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
The Putting up and Taking down of the Mishkan
The Mishkan's Final Touches
- Extinguishing a Fire
- Kindling a Fire
- Striking the Final Hammer Blow
- Carrying