Shabbat, known as the Sabbath, is the Jewish day of rest that starts at sundown on Friday and ends at nightfall on Saturday. On Shabbat, Jews follow strict rules that prohibit certain activities considered “work”. The prohibitions fall into several categories, including forbidden labors related to the construction of the tabernacle, activities that violate the spirit of restfulness, and routine weekday practices. Understanding what is not allowed on this holy day is key to properly observing it.
The 39 Categories of Forbidden Labors
The Torah outlines 39 categories of “work” that are not permitted on Shabbat in Exodus 35:1-3. These labors are directly related to the construction and maintenance of the Mishkan (the portable temple used before the permanent one was built in Jerusalem). The rabbis reasoned that if such activities were prohibited when building the Mishkan, they should also be avoided on Shabbat. The categories are:
1. Sowing
Planting, plowing, fertilizing, or any labor that involves working the earth or preparing soil for planting seeds is forbidden.
2. Plowing
As mentioned, plowing fields or earth for agricultural purposes violates Shabbat rest.
3. Reaping
Cutting, gathering, or removing any produce or crops from the ground or trees is prohibited.
4. Gathering
Collecting things growing from the ground violates Shabbat, whether it be plants, fruits, or produce.
5. Threshing
Separating grains from chaff or anything that extracts crops from their natural wrapping or shell goes against Shabbat rules.
6. Winnowing
Winnowing, the process of separating grain from chaff by blowing air through it, is forbidden labor.
7. Selecting
Sorting or filtering crops, such as picking out rocks or debris, violates the Shabbat.
8. Grinding
Turning grain into flour or anything that pulverizes food items is prohibited.
9. Sifting
Separating solids, such as flour, from larger particles through a strainer or sieve is not allowed.
10. Kneading
Mixing dough or combining particles into a mass is against Shabbat law.
11. Baking
Baking or cooking any food items in an oven or over a fire goes against Shabbat rest.
12. Shearing
Removing the fleece or hair of wool-bearing animals is forbidden.
13. Washing
Laundering clothing or linens violates the Shabbat, as does certain washing of the body and hair.
14. Beating
Fulling, which is beating or scrubbing clothing or fabric to clean and thicken it, is prohibited.
15. Dyeing
Coloring fabric or garments is forbidden labor.
16. Spinning
Twisting fibers into thread or yarn for weaving violates the Shabbat.
17. Warping
Measuring out and setting up warp threads on a loom goes against Shabbat law.
18. Making two loops
Forming loops for buttons or implementing any needlework violates the day of rest.
19. Weaving
Interlacing warp and weft threads to create fabric is forbidden.
20. Separating two threads
Undoing any amount of stitching or unweaving fabric violates Shabbat rules.
21. Tying
Making knots or tying things together, like rope, violates the Shabbat.
22. Untying
Undoing knots is forbidden just as tying them is.
23. Sewing two stitches
Adding any permanent stitches, no matter how small, violates Shabbat.
24. Tearing
Ripping fabric or other material is prohibited.
25. Trapping
Catching or restricting animals in any way violates the Shabbat.
26. Slaughtering
Killing animals for food is forbidden.
27. Flaying
Skinning or processing animal hides violates Shabbat law.
28. Salting
Curing hides or preserving meat by salting is prohibited.
29. Curing
Tanning animal hides into leather violates the day of rest.
30. Smoothing
Scraping hides or processing leather for use is forbidden.
31. Marking
Cutting, etching, or writing on any surface violates the Shabbat.
32. Cutting to shape
Tailoring, trimming, or otherwise shaping an object to fit something else is prohibited.
33. Writing two letters
Writing even two letters, whether etched into a surface or on paper, violates Shabbat law.
34. Erasing two letters
Erasing any writing, even just two letters, is forbidden.
35. Building
Constructing or assembling any kind of structure violates Shabbat.
36. Demolishing
Tearing down a building or destroying any completed structure or vessel is prohibited.
37. Extinguishing
Putting out fire, including switching off lights or electrical devices, violates the Shabbat.
38. Kindling
Igniting or increasing a flame is forbidden labor.
39. Striking with a hammer
The final prohibited labor is hitting or removing an object from its place with a hammer or other tool.
Activities Against Shabbat Restfulness
In addition to the 39 labors forbidden by the Torah, rabbis identified other activities over time that violate the Shabbat’s spirit of restfulness. These include:
Carrying Objects Outside
Carrying anything outside, like house keys or a prayer book, violates the Shabbat. This includes having items in your pockets when going outside.
Driving or Riding in Motorized Vehicles
Driving or riding in cars, buses, or any motorized transport is prohibited.
Riding Bikes
Bicycle riding also goes against the Shabbat’s restful nature.
Making Financial Transactions
Any commerce, like buying items, using money, or working for payment, is forbidden.
Writing Words
Writing letters, even nonsensically, violates Shabbat law.
Creating or Completing a Circuit
Closing an electrical circuit, like turning on lights or appliances, goes against the day of rest.
Using Communication Devices
Phones, radios, televisions, computers or any device that sends or receives communication is prohibited.
Creating or Destroying Permanent Creations
Making or demolishing long-lasting creations violates the Shabbat.
Routine Weekday Practices
There are also normal weekday activities that are restricted to keep Shabbat holy:
Bathing and Washing
While washing hands, face, and feet is allowed for hygienic reasons, bathing the entire body violates the Shabbat. Only eligible to immerse in a mikveh.
Haircare
Cutting hair is completely forbidden. Brushing hair violates the Shabbat according to some traditions.
Makeup Application
Putting on makeup or nail polish goes against keeping the Shabbat.
Wearing Weekday Clothing
Mundane clothes worn during the week should be set aside for nicer Shabbat clothing.
Marital Relations
Sexual intimacy between married couples is forbidden on the Shabbat.
Conclusion
Keeping Shabbat is meant to remind Jews of God’s work in creating the universe and His dominion over time and space each week. Refraining from work demonstrates faith in His provision. Avoiding even small acts like writing, carrying items, and knot tying shows commitment to total rest on the Sabbath. While challenging at first, honoring these prohibitions brings believers closer to God’s ideal for a fulfilling life in communion with Him.