The 39 Melachot

There are thirty-nine general categories of labor that are forbidden on Shabbat. Each of these categories include 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.

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

Making Leather Curtains

Trapping
Slaughtering
Skinning
Salting
Tanning
Scraping
Cutting

Making the Beams of the Mishkan

Writing
Erasing

The Putting up and Taking down of the Mishkan

Building
Breaking Down

The Mishkan's Final Touches

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

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Food Preparation on Shabbat

Eruv

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July 19, 2012

Fire On Shabba

I have a problem with Menachem Posner's response. Pikuach nefesh is to save a life, NOT life hood. Calling 911 is another prohibition. Best one can do is to solicit a goy to offer a help and either call 911 or put out the fire. Period.
Jack, Midland Park, NjJ, their judgement was perfect.

Adam From Toronto
Toronto, ontario

July 10, 2011

RE Putting out a fire on Shabbat

When the fire poses potential danger, we are indeed obligated to call 911 and do whatever we can to put it out. Like the other Shabbat restrictions, this prohibition is only when the fire is not life-threatening.

Menachem Posner for Chabad.org
Montreal, QC

July 9, 2011

Putting out a fire on Shabbat

I believe that anything that could potentially hurt humanity has to be dealt with on the Sabbath as well as other days. We respect our environment which means putting out a fire so we aren't breathing smoke and can protect and live in the home God has provided us. We lead by example and I wouldn't want that to happen to my children while they watch as they could potentially die of smoke inhilation or burn to death if it is unlawful to run to safety on the Sabbath day. Poor judgment is my verdict as well.

Anonymous
Lethbridge, Canada

February 24, 2011

Putting out a fire on Shabbat.

My obervant daughter told me that once she was at a Shabbat dinner. During the meal, the Shabbat candles fell over and set fire to nearby window curtains. No one tried to put out the fllames. Foretunaltely, nothing else caught fire. My own feeling was that this showed poor judgment by those present. What do you think ?

Jack
Midland Park, NJ

August 12, 2010

39 Melachos

It would be very useful to publish their names in vocalized Hebrew.
Thanks

ShiaDuvid
brooklyn, ny