39 Melachot


There are thirty-nine general categories of labor that are forbidden on Shabbat. Each of these categories includes a range of derivative laws and activities, some of which are described in "The Shabbat Laws." The melachot are generally divided into six groups, classified according to the Mishkan's activities with which they are associated.


The Mishkan's Final Touches


• Extinguishing a Fire • Kindling a Fire • Striking the Final Hammer Blow


• Carrying


The Putting up and Taking down of the Mishkan


• Building • Breaking Down


Making the Beams of the Mishkan


• Writing • Erasing


Making Leather Curtains


• Trapping • Slaughtering • Skinning • Salting • Tanning • Scraping • Cutting


Field Work


• Sowing • Plowing • Reaping • Binding Sheaves • Threshing • Winnowing • Selecting • Grinding • Sifting • Kneading • Baking


Making Material Curtains


• Shearing Wool • Cleaning • Combing • Dyeing • Spinning • Stretching the Threads


• Making Loops • Weaving Threads • Separating the Threads


• Tying a Knot • Untying a Knot • Sewing • Tearing


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