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