Chapter Previewהַקְדָּמָה
This chapter introduces the foundational principles of Hilchos Shabbos, establishing the dual nature of the day's sanctity through both positive and negative commandments. It outlines the core definitions of halachic liability, distinguishing between intentional and unintentional violations of Shabbos laws.
Additionally, the chapter defines the specific terminology used throughout these halachos to describe different levels of prohibition and permission. This includes clarifying the distinctions between Torah-level obligations, Rabbinic safeguards, and permissible actions that may unintentionally result in labor.
All introductions, summaries, and contextual notes are the editor's commentary and are not part of the original text.אַלע הַקְדָּמוֹת, סִכּוּמִים, און הערות זענען דעם רעדאַקטאָר'ס באַמערקונגען און זענען נישט קיין טייל פונעם אָריגינעלן טעקסט.
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מִצְוַת עֲשֵׂה וְלֹא תַעֲשֶׂה שֶׁל שְׁבִיתַת שַׁבָּת וְעָנְשָׁהּHalacha 1 · The Positive and Negative Commandments of Shabbos Rest and Their Punishments
שְׁבִיתָהRestingבַּשְּׁבִיעִיon the seventhמִמְּלָאכָהfrom laborמִצְוַתis a commandment ofעֲשֵׂהactionשֶׁנֶּאֱמַרas it is saidשמותShemosלד34כא21"וּבַיּוֹםand on the dayהַשְּׁבִיעִיthe seventhתִּשְׁבֹּת".you shall restוְכָלand anyoneהָעוֹשֶׂהwho performsבּוֹon itמְלָאכָהlaborבִּטֵּלhas negatedמִצְוַתa commandment ofעֲשֵׂהactionוְעָבַרand transgressedעַלagainstלֹאa negativeתַּעֲשֶׂהcommandmentשֶׁנֶּאֱמַרas it is saidדבריםDevarimה5יד14"לֹאdo notתַעֲשֶׂהperformכָלanyמְלָאכָה".laborוּמַהAnd whatהוּאis heחַיָּבliableעַלforעֲשִׂיַּתthe performance ofמְלָאכָה.laborאִםIfעָשָׂהhe performedבִּרְצוֹנוֹby his willבְּזָדוֹןintentionallyחַיָּבhe is liable forכָּרֵת.karetוְאִםand ifהָיוּthere wereשָׁםthereעֵדִיםwitnessesוְהַתְרָאָהand warningנִסְקָל.he is stonedוְאִםand ifעָשָׂהhe performedבִּשְׁגָגָהunintentionallyחַיָּבhe is liable forקָרְבַּןan offering ofחַטָּאתsinקְבוּעָה:fixed
This halacha establishes the dual nature of Shabbos observance as both a positive and negative commandment, outlining the spiritual and physical penalties for transgression.
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הָעוֹנֶשׁ עַל חִלּוּל שַׁבָּת בְּמָזִיד וּבְשׁוֹגֵגHalacha 2 · The Punishment for Desecrating Shabbos Intentionally and Unintentionally
כָּלEveryמָקוֹםplaceשֶׁנֶּאֱמַרthat it is saidבְּהִלְכוֹתin the laws ofשַׁבָּתShabbosשֶׁהָעוֹשֶׂהthat one who doesדָּבָרa thingזֶהthisחַיָּבis liableהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisחַיָּבis liableכָּרֵת.karetוְאִםand ifהָיוּthere wereשָׁםthereעֵדִיםwitnessesוְהַתְרָאָהand a warningחַיָּבhe is liableסְקִילָה.stoningוְאִםand ifהָיָהhe wasשׁוֹגֵגunintentionalחַיָּבhe is liableחַטָּאת:a sin offering
This halacha defines the standard legal consequences—karet, stoning, or a sin offering—implied by the term 'liable' in the laws of Shabbos.
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הַגְדָּרַת הַמֻּנָּח פָּטוּר אֲבָל אָסוּר וּמַכַּת מַרְדּוּת בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 3 · The Definition of Exempt But Forbidden and Stripes for Defiance on Shabbos
וְכָלAnd everyמָקוֹםplaceשֶׁנֶּאֱמַרthat it is saidשֶׁהָעוֹשֶׂהthat one who doesדָּבָרa thingזֶהthisפָּטוּרis exemptהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisפָּטוּרis exemptמִןfromהַכָּרֵתkaretוּמִןand fromהַסְּקִילָהstoningוּמִןand fromהַקָּרְבָּןa sacrificeאֲבָלbutאָסוּרit is forbiddenלַעֲשׂוֹתto doאוֹתוֹthatדָּבָרthingבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosוְאִסּוּרוֹand its prohibitionמִדִּבְרֵיis from the words ofסוֹפְרִיםScribesוְהוּאand itהַרְחָקָהis a distancingמִןfromהַמְּלָאכָה.melachaוְהָעוֹשֶׂהand one who doesאוֹתוֹitבְּזָדוֹןintentionallyמַכִּיןthey lashאוֹתוֹhimמַכַּתlashes ofמַרְדּוּת.defianceוְכֵןAnd soכָּלeveryמָקוֹםplaceשֶׁנֶּאֱמַרthat it is saidאֵיןwe do notעוֹשִׂיןdoכָּךְthusוְכָךְand thusאוֹorאָסוּרit is forbiddenלַעֲשׂוֹתto doכָּךְthusוְכָךְand thusבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosהָעוֹשֶׂהone who doesאוֹתוֹthatדָּבָרthingבְּזָדוֹןintentionallyמַכִּיןthey lashאוֹתוֹhimמַכַּתlashes ofמַרְדּוּת:defiance
This halacha defines the Rambam's terminology regarding Rabbinic prohibitions on Shabbos and the punishment of stripes for defiance.
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הַגְדָּרַת הַמֻּשָּׂגִים מֻתָּר וּפָטוּר בְּהִלְכוֹת שַׁבָּתHalacha 4 · Defining the Terms Permitted and Exempt in the Laws of Shabbos
וְכָלAnd everyמָקוֹםplaceשֶׁנֶּאֱמַרthat it is saidמֻתָּרit is permittedלַעֲשׂוֹתto doכָּךְsoוְכָךְand soהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמֻתָּרis permittedלְכַתְּחִלָּה.at the outsetוְכֵןAnd similarlyכָּלeveryמָקוֹםplaceשֶׁנֶּאֱמַרthat it is saidאֵינוֹhe is notחַיָּבliableכְּלוּםanythingאוֹorפָּטוּרexemptמִכְּלוּםfrom anythingאֵיןwe do notמַכִּיןstrikeאוֹתוֹhimכְּלָל:at all
The Rambam defines the precise halachic terminology used throughout Hilchos Shabbos regarding permissible acts and exemptions from punishment.
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הֶתֵּר עֲשִׂיַּת מַעֲשֶׂה שֶׁאֵינוֹ מִתְכַּוֵּן בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 5 · The Permissibility of Performing an Unintended Act on Shabbos
דְּבָרִיםThingsהַמֻּתָּרִיםthat are permittedלַעֲשׂוֹתָןto do themבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosוּבִשְׁעַתand at the time ofעֲשִׂיָּתָןtheir doingאֶפְשָׁרit is possibleשֶׁתֵּעָשֶׂהthat will be doneבִּגְלָלָןbecause of themמְלָאכָהa melachaוְאֶפְשָׁרand it is possibleשֶׁלֹּאthat notתֵּעָשֶׂה.will be doneאִםifלֹאnotנִתְכַּוֵּןhe intendedלְאוֹתָהּfor thatמְלָאכָהmelachaהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמֻתָּר.is permittedכֵּיצַד.How soגּוֹרֵרdragsאָדָםa personמִטָּהa bedוְכִסֵּאand a chairוְסַפְסָלand a benchוְכַיּוֹצֵאand the likeבָּהֶןof themבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosוּבִלְבַדand onlyשֶׁלֹּאthat notיִתְכַּוֵּןhe intendsלַחְפֹּרto digחָרִיץa grooveבַּקַּרְקַעin the groundבִּשְׁעַתat the time ofגְּרִירָתָן.their draggingוּלְפִיכָךְand thereforeאִםifחָפְרוּthey dugהַקַּרְקַעthe groundאֵינוֹhe does notחוֹשֵׁשׁconcern himselfבְּכָךְwith thisלְפִיbecauseשֶׁלֹּאthat notנִתְכַּוֵּן.he intendedוְכֵןAnd soמְהַלֵּךְwalksאָדָםa personעַלonגַּבֵּיtop ofעֲשָׂבִיםgrassבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosוּבִלְבַדand onlyשֶׁלֹּאthat notיִתְכַּוֵּןhe intendsלַעֲקֹרto uprootאוֹתָן.themלְפִיכָךְthereforeאִםifנֶעֶקְרוּthey were uprootedאֵינוֹhe does notחוֹשֵׁשׁ.concern himselfוְרוֹחֵץand washesיָדָיוhis handsבַּעֲפַרwith dust ofהַפֵּרוֹתthe fruitsוְכַיּוֹצֵאand the likeבּוֹof itוּבִלְבַדand onlyשֶׁלֹּאthat notיִתְכַּוֵּןhe intendsלְהַשִּׁירto removeהַשֵּׂעָר.the hairלְפִיכָךְthereforeאִםifנָשַׁרit fell outאֵינוֹhe does notחוֹשֵׁשׁ.concern himselfוְכֵןAnd soפִּרְצָהa breachדְּחוּקָהnarrowמֻתָּרit is permittedלְהִכָּנֵסto enterבָּהּitבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁמַּשִּׁירthat he removesצְרוֹרוֹת.pebblesוְכֵןand soכָּלanyדָּבָרthingשֶׁאֵיןthat he does notמִתְכַּוֵּןintendכְּגוֹןsuch asזֶהthisהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמֻתָּר:is permitted
This halacha establishes the principle of 'davar she'eino miskaven'—that an act permitted on Shabbos remains permitted even if it might unintentionally result in a melacha, provided that result is not inevitable.
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דִּין פְּסִיק רֵישֵׁיהּ בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 6 · The Law of an Inevitable Consequence on Shabbos
אֲבָלButעָשָׂהif one didמַעֲשֶׂהan actionוְנַעֲשֵׂיתand there was doneבִּגְלָלוֹbecause of itמְלָאכָהa melachaשֶׁוַּדַּאיwhich certainlyתֵּעָשֶׂהwill be doneבִּשְׁבִילon account ofאוֹתוֹthatמַעֲשֶׂהactionאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁלֹּאthat notנִתְכַּוֵּןhe intendedלָהּfor itחַיָּב.he is liableשֶׁהַדָּבָרfor the matterיָדוּעַis knownשֶׁאִיthat it is impossibleאֶפְשָׁרpossibleשֶׁלֹּאthat notתֵּעָשֶׂהwill be doneאוֹתָהּthatמְלָאכָה.melachaכֵּיצַד.How soהֲרֵיBeholdשֶׁצָּרִיךְone who needsלְרֹאשׁthe head ofעוֹףa fowlלְצַחֵקto playבּוֹwith itהַקָּטָןa childוְחָתַךְand he cut offרֹאשׁוֹits headבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁאֵיןthat is notסוֹףthe end ofמְגַמָּתוֹhis purposeלַהֲרִיגַתfor the killing ofהָעוֹףthe fowlבִּלְבַדaloneחַיָּבhe is liableשֶׁהַדָּבָרfor the matterיָדוּעַis knownשֶׁאִיthat it is impossibleאֶפְשָׁרpossibleשֶׁיַּחְתֹּךְthat he cut offרֹאשׁthe head ofהַחַיthe living beingוְיִחְיֶהand it liveאֶלָּאbutהַמָּוֶתdeathבָּאcomesבִּשְׁבִילוֹ.because of itוְכֵןand soכָּלallכַּיּוֹצֵאthat is similarבָּזֶה:to this
This halacha defines the concept of Pesik Reisheh, where an action inevitably results in a forbidden melacha, making the perpetrator liable even without direct intent.
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חִיּוּב עַל מְלָאכָה שֶׁאֵינָהּ צְרִיכָה לְגוּפָהּHalacha 7 · Liability for Performing a Forbidden Labor Not Needed for Its Own Sake
כָּלAnyoneהָעוֹשֶׂהwho performsמְלָאכָהlaborבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁאֵינוֹhe does notצָרִיךְneedלְגוּפָהּfor its own sakeשֶׁלofמְלָאכָהthe laborחַיָּבis liableעָלֶיהָ.for itכֵּיצַד.How soהֲרֵיBeholdשֶׁכִּבָּהone who extinguishedאֶת—הַנֵּרthe lampמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁהוּאheצָרִיךְneedsלַשֶּׁמֶןthe oilאוֹorלַפְּתִילָהthe wickכְּדֵיsoשֶׁלֹּאthat notיֹאבַדit will be lostאוֹorכְּדֵיsoשֶׁלֹּאthat notיִשָּׂרֵףit will burnאוֹorכְּדֵיsoשֶׁלֹּאthat notיִבָּקַעwill crackחֶרֶשׂthe earthenwareשֶׁלofנֵר.the lampמִפְּנֵיsinceשֶׁהַכִּבּוּיextinguishingמְלָאכָהis laborוַהֲרֵיand beholdנִתְכַּוֵּןhe intendedלְכַבּוֹתto extinguishוְאַףand evenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁאֵינוֹhe does notצָרִיךְneedלְגוּףfor the sake ofהַכִּבּוּיthe extinguishingוְלֹאand did notכִּבָּהextinguishאֶלָּאexceptמִפְּנֵיbecause ofהַשֶּׁמֶןthe oilאוֹorמִפְּנֵיbecause ofהַחֶרֶשׂthe earthenwareאוֹorמִפְּנֵיbecause ofהַפְּתִילָהthe wickהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthis oneחַיָּב.is liableוְכֵןAnd so tooהַמַּעֲבִירone who movesאֶת—הַקּוֹץthe thornאַרְבַּעfourאַמּוֹתcubitsבִּרְשׁוּתin the domainהָרַבִּיםof the publicאוֹorהַמְכַבֶּהone who extinguishesאֶת—הַגַּחֶלֶתthe coalכְּדֵיsoשֶׁלֹּאthat notיִזּוֹקוּwill be injuredבָּהֶןby themרַבִּיםthe publicחַיָּבis liableוְאַףand evenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁאֵינוֹhe does notצָרִיךְneedלְגוּףfor the sake ofהַכִּבּוּיthe extinguishingאוֹorלְגוּףfor the sake ofהַהַעֲבָרָהthe movingאֶלָּאbutלְהַרְחִיקto removeהַהֶזֵּקthe damageהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthis oneחַיָּב.is liableוְכֵןand so tooכָּלallכַּיּוֹצֵאsimilarבָּזֶה:to this
The Rambam rules in accordance with Rabbi Yehudah that one is liable for performing a forbidden labor on Shabbos even if the outcome itself is not intrinsically desired.
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מְלֶאכֶת מַחֲשֶׁבֶת וְהַמִּתְכַּוֵּן לִמְלָאכָה וְנַעֲשֵׂית אַחֶרֶתHalacha 8 · Intent in Shabbos Labors and Unintentional Consequences
כָּלAnyהַמִּתְכַּוֵּןwho intendsלַעֲשׂוֹתto performמְלָאכָהmelachaוְנַעֲשָׂהand was performedלוֹfor himמְלָאכָהmelachaאַחֶרֶתanotherשֶׁלֹּאthat notנִתְכַּוֵּןhe intendedלָהּfor itפָּטוּרis exemptעָלֶיהָon itלְפִיbecauseשֶׁלֹּאnotנַעֲשֵׂיתwas carried outמַחֲשַׁבְתּוֹ.his thoughtכֵּיצַד.How soזָרַקHe threwאֶבֶןa stoneאוֹorחֵץan arrowבַּחֲבֵרוֹat his fellowאוֹorבִּבְהֵמָהat an animalכְּדֵיin orderלְהָרְגָןto kill themוְהָלַךְand it wentוְעָקַרand uprootedאִילָןa treeבַּהֲלִיכָתוֹin its goingוְלֹאand notהָרַגit killedהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthis oneפָּטוּר.is exemptהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisקַלis a lightוָחֹמֶרand heavyאִםifנִתְכַּוֵּןhe intendedלְאִסּוּרfor a prohibitionקַלlightוְנַעֲשָׂהand was performedאִסּוּרa prohibitionחָמוּר.severeכְּגוֹןfor exampleשֶׁנִּתְכַּוֵּןthat he intendedלִזְרֹקto throwבְּכַרְמְלִיתinto a carmelitוְעָבְרָהand passedהָאֶבֶןthe stoneלִרְשׁוּתinto the domainהָרַבִּיםof the publicשֶׁהוּאthat heפָּטוּר.is exemptוְכֵןand soכָּלanyכַּיּוֹצֵאsimilarבָּזֶה.to thisנִתְכַּוֵּןHe intendedלַעֲשׂוֹתto doדָּבָרa matterהַמֻּתָּרthat is permittedוְעָשָׂהand he didדָּבָרa matterאַחֵרotherכְּגוֹןfor exampleשֶׁנִּתְכַּוֵּןthat he intendedלַחְתֹּךְto cutאֶת—הַתָּלוּשׁthe detachedוְחָתַךְand he cutאֶת—הַמְחֻבָּרthe attachedאֵינוֹhe is notחַיָּבliableכְּלוּם.anythingוְכֵןand soכָּלanyכַּיּוֹצֵאsimilarבָּזֶה:to this
This halacha teaches that one is only liable on Shabbos for purposeful labor that matches his original intent.
הל׳ ט
מְלֶאכֶת מַחְשֶׁבֶת וְשִׁנּוּי סֵדֶר הַלְּקִיטָהHalacha 9 · The Requirement of Purposeful Labor and the Order of Harvesting
נִתְכַּוֵּןHe intendedלִלְקֹטto pickתְּאֵנִיםfigsשְׁחוֹרוֹתblackוְלִקֵּטand he pickedלְבָנוֹתwhiteאוֹorשֶׁנִּתְכַּוֵּןthat he intendedלִלְקֹטto pickתְּאֵנִיםfigsוְאַחַרand afterכָּךְsoעֲנָבִיםgrapesוְנֶהְפַּךְand was reversedהַדָּבָרthe matterוְלִקֵּטand he pickedהָעֲנָבִיםthe grapesבַּתְּחִלָּהin the beginningוְאַחַרand afterכָּךְsoתְּאֵנִיםfigsפָּטוּרhe is exemptאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁלִּקֵּטthat he pickedכָּלallמַהwhatשֶּׁחָשַׁבthat he thoughtהוֹאִילsinceוְלֹאand notלִקֵּטhe pickedכַּסֵּדֶרaccording to the orderשֶׁחָשַׁבthat he thoughtפָּטוּרhe is exemptשֶׁבְּלֹאfor withoutכַּוָּנָהintentעָשָׂהhe didשֶׁלֹּאas notאָסְרָהforbadeתּוֹרָהthe Torahאֶלָּאexceptמְלֶאכֶתlabor ofמַחְשֶׁבֶת:thought
The Rambam rules that even if one harvests everything he desired, if he did not harvest them in the intended order, he is exempt because it is not considered purposeful labor.
הל׳ י
הַמִּתְכַּוֵּן לִמְלָאכָה וְנַעֲשֵׂית בְּחֵפֶץ אַחֵרHalacha 10 · One Who Intends to Perform Melacha on One Object and Performs It on Another
הָיוּWereלְפָנָיוbefore himשְׁתֵּיtwoנֵרוֹתcandlesדּוֹלְקוֹתburningאוֹorכְּבוּיוֹתextinguishedנִתְכַּוֵּןhe intendedלְכַבּוֹתto extinguishזוֹthis oneוְכִבָּהand he extinguishedאֶת—זוֹthis other oneלְהַדְלִיקto kindleזוֹthis oneוְהִדְלִיקand he kindledאֶת—זוֹthis other oneחַיָּבhe is liableשֶׁהֲרֵיsinceעָשָׂהhe performedמִןofהַמְּלָאכָהthe melachaשֶׁחָשַׁבthat he thoughtלַעֲשׂוֹתָהּ.to doהָאthisלְמָהto whatהוּאitדּוֹמֶהis comparableלְמִיto oneשֶׁנִּתְכַּוֵּןwho intendedלִלְקֹטto pickתְּאֵנָהfigזוֹthisוְלִקֵּטand he pickedתְּאֵנָהfigאַחֶרֶת.anotherאוֹorלְמִיto oneשֶׁנִּתְכַּוֵּןwho intendedלַהֲרֹגto killאֶת—זֶהthis oneוְהָרַגand he killedאֶת—זֶהthis other oneשֶׁהֲרֵיsinceנַעֲשֵׂיתwas performedמְלָאכָהmelachaשֶׁחָשַׁבthat he thoughtלַעֲשׂוֹתָהּ:to do
This halacha discusses the liability of a person who performs the exact melacha he intended, but upon a different object than the one he originally designated.
הל׳ יא
פְּטוּר מִתְעַסֵּק בִּמְלֶאכֶת שַׁבָּתHalacha 11 · Exemption of One Who Performs Melacha Casually Without Intention
אֲבָלButאִםifנִתְכַּוֵּןhe intendedלְהַדְלִיקto kindleרִאשׁוֹנָהthe firstוּלְכַבּוֹתand to extinguishשְׁנִיָּהthe secondאַחֲרֶיהָafter itוְנֶהְפַּךְand was reversedהַדָּבָרthe matterוְכִבָּהand he extinguishedרִאשׁוֹנָהthe firstוְאַחַרand afterכָּךְthatהִדְלִיקhe kindledשְׁנִיָּהthe secondאַחֲרֶיהָafter itפָּטוּר.he is exemptכִּבָּהIf he extinguishedזוֹthis oneוְהִדְלִיקand kindledזוֹthis oneבִּנְשִׁימָהin a breathאַחַתsingleחַיָּב.he is liableשֶׁאַףfor evenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁלֹּאthat notהִקְדִּיםhe precededהַהַדְלָקָהthe kindlingהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisלֹאdid notאִחֵרdelayאוֹתָהּitאֶלָּאbutשְׁתֵּיהֶןboth of themכְּאַחַתas oneוּלְפִיכָךְand thereforeחַיָּב.he is liableוְכֵןAnd soכָּלanyכַּיּוֹצֵאsimilarבָּזֶה.to thisוְכָלand anyoneהָעוֹשֶׂהwho doesמְלָאכָהmelachaבְּמִתְעַסֵּקas a casual actוְלֹאand notנִתְכַּוֵּןintendedלָהּfor itפָּטוּר:is exempt
This halacha explains that a person who performs a forbidden labor on Shabbos as a 'mitasek' (casually and without intention for that specific outcome) is exempt from liability.
הל׳ יב
מְלָאכָה הַנַּעֲשֵׂית בְּיוֹתֵר אוֹ בְּפָחוֹת מִכַּוָּנַת הָעוֹשֶׂהHalacha 12 · Labor Performed More or Less Effectively Than Originally Intended
כָּלAnyהַמִּתְכַּוֵּןone who intendsלַעֲשׂוֹתto performמְלָאכָהmelachaוְנַעֲשֵׂיתand it was doneבְּיוֹתֵרwith moreעַלthanכַּוָּנָתוֹhis intentionחַיָּב.is liableבְּפָחוֹתwith lessמִכַּוָּנָתוֹthan his intentionפָּטוּר.is exemptכֵּיצַד.How soהֲרֵיBeholdשֶׁנִּתְכַּוֵּןwho intendedלְהוֹצִיאto carry outמַשָּׂאa burdenלְאַחֲרָיוbehind himוּבָאand it cameלוֹto himלְפָנָיוbefore himחַיָּבis liableשֶׁהֲרֵיfor beholdנִתְכַּוֵּןhe intendedלִשְׁמִירָהfor safeguardingפְּחוּתָהinferiorוְנַעֲשֵׂיתand there was doneשְׁמִירָהsafeguardingמְעֻלָּה.superiorאֲבָלButאִםifנִתְכַּוֵּןhe intendedלְהוֹצִיאto carry outלְפָנָיוbefore himוּבָאand it cameלוֹto himלְאַחֲרָיוbehind himפָּטוּרis exemptשֶׁהֲרֵיfor beholdנִתְכַּוֵּןhe intendedלְהוֹצִיאto carry outבִּשְׁמִירָהwith safeguardingמְעֻלָּהsuperiorוְהוֹצִיאand he carried outבִּשְׁמִירָהwith safeguardingפְּחוּתָה.inferiorוְכֵןAnd soכָּלanyכַּיּוֹצֵאsimilarבָּזֶה:to this
This halacha establishes that a person is liable if their forbidden labor is performed more effectively than intended, but exempt if it is performed less effectively.
הל׳ יג
הַמּוֹצִיא מַשָּׂא בֵּין בְּשָׂרוֹ לַחֲלוּקוֹ כְּשֶׁהוּא חָגוּרHalacha 13 · Carrying a Burden Between One's Flesh and Garment While Girded
הָיָהHe wasחָגוּרgirdedבְּסִנָּרwith a beltוְהִשְׁלִיךְand he placedהַמַּשָּׂאthe burdenבֵּיןbetweenבְּשָׂרוֹhis fleshוַחֲלוּקוֹand his shirtבֵּיןwhetherשֶׁבָּאthat it cameזֶהthisהַמַּשָּׂאburdenשֶׁדַּרְכּוֹwhose manner isלְהוֹצִיאוֹto carry it outבַּדֶּרֶךְin the wayהַזֹּאתthisלְפָנָיוbefore himבֵּיןorשֶׁבָּאthat it cameלְאַחֲרָיוbehind himחַיָּבhe is liableשֶׁכֵּןsinceדַּרְכּוֹits manner isלִהְיוֹתto beחוֹזֵר:shifting
This halacha discusses the liability of carrying an object tucked under a belt, which is considered a common and effective way of carrying.
הל׳ יד
חִיּוּב עֲשִׂיַּת מְלָאכָה בְּשִׁעוּרָהּ אַף עַל פִּי שֶׁלֹּא הִשְׁלִים כָּל חֶפְצוֹHalacha 14 · Liability for Performing the Minimum Measure of Melacha Without Completing the Entire Task
כָּלAnyהַמִתְכַּוֵּןone who intendsלַעֲשׂוֹתto doמְלָאכָהmelachaבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosוְהִתְחִילand beganבָּהּitוְעָשָׂהand didכַּשִּׁעוּרthe minimum measureחַיָּב.is liableאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁלֹּאthat notהִשְׁלִיםhe completedכָּלallהַמְּלָאכָהthe melachaשֶׁנִּתְכַּוֵּןthat he intendedלְהַשְׁלִימָהּ.to complete itכֵּיצַד.How soהֲרֵיBeholdשֶׁנִּתְכַּוֵּןthat he intendedלִכְתֹּבto writeאִגֶּרֶתa letterאוֹorשְׁטָרa contractבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosאֵיןwe do notאוֹמְרִיםsayלֹאnotיִתְחַיֵּבhe will be liableזֶהthis oneעַדuntilשֶׁיַּשְׁלִיםthat he completesחֶפְצוֹhis desireוְיִכְתֹּבand writesכָּלall ofהַשְּׁטָרthe contractאוֹorכָּלall ofהָאִגֶּרֶתthe letterאֶלָּאratherמִשֶּׁיִּכְתֹּבfrom when he writesשְׁתֵּיtwoאוֹתִיּוֹתlettersחַיָּב.he is liableוְכֵןAnd soאִםifנִתְכַּוֵּןhe intendedלֶאֱרֹגto weaveבֶּגֶדa garmentשָׁלֵםcompleteמִשֶּׁיֶאֱרֹגfrom when he weavesשְׁנֵיtwoחוּטִיןthreadsחַיָּבhe is liableוְאַףand evenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁכַּוָּנָתוֹthat his intentionלְהַשְׁלִיםis to completeהַבֶּגֶדthe garmentהוֹאִילsinceוְעָשָׂהand he didכַּשִּׁעוּרthe minimum measureבְּכַוָּנָהwith intentionחַיָּב.he is liableוְכֵןand soכָּלallכַּיּוֹצֵאsimilarבָּזֶה:to this
This halacha teaches that one is liable for Shabbos desecration as soon as they perform the minimum halachic measure of a melacha, even if they intended to do a much larger task.
הל׳ טו
פְּטוּר שְׁנַיִם שֶׁעָשׂוּ מְלָאכָה אַחַת בְּשֻׁתָּפוּתHalacha 15 · Exemption of Two People Who Jointly Perform a Single Melacha
כָּלAnyמְלָאכָהlaborשֶׁהַיָּחִידthat an individualיָכוֹלis ableלַעֲשׂוֹתto performאוֹתָהּitלְבַדּוֹaloneוְעָשׂוּand they performedאוֹתָהּitשְׁנַיִםtwoבְּשֻׁתָּפוּתin partnershipבֵּיןwhetherשֶׁעָשָׂהthat performedזֶהthis oneמִקְצָתָהּpart of itוְזֶהand this oneמִקְצָתָהּpart of itכְּגוֹןfor exampleשֶׁעָקַרthat uprootedזֶהthis oneהַחֵפֶץthe objectמֵרְשׁוּתfrom a domainזוֹthisוְהִנִּיחוֹand placed itהַשֵּׁנִיthe secondבִּרְשׁוּתin a domainאַחֶרֶתanotherבֵּיןwhetherשֶׁעָשׂוּthat they performedאוֹתָהּitשְׁנֵיהֶםboth of themכְּאֶחָדas oneמִתְּחִלָּהfrom the beginningוְעַדand untilסוֹףthe endכְּגוֹןfor exampleשֶׁאָחֲזוּthat heldשְׁנֵיהֶםboth of themבְּקֻלְמוֹסa penוְכָתְבוּand wroteאוֹorאָחֲזוּthey heldכִּכָּרa loafוְהוֹצִיאוּהוּand carried it outמֵרְשׁוּתfrom a domainלִרְשׁוּתto a domainהֲרֵיbeholdאֵלּוּtheseפְּטוּרִין:are exempt
This halacha teaches that when two people perform a melacha that could have been done by one, they are exempt from liability.
הל׳ טז
שְׁנַיִם שֶׁעָשׂוּ מְלָאכָה אַחַת בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 16 · Two People Who Perform a Single Melacha Together on Shabbos
וְאִםAnd ifאֵיןthere is noאֶחָדoneמֵהֶןof themיָכוֹלableלַעֲשׂוֹתָהּto do itלְבַדּוֹaloneעַדuntilשֶׁיִּצְטָרְפוּthey join togetherכְּגוֹןfor exampleשְׁנַיִםtwoשֶׁאָחֲזוּwho heldקוֹרָהa beamוְהוֹצִיאוּהָand carried it outלִרְשׁוּתto the domain ofהָרַבִּיםthe publicהוֹאִילsinceוְאֵיןand there is noכֹּחַstrengthבְּאֶחָדin oneמֵהֶןof themלַעֲשׂוֹתָהּto do itלְבַדּוֹaloneוְעָשׂוּand they didאוֹתָהּitבְּשֻׁתָּפוּתin partnershipמִתְּחִלָּהfrom the beginningוְעַדand untilסוֹףthe endשְׁנֵיהֶןboth of themחַיָּבִיןare liableוְשִׁעוּרand the measureאֶחָדis oneלִשְׁנֵיהֶן.for both of themהָיָהIf there wasכֹּחַstrengthבְּאֶחָדin oneלְהוֹצִיאto carry outקוֹרָהbeamזוֹthisלְבַדּוֹaloneוְהַשֵּׁנִיand the secondאֵינוֹis notיָכוֹלableלְהוֹצִיאָהּto carry it outלְבַדּוֹaloneוְנִשְׁתַּתְּפוּand they partneredשְׁנֵיהֶםboth of themוְהוֹצִיאוּהָ.and carried it outזֶהthisהָרִאשׁוֹןfirst oneשֶׁיָּכוֹלwho is ableחַיָּבis liableוְהַשֵּׁנִיand the secondמְסַיֵּעַassistingהוּאhe isוּמְסַיֵּעַand one who assistsאֵינוֹis notחַיָּבliableכְּלוּם.at allוְכֵןand soכָּלallכַּיּוֹצֵאsimilarבָּזֶה:to this
This halacha clarifies the liability when two people perform a forbidden labor together, distinguishing between cases where neither could do it alone and cases where one was capable but the other merely assisted.
הל׳ יז
הַמְקַלְקֵל בְּשַׁבָּת וְהַחוֹפֵר גּוּמָא לַעֲפָרָהּHalacha 17 · One Who Acts Destructively on Shabbos and Digging a Pit for Its Earth
כָּלAllהַמְקַלְקְלִיןwho destroyפְּטוּרִין.are exemptכֵּיצַד.Howהֲרֵיbeholdשֶׁחָבַלone who injuredבַּחֲבֵרוֹhis fellowאוֹorבִּבְהֵמָהan animalדֶּרֶךְby way ofהַשְׁחָתָהdestructionוְכֵןand soאִםifקָרַעhe toreבְּגָדִיםgarmentsאוֹorשְׂרָפָןburned themאוֹorשָׁבַרbrokeכֵּלִיםutensilsדֶּרֶךְby way ofהַשְׁחָתָהdestructionהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthis oneפָּטוּר.is exemptחָפַרOne who dugגּוּמָאa pitוְאֵינוֹand does notצָרִיךְneedאֶלָּאunlessלַעֲפָרָהּits earthהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthis oneמְקַלְקֵלis a destroyerוּפָטוּר.and is exemptאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁעָשָׂהhe performedמְלָאכָהmelachaהוֹאִילsinceוְכַוָּנָתוֹhis intention isלְקַלְקֵלto destroyפָּטוּר:he is exempt
This halacha establishes that any melacha performed in a purely destructive manner, such as damaging property or digging a pit solely for its soil, is exempt from liability.
הל׳ יח
הַמְקַלְקֵל עַל מְנָת לְתַקֵּן בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 18 · One Who Destroys on Condition to Improve on Shabbos
כָּלAnyהַמְקַלְקֵלone who destroysעַלonמְנָתconditionלְתַקֵּןto improveחַיָּב.is liableכֵּיצַד.How soהֲרֵיbeholdשֶׁסָּתַרone who demolishedכְּדֵיin orderלִבְנוֹתto buildבִּמְקוֹמוֹin its placeאוֹorשֶׁמָּחַקone who erasedכְּדֵיin orderלִכְתֹּבto writeבַּמָּקוֹםin the placeשֶׁמָּחַקthat he erasedאוֹorשֶׁחָפַרone who dugגּוּמָאa pitכְּדֵיin orderלִבְנוֹתto buildבְּתוֹכָהּinside itיְסוֹדוֹתfoundationsוְכָלand anyכַּיּוֹצֵאsimilarבָּזֶהto thisחַיָּב.is liableוְשִׁעוּרָןand their measureכְּשִׁעוּרis like the measureהַמְתַקֵּן:of the improver
This halacha establishes that destructive acts performed as a necessary preparation for constructive acts are forbidden on Shabbos and carry liability.
הל׳ יט
חִיּוּב מְלָאכָה בְּשַׁבָּת מִתְּחִלָּה וְעַד סוֹףHalacha 19 · Liability Requires Performing the Entire Melacha Intentionally or Unintentionally from Beginning to End
כָּלAnyהָעוֹשֶׂהwho performsמְלָאכָהmelachaבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosמִקְצָתָהּpart of itבְּשׁוֹגֵגunintentionallyוּמִקְצָתָהּand part of itבְּזָדוֹןintentionallyבֵּיןwhetherשֶׁהֵזִידthat he acted intentionallyוּלְבַסּוֹףand in the endשָׁגַגacted unintentionallyבֵּיןwhetherשֶׁשָּׁגַגthat he acted unintentionallyוּלְבַסּוֹףand in the endהֵזִידacted intentionallyפָּטוּרis exemptעַדuntilשֶׁיַּעֲשֶׂהthat he performsשִׁעוּרthe measure ofהַמְּלָאכָהthe melachaכֻּלָּהּall of itמִתְּחִלָּהfrom beginningוְעַדand untilסוֹףendבְּזָדוֹןintentionallyוְאַחַרand afterכָּךְthatיִהְיֶהhe will beחַיָּבliableכָּרֵת.karetוְאִםand ifיִהְיֶהthere will beבְּעֵדִיםwith witnessesוְהַתְרָאָהand warningחַיָּבliableסְקִילָה.stoningאוֹorשֶׁיַּעֲשֶׂהthat he performsשִׁעוּרthe measure ofמְלָאכָהmelachaכֻּלָּהּall of itבִּשְׁגָגָהunintentionallyמִתְּחִלָּהfrom beginningוְעַדand untilסוֹףendוְאַחַרand afterכָּךְthatיִהְיֶהhe will beחַיָּבliableחַטָּאתa sin offeringקְבוּעָה:fixed
This halacha teaches that one is only liable for Shabbos desecration if the entire minimum measure of the melacha was performed under a single state of mind, either entirely intentional or entirely unintentional.
Chapter Summaryסִכּוּם
The chapter begins by establishing that resting on Shabbos is a positive commandment, while performing labor violates both a positive and a negative commandment. It details the punishments for violations, explaining that intentional desecration carries the penalty of karet or stoning, while unintentional labor requires a fixed sin offering. The Rambam defines key halachic terms: 'liable' indicates Torah-level culpability; 'not liable' denotes a Rabbinic prohibition carrying 'stripes for defiance' rather than exemption; and 'permissible' allows an action from the outset. Finally, the chapter introduces the rule of unintentional consequences, permitting an action that might result in a forbidden labor, provided the outcome is not an absolute certainty and there is no intent to perform that labor.
לְמַעֲשֶׂהWhat To Take Home
The foundation of Shabbos is not merely a list of physical restrictions, but a deep avodah of the mind and heart. The Torah teaches us that the severity of Shabbos is tied directly to "meleches machsheves"—thoughtful, intentional labor. When you go about your day, remember that Hashem values your inner focus and intention. If you act with a pure heart and a constructive goal, even if an unintended consequence occurs, you remain pure. Conversely, even a seemingly minor action done with a rebellious or careless mind carries immense spiritual weight.
This Shabbos, bring this awareness into your home. Before you perform any action, pause for a single second to align your mind with the holiness of the day. Let your physical rest be a conscious, intentional gift to Hashem, rather than just a passive break from the workweek.
Today, before Shabbos begins, take one minute to sit quietly and consciously dedicate the upcoming day of rest to Hashem, transforming your physical cessation of work into a holy, intentional act of avodah.