them in the books themselves.
1. Carrying
2. Burning
three. Extinguishing
4. Finishing
five. Writing
six. Erasing
seven. Cooking
8. Washing
nine. Sewing
10. Tearing
xi. Knotting
12. Untying
thirteen. Shaping
xiv. Plowing
15. Planting
sixteen. Reaping
17. Harvesting
18. Threshing
19. Winnowing
xx. Selecting
21. Sifting
22. Grinding
23. Kneading
24. Combing
25. Spinning
26. Dyeing
27. Concatenation-stitching
28. Warping
29. Weaving
thirty. Unraveling
31. Edifice
32. Demolishing
33. Trapping
34. Shearing
35. Slaughtering
36. Skinning
37. Tanning
38. Smoothing
39. Marking
THE CATEGORIES
In order to present some idea of Sabbath balance, nosotros will hither outline the thirty-nine categories of ritual piece of work. This is simply the barest of outlines, and is meant to present the spirit, rather than the details of the law. For the latter, the appropriate codes should be consulted.
These are the thirty-nine categories:
one. Carrying
This category involves carrying in a public place.
This is i of the few categories of work that is actually mentioned in the Torah. Information technology is also the very get-go type of work that was prohibited.
As we discussed earlier, the initial commandment of the Sabbath was given in connexion with the Manna. But what possible type of work was involved in gathering a portion of Manna for one's family? Plainly, this is carrying. Thus, when Moses told the people (Ex. xvi:29), "Let no human being exit his place on the seventh solar day," he was telling them that they could not carry the Manna. (Note 1)
The Torah besides gives an account of a human being who was put to death for gathering wood on the Sabbath. Here again, according to some commentators his violation of the Sabbath involved conveying. (Note two)
In a third identify, the Prophet Jeremiah specifically warns his people not to carry on the Sabbath. He says (Jeremiah 17:21-22), "Take heed and carry no burdens on the Sabbath … Also exercise not carry whatsoever burden out of your houses on the Sabbath." (Note three)
Carrying is really the image of all other types of Sabbath work. (Annotation 4) Every bit mentioned earlier, the definition of such piece of work is any act where homo demonstrates his mastery over nature. Simply the first act by which man demonstrates such mastery is past taking things from nature and carrying them where he needs them. This was the deed of the man gathering forest. Therefore, if we are to relinquish our mastery over nature, the first requirement is that nosotros not carry anything abroad.
In a sense, by not carrying, we also relinquish our buying of everything in the earth. A main sign of ownership is that one may take something wherever he pleases. On the Sabbath, we give up something of this ownership. Null may be removed from the house. When a human being leaves his house, he may acquit nothing merely the habiliment on his dorsum. Information technology is 1000-d, not man, who owns all things.
This category absolutely forbids all carrying in the street. Even such trivial things equally a key or a handkerchief must be left at dwelling. Certainly pocketbooks, purses, wallets and cardinal-chains may not be carried. The only thing 1 may carry outdoors are things that are actually worn.
We can get some idea how serious carrying on the Sabbath is from the following law. When Rosh HaShanah falls on the Sabbath, the Shofar is not sounded. This was legislated by the Sanhedrin for a most interesting reason. Suppose that a synagogue has only one Shofar, and it became lost or damaged. Imagine the embarrassment and alienation of anniversary involved in not beingness able to audio the Shofar on this almost solemn day of Rosh HaShanah. How great the temptation to carry a replacement Shofar from another synagogue or from someone'due south dwelling! But this would involve a gross violation of the Sabbath. To avert this trouble the Sanhedrin decreed that the Shofar never be sounded on the Sabbath at all.(Annotation 5)
Carrying in a private home is permitted on the Sabbath. It is only in a public domain that it is forbidden.
The spirit of the police force, still, forbids the carrying or handling of unnecessary objects, fifty-fifty indoors. The Sanhedrin therefore legislated the categories of Muktza, things which may not be handled on the Sabbath. These include such useless things as pebbles and stones. They also include things which may non be used on the Sabbath, such equally pencils, candles and coin. (Note 6)
The spirit of the police also forbids the transfer of ownership, even inside a edifice. The Sanhedrin legislated a prohibition against all forms of buying, selling, trading and other commerce for a diverseness of reasons. The Sabbath must exist a twenty-four hour period when all business organization stops. (Note 7)
Information technology is interesting to notation that the prohibition against commerce is ane of the few types of legislation actually recorded in the Bible. Thus, nosotros find (Nechemiah 10:32), "If the (not-Jewish) natives of the land bring any goods or nutrient to sell on the Sabbath twenty-four hours, we will purchase nothing from them on the Sabbath or on whatever holy day." (Note 8)
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2. Burning
This involves making a burn or causing anything to fire.
Fifty-fifty throwing a toothpick into a burn is considered a violation of the Sabbath under this category.
This is another category of work mentioned specifically in the Torah, as we find (Ex. 35:3), "You lot shall non calorie-free a fire at dwelling house on the Sabbath day." (Note 9)
The apply of fire is i of the prime ways in which man demonstrates his mastery over nature. Indeed, the use of burn down is 1 of the cornerstones of homo civilisation. It is burn down that allows homo to extract free energy, his most basic requirement, from nature. Thus, in a sense, it is also a prototype of Sabbath work. (Note 10)
Obviously, this category forbids such acts every bit striking a friction match or turning on a stove.
It likewise prohibits smoking on the Sabbath.
An auto engine works by burning gasoline. Turning on the ignition and stepping on the accelerator causes it to burn. Information technology is therefore forbidden to drive a car on the Sabbath.
Heating a slice of metal so that it glows is also in the category of burning.(Note 11) When an electric light is turned on, its filament is heated white hot, producing light. This is therefore forbidden on the Sabbath.
In general, any use of electricity violates the spirit of the Sabbath, since it involves extracting energy from nature. Co-ordinate to many authorities, electricity has the same condition as fire with regard to the Sabbath. In any case, the practice of all observant Jews is to avoid turning any electric appliance on or off. Since a telephone as well works past electricity, it also should not be used. (Note 12)
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3. Extinguishing
This includes extinguishing or lowering a flame in any way.
As such, it is the opposite of burning.
Thus, for example, ane may non turn downwardly the gas on Shabbos. Similarly, information technology is forbidden to turn off the lights or whatever other electrical appliance.
The Sabbath, nonetheless, may be violated wherever in that location is whatever possible danger to human life. Therefore, in case of fire, anything necessary must be washed where life may exist endangered. (Note13)
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4. Finishing (Note14)
This includes completing whatsoever useful article, even where no other category of work is involved.
It includes all forms of repairs and adjustments.
For instance, putting together a machine is in this category, even when no other blazon of work is done.
It is similarly forbidden to put together any other article, unless it is made to come up apart.
Smoothing a rock and planing forest is also in this category. It therefore precludes all forms of sculpture and shopwork. Sharpening a pocketknife is also in this category.
This heading as well forbids us to cutting or tear newspaper in any mode. To have a very mundane case, one may not tear toilet paper on the Sabbath. Religious Jews therefore but apply pre-cut paper. (Note15)
Putting the finishing impact on any article is likewise in this category. Thus, for example, one may non put new laces into shoes.
Whatever grade of aligning comes under this heading. Thus, one may not wind a clock or fix a watch. (Note 16)
It is similarly forbidden to tune any kind of instrument.. The Rabbis forbade the utilise of all musical instruments on the Sabbath. (Note 17)
Blowing up a airship or water wings likewise comes under this category.
The same is truthful of setting the sails on a boat. For this reason, the Sanhedrin forbade the riding of small boats on the Sabbath. (One may, however, ride a large transport piloted past non-Jews, as long as he does not embark or disembark on the Sabbath.) At that place is a special rabbinic enactment that pond is non permitted on the Sabbath. (Annotation 18)
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5. Writing (Annotation nineteen)
This includes all forms of writing and drawing.
Typing, printing, and using a safety postage all come nether this heading.
The main objective of writing is the keeping of records, and therefore, the spirit of the law forbids any activity unremarkably requiring a written record. Thus, the Sanhedrin forbade all sorts of business organization activeness, as well as wedlock and divorce on the Sabbath. (Notation 20)
Calculations and measurements are also included, since they as well normally involve writing.
Gambling and playing games of chance also are included in this category.
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6. Erasing (Note 2l)
This includes erasing or destroying any form of writing.
Breaking autonomously or tearing through words or messages as well is included in the spirit of this category.
Although information technology is permitted to tear a package to get the food inside, this should be avoided when it involves tearing through the writing on the bundle.
Likewise, when words are stamped on the edge of a volume (every bit is the case with well-nigh library books), these letters are separated when the volume is opened, and this should non be done unless the book is urgently needed. (Notation 22)
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seven. Cooking (Notation 23)
This includes all forms of cooking and baking.
Even humid water falls under this category.
It besides includes whatever form of heat handling of non-foods.
Thus, melting metal or wax and firing ceramics are all included.
The prohibition against cooking does not prevent united states of america from eating hot food on the Sabbath. Indeed, role of our Sabbath joy (Oneg Shabbos) consists of eating hot nutrient. Even so, this must exist prepared in such a manner that no act of cooking really takes identify on the Sabbath.
In order to prevent one from forgetting and adjusting the flame, the stove must be covered with a tin can or "blech." This must also cover the controls, making it impossible to adjust the flame. Hot cooked nutrient may so exist kept on this tin.
Under some conditions, it is also permitted to rewarm food that is already cooked. (Note 24) These laws announced very circuitous when put in writing, while being very elementary in actual practice. The best matter is to see how a truthful Sabbath observer prepares hot food for Shabbos.
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viii. Washing (Note 25)
This includes washing or bleaching a garment in any way.
It besides includes removing whatever spot or stain from clothing.
Wringing out a wet garment also falls nether this heading.
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9. Sewing (Note 26)
This includes all forms of sewing and needlework.
Pasting, taping and stapling paper are as well included. Thus, one may not seal an envelope nor attach a postage stamp stamp on the Sabbath.
Fastening something with a safety pin, however, is permitted, since this is only a temporary fastening.
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10. Violent (Note 27)
This includes undoing whatever form of sewing.
It also includes violent a garment.
Separating glued papers falls under this heading.
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. Knotting (Notation 28)
This includes tying any permanent knot.
Tying a bow, however, is permitted. Therefore, for instance, i may tie shoes on the Sabbath.
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12. Untying (Notation 29)
This includes untying any permanent knot.
If a knot is non fabricated to exist permanent, withal, it may be untied. This is true even if it is a permanent blazon knot. Thus, for case, if i'due south shoes accidentally go knotted, they may be untied.
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13. Shaping (Notation thirty)
This includes cut any object to a desired shape.
Cut material for a wearing apparel would fall under this category. So would cut out pictures or newspaper manufactures.
Working wood or metal on a lathe or mill also falls under this heading.
Foods are not included in this category, and may exist cut to be served.
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14. Plowing (Notation 31)
This includes any work that improves the ground.
Digging upward a garden and fertilizing it fall under this heading. Also included is raking a backyard.
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15. Planting (Note 32)
This includes all forms of planting and gardening.
Also included is annihilation that encourages plants to grow. Thus, one may not water plants on the Sabbath.
It is as well forbidden to place cut flowers in h2o, or fifty-fifty to change their water.
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16. Reaping (Note 33)
This includes cut or plucking any growing affair.
Agriculture is again one of the main ways in which man shows his authorisation over nature. This category is therefore too 1 of those mentioned in the Torah, every bit we find (Ex. 34:21), "Half dozen days shall you work, but y'all shall rest on the seventh; in plowing and in harvesting, you shall residue."
Such activities as plucking a flower and plucking a fruit from a tree come under this heading. The same is true of mowing a lawn.
Information technology was also legislated that nosotros do not handle any growing flowers or plants. It is also forbidden to climb a tree or odor a growing flower.
Fruit which falls from a tree on the Sabbath may not exist used on the same day.
The use of animals too as plants is forbidden since at that place is the business that 1 might forget and inadvertently pluck a branch for use as a switch.
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17. Harvesting (Note 34)
This includes all harvesting operations such every bit binding grain into sheaves or bales.
Gathering fallen fruit into piles, or placing them into baskets also falls under this heading. This is fifty-fifty truthful in a private enclosed thou where carrying is permitted.
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18. Threshing (Note 35)
This includes all operations where food is separated from its natural container.
Both solid and liquid foods are included.
The prime example is threshing grain to remove it from its husk.
Squeezing a fruit for its juice is also included. The same is true of milking a cow.
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19. Winnowing (Note 36)
This includes all activities where nutrient is separated from its inedible portions past ways of the air current.
The prime example is winnowing grain, where it is thrown upwards in the air, allowing the chaff to blow away.
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20. Selecting (Note 37)
This includes separating unwanted portions of food past hand.
Thus, for case, if one is eating berries, he may non option out the bad ones before eating the good ones.
One may, however, eat the good ones and leave the bad., It is besides permitted to peel fruits and vegetables for immediate consumption.
This category as well forbids one to pick the bones out of fish. This is one reason for the custom of eating Gefilte Fish on Shabbos, since its bones are already removed.
If one must remove something inedible, a small corporeality of food should be removed along with it.
The spirit of this category too forbids all sorts of sorting and filing activities.
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21. Sifting (Note 38)
This includes separating the unwanted portions from nutrient past means of a sieve.
It includes the sifting of flour and the straining of liquids.
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22. Grinding (Note 39)
This includes all grinding and milling operations. The prime example is milling grain.
Grinding coffee or pepper, filing metals, and crushing substances in a mortar, all fall under this heading.
Its spirit too forbids the grating of cheeses and vegetables and the grinding of fish and meat, as well as herbs used for medicine.
The Sanhedrin therefore legislated to forbid the utilize of all nonvital medicines and treatments except for a ill person.
An initial exception, however, was made in cases of acute hurting and actual illness, where necessary medical treatments may exist used.
Where life is actually in danger, the Sabbath may be violated in whatever necessary manner. Our sages teach u.s.a. that it is better to violate 1 Sabbath in order that another may live to continue many.
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23. Kneading (Notation forty)
This includes combining a pulverization with a liquid to form a dough or paste.
The primary instance is making a dough or batter for breadstuff or cake.
Also included would be making instant puddings, fifty-fifty where no cooking is required.
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24. Combing (Note 41)
This includes combing wool or cotton in preparation for making it into thread.
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25. Spinning (Note 42)
This includes all threadmaking and rope-making activities.
Making felt is also included.
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26. Dyeing (Note 43)
This includes changing the color of any object or substance.
Dyeing article of clothing, painting, and mixing paints and dyes all come under the heading.
The spirit of this police also prohibits the use of lipstick and eyeshadow. However, there are permanent cosmetics that can be put on before the Sabbath and final the entire 24-hour interval.
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27. Chainstitching (Notation 44)
This includes all crocheting, knitting, and braiding activities.
Also included are basketweaving and net making.
The prime number example involved setting up a loom for weaving. A chain of threads was looped across the loom to hold the warp. (Note 45)
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28. Warping (Annotation 46)
This includes setting up the warp on a loom, even when no actual weaving is done.
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29. Weaving (Annotation 47)
This includes all weaving operations.
Also included are all sorts of needlework, such as embroidery, needlepoint, and rug hooking.
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30. Unravelling (Note 48)
This includes unravelling whatever woven or knitted material.
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31. Building (Note 49)
This includes all edifice and assembling activities.
All building repairs come up under this heading, even driving a smash into a wall.
Also included is pitching any kind of tent.
The spirit of the law even forbids the opening of an umbrella (even when information technology will not exist carried outside), since information technology affords the aforementioned protection from the elements as a tent.
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32. Demolishing (Note 50)
This includes undoing any building functioning.
Thus, for instance, fifty-fifty a temporary tent may not be taken down on the Sabbath.
Taking apart any kind of machinery is also included.
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33. Trapping (Note 51)
This includes capturing or restricting the freedom of any living beast.
The prime number case is trapping an animal. Still even catching an insect in ane's hand comes under this heading.
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34. Shearing (Notation 52)
This includes removing pilus, wool or feathers from whatsoever living animal.
Also included are such things as haircutting, shaving and cutting one'southward fingernails. Countenance plucking is also forbidden.
The spirit of the law also forbids the combing of hair on the Sabbath, since this normally as well pulls out hairs. Using a soft brush, all the same, is permitted.
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35. Slaughtering (Note 53)
This includes the killing of any living creature.
Swatting a wing or mosquito is also included, as is wounding or bruising an animal or homo.
Mortiferous snakes and wasps, which pose a danger to human life, may be killed on the Sabbath. This is another case where human being life overrides all other considerations.
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36. Skinning (Note 54 )
This includes skinning whatever animal to obtain its hide
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37. Tanning (Annotation 55)
This includes all tanning and softening processes used to make hides into leather.
Too included is any process that softens or improves leather. Rubbing oil or saddle lather into leather thus comes under this heading.
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38. Smoothing (Annotation 56)
This includes all smoothing and polishing operations.
The prime example is the preparation of leather, where the hair is removed and the surface rubbed smooth.
Shining shoes is also included under this heading. (Note 57)
The same is truthful of polishing silverish or whatever other metal.
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39. Marking (Annotation 58)
This includes marking or scoring lines on a surface in training for cutting or writing.
It applies even when such mark does not come under the category of writing.
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A Final Word
After reading through the thirty-nine categories of work, y'all might take come to feel that keeping the Sabbath is an impossibly complex task.
We warned you of this earlier. The Sabbath is more than than a mere set of rules. It is another way of life completely, totally divorced from weekday life. When put in handbook course, a unlike life mode may seem very difficult and complex. When lived, yet, it is really very like shooting fish in a barrel.
A good case is going off to college. Every university prints a catalog, telling of all its rules and regulations and including a listing of courses. If your sole impression of campus life were to be based on this itemize, it would seem impossibly complicated. Later all, it takes a 200 page book just to describe it! But once y'all get there, yous learn to alive it.
The same is truthful of Shabbos. You learn to go along the Sabbath by reading books, but that makes it seem impossibly difficult. Information technology is almost like learning virtually dear from a marriage manual. Yous have to live it to encounter its true dimensions of dazzler.
Source: https://www.ou.org/holidays/the_thirty_nine_categories_of_sabbath_work_prohibited_by_law/
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