Chapter Previewהַקְדָּמָה
In this chapter, we begin learning the halachos of the melachos of Koshair (tying) and Matir (untying) on Shabbos. The Rambam, in his warm and clear way, guides us through the definitions of what makes a knot forbidden min HaTorah, explaining that a d'Oraisa violation requires a knot that is both permanent and requires the skill of a craftsman (ma'aseh uman). We will learn how our Sages set up fences to protect these boundaries, and how these definitions apply to the everyday items of the times, such as camel drivers' knots, sandals, and animal ropes.
We will also look at the practical, daily applications of these melachos. The Rambam teaches us which knots are completely muttar to tie and untie on Shabbos because they are temporary and simple, such as tying a woman's cloak, a hairnet, or the straps of shoes. Through these halachos, we see the beautiful balance of Shabbos, where we guard the sanctity of the day while understanding exactly what is permitted for our basic needs.
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.
הל׳ א
הַקּוֹשֵׁר קֶשֶׁר שֶׁל קַיָּמָא וּמַעֲשֵׂה אֻמָּן בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 1 · Tying a Permanent and Professional Knot on Shabbos
הַקוֹשֵׁרOne who tiesקֶשֶׁרa knotשֶׁלofקַיָּמָאpermanenceוְהוּאand itמַעֲשֵׂהis the work ofאֻמָּןa craftsmanחַיָּב.is liableכְּגוֹןsuch asקֶשֶׁרthe knot ofהַגַּמָּלִיןthe camel driversוְקֶשֶׁרand the knot ofהַסַּפָּנִיןthe sailorsוְקִשְׁרֵיand the knots ofרְצוּעוֹתthe straps ofמִנְעָלa shoeוְסַנְדָּלand a sandalשֶׁקּוֹשְׁרִיןthat tieהָרַצְעָנִיןthe shoemakersבִּשְׁעַתat the time ofעֲשִׂיָּתָן.their makingוְכֵןand soכָּלallכַּיּוֹצֵאthat is similarבָּזֶה.to thisאֲבָלbutהַקּוֹשֵׁרone who tiesקֶשֶׁרa knotשֶׁלofקַיָּמָאpermanenceוְאֵינוֹand it is notמַעֲשֵׂהthe work ofאֻמָּןa craftsmanפָּטוּר.is exemptוְקֶשֶׁרand a knotשֶׁאֵינוֹthat is notשֶׁלofקַיָּמָאpermanenceוְאֵינוֹand is notמַעֲשֵׂהthe work ofאֻמָּןa craftsmanמֻתָּרis permittedלְקָשְׁרוֹto tie itלְכַתְּחִלָּה:initially
This halacha defines the categories of knots that are biblically forbidden, rabbinically exempt, or fully permitted on Shabbos based on permanence and craftsmanship.
הל׳ ב
קְשָׁרִים שֶׁאֵינָם מַעֲשֵׂה אֻמָּן וּקְשָׁרִים שֶׁאֵינָם לְקַיָּמָאHalacha 2 · Knots of a Layman and Knots Not Intended to Remain Permanently
כֵּיצַד.Howנִפְסְקָהtoreלוֹfor himרְצוּעָהa strapוּקְשָׁרָהּ,and he tied itנִפְסַקtoreהַחֶבֶלthe ropeוּקְשָׁרוֹ,and he tied itאוֹorשֶׁקָּשַׁרthat he tiedחֶבֶלa ropeבִּדְלִיto a bucketאוֹorשֶׁקָּשַׁרthat he tiedרֶסֶןthe bridle ofבְּהֵמָהan animalהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisפָּטוּר.is exemptוְכֵןand soכָּלallכַּיּוֹצֵאsimilarבְּאֵלּוּto theseהַקְּשָׁרִיםknotsשֶׁהֵןthat they areמַעֲשֵׂהthe work ofהֶדְיוֹטa laymanוְכָלand everyאָדָםmanקוֹשֵׁרtiesאוֹתָןthemלְקַיָּמָא.permanentlyוְכָלand anyקֶשֶׁרknotשֶׁאֵינוֹthat is notשֶׁלofקַיָּמָאpermanenceאִםifקְשָׁרוֹhe tied itקֶשֶׁרwith a knot ofאֻמָּןa craftsmanהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisאָסוּר:is forbidden
This halacha defines the intermediate category of knots on Shabbos, which are exempt from biblical liability but may still be rabbinically forbidden.
הל׳ ג
קְשָׁרִים הַמֻּתָּרִים לִקְשֹׁר וּלְהַתִּיר בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 3 · Knots Permitted to be Tied and Untied on Shabbos
קוֹשֶׁרֶתtiesאִשָּׁהa womanמִפְתְּחֵיthe openings ofהֶחָלוּקthe cloakאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁיֵּשׁthat there areלוֹto itשְׁנֵיtwoפְּתָחִים,openingsוְחוּטֵיand the strands ofסְבָכָהa hairnetאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁהוּאthat itרָפוּיis looseבְּרֹאשָׁהּ,on her headוּרְצוּעוֹתand the straps ofמִנְעָלa shoeוְסַנְדָּלand a sandalשֶׁקּוֹשְׁרִיןthat they tieאוֹתָןthemעַלonהָרֶגֶלthe footבִּשְׁעַתat the time ofמַלְבּוּשׁ,wearingוְנוֹדוֹתand pouches ofיַיִןwineוְשֶׁמֶןand oilאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁיֵּשׁthat there areלוֹto itשְׁתֵּיtwoאָזְנַיִם,protrusionsוּקְדֵרָהand a potשֶׁלofבָּשָׂרmeatאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁיְּכוֹלָהthat she is ableלְהוֹצִיאto removeהַבָּשָׂרthe meatוְלֹאand notתַּתִּירuntieהַקֶּשֶׁר.the knotוְקוֹשְׁרִיןand they may tieדְּלִיa bucketבִּמְשִׁיחָהwith a cordאוֹorבְּאַבְנֵטwith a beltוְכַיּוֹצֵאand the likeבּוֹof itאֲבָלbutלֹאnotבְּחֶבֶל.with a ropeוְקוֹשְׁרִיןand they may tieלִפְנֵיbeforeהַבְּהֵמָהthe animalאוֹorבְּרַגְלָהּat its footבִּשְׁבִילfor the sakeשֶׁלֹּאthat notתֵּצֵאit will go outאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁיֵּשׁthat there areלָהּto itשְׁנֵיtwoאִסָּרוֹת.bindingsוְחֶבֶלand a ropeשֶׁהָיָהthat wasקָשׁוּרtiedבַּפָּרָהto the cowקוֹשְׁרוֹone may tie itבָּאֵבוּס.to the feeding troughהָיָהif it wasקָשׁוּרtiedבָּאֵבוּסto the feeding troughקוֹשְׁרוֹone may tie itבַּפָּרָה.to the cowאֲבָלbutלֹאnotיָבִיאmay he bringחֶבֶלa ropeמִתּוֹךְfrom insideבֵּיתוֹhis houseוְיִקְשֹׁרand tieבַּפָּרָהto the cowוּבָאֵבוּס.and to the feeding troughוְאִםand ifהָיָהit wasחֶבֶלa rope ofגַּרְדִּיa weaverשֶׁמֻּתָּרwhich is permittedלְטַלְטְלוֹto carry itהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמֵבִיאone may bringוְקוֹשֵׁרand tieבַּפָּרָהto the cowוּבָאֵבוּס.and to the feeding troughמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁכָּלthat allאֵלּוּtheseהַקְּשָׁרִיםknotsמַעֲשֵׂהthe work ofהֶדְיוֹטa laymanהֵןthey areוְאֵינָןand they are notשֶׁלofקַיָּמָאpermanenceאֶלָּאratherפַּעַםone timeקוֹשֵׁרone tiesוּפַעַםand one timeמַתִּירone untiesוּלְפִיכָךְand thereforeמֻתָּרit is permittedלִקְשֹׁרto tieאוֹתָןthemלְכַתְּחִלָּה.initiallyחוֹתָלוֹתbasketsשֶׁלofתְּמָרִיםdatesוְשֶׁלand ofגְּרוֹגָרוֹתdried figsמַתִּירone may untieוּמַפְקִיעַand break offוְחוֹתֵךְand cutוְנוֹטֵלand takeוְאוֹכֵל:and eat
This halacha details various non-professional, temporary knots that are permitted to be tied and untied on Shabbos, such as clothing straps, shoe laces, and animal tethers.
הל׳ ד
קְשִׁירַת מַאֲכַל בְּהֵמָה וְהַחְזָרַת רְצוּעַת סַנְדָּל בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 4 · Tying Animal Fodder and Returning a Sandal Strap on Shabbos
כָּלAnyשֶׁרָאוּיthat is fitלְמַאֲכַלfor food ofבְּהֵמָהan animalמֻתָּרit is permittedלִקְשֹׁרto tieאוֹתוֹitבְּשַׁבָּת.on Shabbosלְפִיכָךְthereforeאִםifנִפְסְקָהsnappedרְצוּעַתthe strap ofסַנְדָּלוֹhis sandalבְּכַרְמְלִיתin a carmelitנוֹטֵלhe may takeגֶּמִיa reedלַחmoistהָרָאוּיthat is fitלְמַאֲכַלfor food ofבְּהֵמָהan animalוְכוֹרֵךְand windעָלָיוupon itוְקוֹשֵׁרand tieהַגֶּמִי.the reedנִשְׁמְטָהIf slippedלוֹfor himרְצוּעַתthe strap ofמִנְעָלa shoeוְסַנְדָּלor a sandalאוֹorשֶׁנִּשְׁמַטthat slippedרֹבmost ofהָרֶגֶלthe footמֻתָּרit is permittedלְהַחֲזִירto returnהָרְצוּעוֹתthe strapsלִמְקוֹמָןto their placeוּבִלְבַדprovidedשֶׁלֹּאthat notיִקְשֹׁר:he ties
This halacha discusses using animal food as a temporary tie and the rules for adjusting a slipped sandal strap on Shabbos.
הל׳ ה
קְשִׁירַת עֲנִיבָה בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 5 · Tying a Loop on Shabbos and Repairing a Snapped Rope
הָעֲנִיבָהThe loopמֻתֶּרֶתis permittedלְפִיbecauseשֶׁאֵינָהּ·מִתְחַלֶּפֶתit is notבִּקְשִׁירָה.confusedלְפִיכָךְwith a knotהַחֶבֶלThereforeשֶׁנִּפְסַקa ropeמְקַבֵּץthat snappedשְׁנֵיone gathersקְצוֹתָיוthe two ofוְכוֹרֵךְits endsעָלָיוand windsמְשִׁיחָהupon itוְעוֹנֵבa linen cordעֲנִיבָה:and ties a loop
The Rambam explains that a loop is permitted on Shabbos because it is not easily confused with a permanent knot.
הל׳ ו
קְשִׁירַת קֶשֶׁר שֶׁאֵינוֹ שֶׁל קַיָּמָא לְצֹרֶךְ מִצְוָה וּבַמִּקְדָּשׁHalacha 6 · Tying a Non-Permanent Knot for a Mitzvah and in the Temple
מֻתָּרIt is permissibleלִקְשֹׁרto tieקֶשֶׁרa knotשֶׁאֵינוֹthat is notשֶׁלofקַיָּמָאpermanenceלִדְבַרfor a matter ofמִצְוָה.a mitzvahכְּגוֹןfor exampleשֶׁיִּקְשֹׁרthat he tiesלִמְדֹּדto measureשִׁעוּרa measureמִשִּׁעוּרֵיfrom the measures ofהַתּוֹרָה.the TorahנִימַתA string ofכִּנּוֹרa harpשֶׁנִּפְסַקthat snappedקוֹשְׁרִיןthey may tieאוֹתָהּitבַּמִּקְדָּשׁin the Templeאֲבָלbutלֹאnotבַּמְּדִינָה.in the provinceוְלֹאand notיִקְשֹׁרmay he tieנִימָאa stringלְכַתְּחִלָּהinitiallyאֲפִלּוּevenבַּמִּקְדָּשׁ:in the Temple
This halacha discusses the permissibility of tying temporary knots for mitzvah purposes and the specific leniencies granted in the Beis HaMikdash.
הל׳ ז
הִלְכוֹת הַקּוֹשֵׁר וְהַמַּתִּיר בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 7 · The Laws of Tying and Untying Knots on Shabbos
כָּלAnyקֶשֶׁרknotשֶׁחַיָּבִיןthat one is liableעַלforקִשּׁוּרוֹits tyingכָּךְsoחַיָּבִיןone is liableעַלforהֶתֵּרוֹ.its untyingוְכָלand anyקֶשֶׁרknotשֶׁהַקּוֹשֵׁרthat the one who tiesאוֹתוֹitפָּטוּרis exemptכָּךְsoהַמַּתִּירthe one who untiesאוֹתוֹitפָּטוּר.is exemptוְכָלand anyקֶשֶׁרknotשֶׁמֻּתָּרthat it is permittedלְקָשְׁרוֹto tie itכָּךְsoמֻתָּרit is permittedלְהַתִּירוֹ:to untie it
This halacha establishes the direct correlation between the liability and permissibility of tying a knot and untying it on Shabbos.
הל׳ ח
אִסּוּר פְּתִילַת חֲבָלִים וְהַפְרָדָתָם בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 8 · The Prohibition of Winding and Unwinding Ropes on Shabbos
הַפּוֹתֵלOne who windsחֲבָלִיםropesמִןfromהַהוּצִיןpalm branchesוּמִןand fromהָחֶלֶףlove grassאוֹorמִחוּטֵיfrom threads ofצֶמֶרwoolאוֹorמִחוּטֵיfrom threads ofפִּשְׁתָּןflaxאוֹorחוּטֵיthreads ofשֵׂעָרhairוְכַיּוֹצֵאand the likeבָּהֶןwith themהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisתּוֹלֶדֶתis a derivative ofקוֹשֵׁרtyingוְחַיָּב.and is liableוְשִׁעוּרוֹand its measureכְּדֵיis enoughשֶׁיַּעֲמֹדthat it will standהַחֶבֶלthe ropeבִּפְתִילָתוֹin its twineבְּלֹאwithoutקְשִׁירָהtyingשֶׁנִּמְצֵאתso that is foundמְלַאכְתּוֹhis melachaמִתְקַיֶּמֶת.enduringוְכֵןAnd likewiseהַמַּפְרִידone who separatesאֶת—הַפְּתִילthe twineהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisתּוֹלֶדֶתis a derivative ofמַתִּירuntyingוְחַיָּב.and is liableוְהוּאand this isשֶׁלֹּאprovided that notיִתְכַּוֵּןhe intendsלְקַלְקֵלto destroyבִּלְבַד.aloneוְשִׁעוּרוֹand its measureכְּשִׁעוּרis like the measure ofהַפּוֹתֵל:one who winds
This halacha defines the derivatives of tying and untying as they apply to winding and unwinding ropes and threads.
הל׳ ט
דִּינֵי מְלֶאכֶת תּוֹפֵר וּמְתִיחַת חוּט בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 9 · The Laws of the Melacha of Sewing and Pulling a Thread Taut on Shabbos
הַתּוֹפֵרOne who sewsשְׁתֵּיtwoתְּפִירוֹתstitchesחַיָּב.is liableוְהוּאand that isשֶׁקָּשַׁרon condition that he tiedרָאשֵׁיthe ends ofהַחוּטthe threadמִכָּאןfrom hereוּמִכָּאןand from hereכְּדֵיin orderשֶׁתַּעֲמֹדthat it will standהַתְּפִירָהthe sewingוְלֹאand notתִּשָּׁמֵט.slip outאֲבָלbutאִםifתָּפַרhe sewedיֶתֶרmoreעַלthanשְׁתֵּיtwoתְּפִירוֹתstitchesאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁלֹּאhe did notקָשַׁרtieחַיָּבhe is liableשֶׁהֲרֵיsinceמִתְקַיֶּמֶתit enduresהַתְּפִירָה.the sewingוְהַמּוֹתֵחַAnd one who pulls tautחוּטa threadשֶׁלofתְּפִירָהsewingבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosחַיָּבis liableמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁהוּאit isמִצָּרְכֵיamong the needs ofהַתְּפִירָה:the sewing
This halacha defines the minimum measure of sewing to be liable on Shabbos and the requirement of tying the ends or sewing multiple stitches.
הל׳ י
דִּין הַקּוֹרֵעַ וּפְתִיחַת בֵּית הַצַּוָּאר בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 10 · The Laws of Tearing and Opening a Neckline on Shabbos
הַקּוֹרֵעַOne who tearsכְּדֵיenoughלִתְפֹּרto sewשְׁתֵּיtwoתְּפִירוֹתstitchesעַלonמְנָתconditionלִתְפֹּרto sewשְׁתֵּיtwoתְּפִירוֹתstitchesחַיָּב.is liableאֲבָלbutהַקּוֹרֵעַone who tearsלְהַפְסִידָהּto ruin itפָּטוּרis exemptמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁהוּאhe isמְקַלְקֵל.destroyingהַקּוֹרֵעַOne who tearsבַּחֲמָתוֹin his angerאוֹorעַלforמֵתa deceased personשֶׁהוּאwhom he isחַיָּבobligatedלִקְרֹעַto tearעָלָיוfor himחַיָּבis liableמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁמְּיַשֵּׁבhe settlesאֶת—דַּעְתּוֹhis mindבְּדָבָרwith thisזֶהthingוְיָנוּחַand calmsיִצְרוֹhis inclinationוְהוֹאִילand sinceוַחֲמָתוֹhis angerשׁוֹכֶכֶתis soothedבְּדָבָרwith thisזֶהthingהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאhe isכִּמְתַקֵּןlike one who repairsוְחַיָּב.and is liableוְהַפּוֹתֵחַAnd one who opensבֵּיתthe opening ofהַצַּוָּארthe neckבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosחַיָּב:is liable
This halacha defines the liability for tearing on Shabbos, distinguishing between constructive tearing and destructive tearing, and addresses opening a neckline.
הל׳ יא
הַמְדַבֵּק וְהַמְפָרֵק נְיָרוֹת וְעוֹרוֹת בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 11 · Gluing and Separating Papers or Hides on Shabbos
הַמְדַבֵּקOne who gluesנְיָרוֹתpapersאוֹorעוֹרוֹתhidesבְּקוֹלָןwith glueשֶׁלofסוֹפְרִיםscribesוְכַיּוֹצֵאand similarבּוֹto itהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisתּוֹלֶדֶתis a derivative ofתּוֹפֵרsewingוְחַיָּב.and is liableוְכֵןand likewiseהַמְפָרֵקone who separatesנְיָרוֹתpapersדְּבוּקִיןstuck togetherאוֹorעוֹרוֹתhidesדְּבוּקִיןstuck togetherוְלֹאand did notנִתְכַּוֵּןintendלְקַלְקֵלto ruinבִּלְבַדaloneהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisתּוֹלֶדֶתis a derivative ofקוֹרֵעַtearingוְחַיָּב:and is liable
This halacha establishes that gluing items together is a derivative of sewing, while separating them is a derivative of tearing.
הל׳ יב
הִלְכוֹת בּוֹנֶה בְּקַרְקַע וּבְכֵלִיםHalacha 12 · The Forbidden Labor of Building on the Ground and on Utensils
הַבּוֹנֶהOne who buildsכָּלanyשֶׁהוּאamountחַיָּב.is liableהַמַּשְׁוֶהOne who levelsפְּנֵיthe surface ofהַקַּרְקַעthe groundבְּבַיִתin a houseכְּגוֹןsuch asשֶׁהִשְׁפִּילthat he loweredתֵּלa moundאוֹorמִלֵּאfilledגּוּמָאa cavityאוֹorגַּיְאa valleyהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisבּוֹנֶהis buildingוְחַיָּב.and is liableאֶחָדOneנָתַןplacedאֶת—הָאֶבֶןthe stoneוְאֶחָדand oneנָתַןplacedאֶת—הַטִּיטthe mortarהַנּוֹתֵןthe one who placesהַטִּיטthe mortarחַיָּב.is liableוּבַנִּדְבָּךְAnd in the rowהָעֶלְיוֹןthe uppermostאֲפִלּוּevenהֶעֱלָהif he liftedאֶת—הָאֶבֶןthe stoneוְהִנִּיחָהּand placed itעַלonגַּבֵּיtop ofהַטִּיטthe mortarחַיָּב.he is liableשֶׁהֲרֵיsinceאֵיןthey do notמַנִּיחִיןplaceעָלֶיהָupon itטִיטmortarאַחֵר.otherוְהַבּוֹנֶהAnd one who buildsעַלonגַּבֵּיtop ofכֵּלִיםutensilsפָּטוּר:is exempt
This halacha defines the liability for building even a minimal amount, including leveling the ground and placing mortar, and distinguishes building on utensils from building on the ground.
הל׳ יג
תּוֹלְדוֹת מְלֶאכֶת בּוֹנֶה בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 13 · Derivatives of the Melacha of Building on Shabbos
הָעוֹשֶׂהOne who makesאֹהֶלa tentקָבוּעַpermanentהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisתּוֹלֶדֶתis a derivative ofבּוֹנֶהbuildingוְחַיָּב.and is liableוְכֵןAnd likewiseהָעוֹשֶׂהone who makesכְּלֵיvessels ofאֲדָמָהearthכְּגוֹןsuch asתַּנּוּרan ovenוְחָבִיתand a jugקֹדֶםbeforeשֶׁיִּשָּׂרְפוּthey are firedהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisתּוֹלֶדֶתis a derivative ofבּוֹנֶהbuildingוְחַיָּב.and is liableוְכֵןAnd likewiseהַמְגַבֵּןone who curdlesאֶת—הַגְּבִינָהcheeseהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisתּוֹלֶדֶתis a derivative ofבּוֹנֶה.buildingוְאֵינוֹand he is notחַיָּבliableעַדuntilשֶׁיְּגַבֵּןhe curdlesכִּגְרוֹגֶרֶת.like a dried figהַמַּכְנִיסOne who insertsיַדthe handle ofהַקַּרְדֹּםthe axeבְּתוֹךְintoהָעֵץthe woodשֶׁלּוֹitsהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisתּוֹלֶדֶתis a derivative ofבּוֹנֶה.buildingוְכֵןand likewiseכָּלanyכַּיּוֹצֵאsimilarבּוֹ.to itוְכֵןAnd likewiseהַתּוֹקֵעַone who drivesעֵץwoodבְּעֵץinto woodבֵּיןwhetherשֶׁתָּקַעhe droveבְּמַסְמֵרwith a nailבֵּיןwhetherשֶׁתָּקַעhe droveבָּעֵץinto the woodעַצְמוֹitselfעַדuntilשֶׁנִּתְאַחֵדit becomes unitedהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisתּוֹלֶדֶתis a derivative ofבּוֹנֶהbuildingוְחַיָּב:and is liable
This halacha defines various activities that are classified as derivatives of the forbidden labor of building, including erecting a tent, making earthenware, curdling cheese, and joining wood.
הל׳ יד
הָעוֹשֶׂה נֶקֶב בְּלוּל תַּרְנְגוֹלִים וְהַמַּחֲזִיר דֶּלֶת בּוֹרHalacha 14 · Making a Hole in a Coop and Returning a Cover to a Pit on Shabbos
הָעוֹשֶׂהOne who makesנֶקֶבa holeכָּלanyשֶׁהוּא·בְּלוּלin a coopשֶׁלofתַּרְנְגוֹלִיםchickensכְּדֵיin orderשֶׁיִּכָּנֵסthat should enterלָהֶןto themהָאוֹרָהthe lightחַיָּבis liableמִשּׁוּםbecause ofבּוֹנֶה.buildingהַמַּחֲזִירOne who returnsדֶּלֶתa doorשֶׁלofבּוֹרa pitוְשֶׁלand ofדּוּתa cisternוְשֶׁלand ofיָצִיעַan extensionחַיָּבis liableמִשּׁוּםbecause ofבּוֹנֶה:building
The Rambam explains that making even a minute hole for light in a structure, or reattaching doors to ground-attached structures, constitutes the melacha of Boneh.
הל׳ טו
הַסּוֹתֵר עַל מְנָת לִבְנוֹת וְהַסּוֹתֵר דֶּרֶךְ הַשְׁחָתָהHalacha 15 · The Prohibition of Demolishing on Shabbos and the Requirement of Constructive Intent
הַסּוֹתֵרOne who demolishesכָּלanyשֶׁהוּאamountחַיָּב.is liableוְהוּאand it isשֶׁיִּסְתֹּרthat he demolishesעַלonמְנָתconditionלִבְנוֹת.to buildאֲבָלbutאִםifסָתַרhe demolishedדֶּרֶךְby way ofהַשְׁחָתָהdestructionפָּטוּר.he is exemptהַסּוֹתֵרOne who demolishesאֹהֶלa tentקָבוּעַpermanentאוֹorשֶׁפֵּרֵקwho detachedעֵץwoodתָּקוּעַfixedהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisתּוֹלֶדֶתis a derivative ofסוֹתֵרdemolishingוְחַיָּבand is liableוְהוּאand it isשֶׁיִּתְכַּוֵּןthat he intendsלְתַקֵּן:to improve
This halacha teaches that one is only liable for the melacha of demolishing on Shabbos if the act is done with constructive intent, such as to rebuild or improve.
הל׳ טז
הַמַּכֶּה בְּפַטִּישׁ וּגְמַר מְלָאכָה בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 16 · The Melacha of Striking with a Hammer and Completing a Vessel on Shabbos
הַמַּכֶּהOne who strikesבְּפַטִּישׁwith a hammerהַכָּאָהa blowאַחַתsingleחַיָּב.is liableוְכָלand anyoneהָעוֹשֶׂהwho doesדָּבָרa thingשֶׁהוּאthat isגְּמַרthe completion ofמְלָאכָהa taskהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisתּוֹלֶדֶתis a derivative ofמַכֶּהstrikingבְּפַטִּישׁwith a hammerוְחַיָּב.and is liableכֵּיצַד.How soהַמְנַפֵּחַOne who blowsבִּכְלֵיinto vessels ofזְכוּכִיתglassוְהַצָּרand one who fashionsבַּכְּלִיon a vesselצוּרָהa formאֲפִלּוּevenמִקְצָתa part ofהַצּוּרָהthe formוְהַמְגָרֵדand one who scrapesכָּלanyשֶׁהוּאamountוְהָעוֹשֶׂהand one who makesנֶקֶבa holeכָּלanyשֶׁהוּאsizeבֵּיןwhetherבְּעֵץin woodבֵּיןwhetherבְּמַתֶּכֶתin metalבֵּיןwhetherבְּבִנְיָןin a buildingבֵּיןwhetherבְּכֵלִיםin utensilsהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisתּוֹלֶדֶתis a derivative ofמַכֶּהstrikingבְּפַטִּישׁwith a hammerוְחַיָּב.and is liableוְכָלAnd anyפֶּתַחopeningשֶׁאֵינוֹthat is notעָשׂוּיmadeלְהַכְנִיסto bring inוּלְהוֹצִיאand to bring outאֵיןwe are notחַיָּבִיןliableעַלforעֲשִׂיָּתוֹ:its making
This halacha defines the melacha of Makeh B'patish, which includes any action that completes the manufacturing process of a utensil or structure.
הל׳ יז
הַמֵּפִיס שְׁחִין בְּשַׁבָּת לִרְפוּאָה אוֹ לְהוֹצִיא לֵחָהHalacha 17 · Piercing a Blister on Shabbos for Healing or to Drain Pus
הַמֵּפִיסOne who piercesשְׁחִיןa blisterבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosכְּדֵיin orderלְהַרְחִיבto widenפִּיthe opening ofהַמַּכָּהthe woundכְּדֶרֶךְlike the wayשֶׁהָרוֹפְאִיןthat the physiciansעוֹשִׂיןdoשֶׁהֵןwhoמִתְכַּוְּנִיןintendבִּרְפוּאָהin healingלְהַרְחִיבto widenפִּיthe opening ofהַמַּכָּהthe woundהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisחַיָּבone is liableמִשּׁוּםbecause ofמַכֶּהstrikingבְּפַטִּישׁwith a hammerשֶׁזּוֹfor thisהִיאisמְלֶאכֶתthe craft ofהָרוֹפֵא.the physicianוְאִםand ifהֵפִיסָהhe pierced itלְהוֹצִיאto extractמִמֶּנָּהfrom itהַלֵּחָהthe pusשֶׁבָּהּthat is in itהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמֻתָּר:is permitted
This halacha distinguishes between piercing a blister to widen its opening for medical purposes, which is forbidden as a final hammer blow, and doing so merely to drain the pus and relieve pain, which is permitted.
הל׳ יח
מְלֶאכֶת מַכֶּה בְּפַטִּישׁ בַּאֲבָנִים וּבִבְגָדִיםHalacha 18 · The Melacha of Striking a Final Hammer Blow on Stones and Garments
הַמְסַתֵּתOne who chiselsאֶת—הָאֶבֶןthe stoneכָּלanyשֶׁהוּאamountחַיָּבis liableמִשּׁוּםbecause ofמַכֶּהstrikingבְּפַטִּישׁ.with a hammerהַמְצַדֵּדOne who alignsאֶת—הָאֶבֶןthe stoneבִּיסוֹדin the foundation ofהַבִּנְיָןthe buildingוְתִקְּנָהּand adjusted itבְּיָדוֹwith his handוְהוֹשִׁיבָהּand settled itבַּמָּקוֹםin the placeהָרָאוּיproperלָהּfor itחַיָּבis liableמִשּׁוּםbecause ofמַכֶּהstrikingבְּפַטִּישׁ.with a hammerהַלּוֹקֵטOne who picksיַבּוֹלֶתgrowthsשֶׁעַלthat are onגַּבֵּיtop ofבְּגָדִיםgarmentsבְּיָדוֹwith his handכְּגוֹןsuch asאֵלּוּtheseהַיַּבּוֹלוֹתthe growthsשֶׁבִּכְלֵיthat are on woolen vesselsצֶמֶרwoolחַיָּבis liableמִשּׁוּםbecause ofמַכֶּהstrikingבְּפַטִּישׁ.with a hammerוְהוּאand thisשֶׁיַּקְפִּידprovided that he is particularעֲלֵיהֶן.about themאֲבָלbutאִםifהֱסִירָןhe removed themדֶּרֶךְby way ofעֵסֶקcasual playהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthis oneפָּטוּר.is exemptהַמְנַעֵרOne who shakes outטַלִּיתa cloakחֲדָשָׁהnewשְׁחוֹרָהblackכְּדֵיin orderלְנָאוֹתָהּto beautify itוּלְהָסִירand to removeהַצֶּמֶרthe woolהַלָּבָןthe whiteהַנִּתְלֶהthat clingsבָּהּto itכְּדֶרֶךְlike the wayשֶׁהָאֻמָּנִיןthat the craftsmenעוֹשִׂיןdoחַיָּבis liableחַטָּאת.a sin offeringוְאִםand ifאֵינוֹhe is notמַקְפִּידparticularמֻתָּר:it is permitted
This halacha details the applications of the melacha of Makeh B'patish, including smoothing stones, adjusting foundation blocks, removing lint, and shaking out new black garments.
הל׳ יט
גֶּדֶר מְלֶאכֶת צָד בְּשַׁבָּת וְהַהֶפְרֵשׁ בֵּין צִידָה גְּמוּרָה לְשֶׁאֵינָהּ גְּמוּרָהHalacha 19 · The Definition of the Melacha of Trapping and the Distinction Between Complete and Incomplete Trapping
הַצָּדOne who trapsדָּבָרa thingשֶׁדֶּרֶךְthat the way ofמִינוֹits speciesלָצוּדis to trapאוֹתוֹitחַיָּב.is liableכְּגוֹןfor exampleחַיָּהa beastוְעוֹפוֹתand birdsוְדָגִים.and fishוְהוּאand it isשֶׁיָּצוּדthat he trapsאוֹתָןthemלְמָקוֹםinto a placeשֶׁאֵינוֹthat is notמְחֻסַּרlackingצֵידָה.trappingכֵּיצַד.How soכְּגוֹןfor exampleשֶׁרָדַףthat he chasedאַחֲרֵיafterצְבִיa deerעַדuntilשֶׁהִכְנִיסוֹhe brought it inלְבַיִתto a houseאוֹorלְגִנָּהto a gardenאוֹorלְחָצֵרto a courtyardוְנָעַלand lockedבְּפָנָיו.before itאוֹorשֶׁהִפְרִיחַthat he caused to flyאֶת—הָעוֹףthe birdעַדuntilשֶׁהִכְנִיסוֹhe brought it inלְמִגְדָּלto a closetוְנָעַלand lockedבְּפָנָיו.before itאוֹorשֶׁשָּׁלָהthat he scooped upדָּגִיםfishמִןfromהַיָּםthe seaבְּתוֹךְintoסֵפֶלa bowlשֶׁלofמַיִםwaterהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisחַיָּב.is liableאֲבָלButאִםifהִפְרִיחַhe caused to flyצִפּוֹרa birdלְבַיִתinto a houseוְנָעַלand lockedבְּפָנָיו.before itאוֹorשֶׁהִבְרִיחַthat he droveדָּגa fishוַעֲקָרוֹand uprooted itמִןfromהַיָּםthe seaלִבְרֵכָהto a poolשֶׁלofמַיִם.waterאוֹorשֶׁרָדַףthat he chasedאַחַרafterצְבִיa deerעַדuntilשֶׁנִּכְנַסit enteredלִטְרַקְלִיןinto a hallרָחָבwideוְנָעַלand lockedבְּפָנָיוbefore itהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisפָּטוּר.is exemptשֶׁאֵיןfor is notזוֹthisצִידָהtrappingגְּמוּרָהcompleteשֶׁאִםfor ifיָבוֹאhe comesלְקַחְתּוֹto take itצָרִיךְhe needsלִרְדֹּףto chaseאַחֲרָיוafter itוְלָצוּדand to trapאוֹתוֹitמִשָּׁם.from thereלְפִיכָךְThereforeהַצָּדone who trapsאֲרִיa lionאֵינוֹis notחַיָּבliableעַדuntilשֶׁיַּכְנִיסֶנּוּhe brings it inלַכִּפָּהto the cageשֶׁלּוֹitsשֶׁהוּאthat itנֶאֱסָרis imprisonedבָּהּ:in it
This halacha defines the melacha of trapping on Shabbos, explaining that liability is only incurred when the animal is confined to a space where no further chase is required to capture it.
הל׳ כ
הַגְדָּרַת מָקוֹם קָטָן לְעִנְיַן צֵידָה בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 20 · The Definition of a Small Enclosure Regarding Trapping on Shabbos
כָּלAnyמָקוֹםplaceשֶׁאִםthat ifיָרוּץhe runsבּוֹin itיַגִּיעַhe will reachלַחַיָּהthe animalבִּשְׁחִיָּהin bendingאַחַת.oneאוֹorשֶׁהָיוּthat wereהַכְּתָלִיםthe wallsקְרוֹבִיןcloseזֶהthisלָזֶהto thisעַדuntilשֶׁיִּפּלthat fallsצֵלthe shadow ofשְׁנֵיהֶםboth of themלָאֶמְצַעto the middleכְּאֶחָדas oneהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמָקוֹםis a placeקָטָן.smallוְאִםand ifהִבְרִיחַhe chasedהַצְּבִיthe deerוְכַיּוֹצֵאor similarבּוֹto itלְתוֹכוֹinto its midstחַיָּב.he is liableוּמָקוֹםand a placeשֶׁהוּאthat isגָּדוֹלlargerמִזֶּהthan thisהַמַּבְרִיחַone who chasesחַיָּהan animalוָעוֹףor a birdלְתוֹכוֹinto its midstפָּטוּר:is exempt
This halacha defines the physical dimensions of a small, confined space in which chasing an animal constitutes the Torah prohibition of trapping.
הל׳ כא
הַצָּד שְׁרָצִים וּמְלָאכָה שֶׁאֵינָהּ צְרִיכָה לְגוּפָהּHalacha 21 · Trapping Creeping Animals and Labor Not Needed for Its Own Sake
אֶחָדWhetherשְׁמֹנָהthe eightשְׁרָצִיםcreeping animalsהָאֲמוּרִיןmentionedבַּתּוֹרָהin the Torahוְאֶחָדor whetherשְׁאָרotherשְׁקָצִיםdetestable creaturesוּרְמָשִׂיםand crawling thingsשֶׁיֵּשׁthat there isלְמִינָןto their speciesצִידָהtrappingהַצָּדone who trapsאֶחָדoneמִכֻּלָּןof them allבֵּיןwhetherלְצֹרֶךְfor a needבֵּיןwhetherשֶׁלֹּאnotלְצֹרֶךְfor a needאוֹorלְשַׂחֵקto playבָּהֶןwith themחַיָּבis liableהוֹאִילsinceוְנִתְכַּוֵּןhe intendedלָצוּדto trapוְצָד.and trappedשֶׁמְּלָאכָהfor a laborשֶׁאֵינָהּthat is notצְרִיכָהneededלְגוּפָהּfor itselfחַיָּבone is liableעָלֶיהָ.for itהַצָּדone who trapsאֶת—הַיָּשֵׁןthe sleepingוְאֶתorהַסּוּמָאthe blindחַיָּב:is liable
This halacha establishes that trapping any species of creeping animal that is normally trapped makes one liable, even if done for play or without needing the animal itself.
הל׳ כב
הַצָּד בְּעֶזְרַת כְּלָבִים בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 22 · Trapping with the Assistance of Dogs on Shabbos
הַמְשַׁלֵּחַOne who sendsכְּלָבִיםdogsכְּדֵיin orderשֶׁיָּצוּדוּthat they trapצְבָאִיםdeerוְאַרְנָבִיםand rabbitsוְכַיּוֹצֵאand the likeבָּהֶןwith themוּבָרַחand fledהַצְּבִיthe deerמִפְּנֵיbecause ofהַכֶּלֶבthe dogוְהָיָהand wasהוּאheרוֹדֵףchasingאַחַרafterהַצְּבִיthe deerאוֹorשֶׁעָמַדthat he stoodבְּפָנָיוbefore itוְהִבְהִילוֹand frightened itעַדuntilשֶׁהִגִּיעַthat reachedהַכֶּלֶבthe dogוּתְפָשׂוֹand caught itהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisתּוֹלֶדֶתis a derivativeהַצָּדof trappingוְחַיָּב.and is liableוְכֵןand soהָעוֹשֶׂהone who doesכַּדֶּרֶךְlike wayהַזּוֹthisבְּעוֹפוֹת:with birds
This halacha discusses the liability of a person who actively assists dogs in trapping wild animals or birds on Shabbos.
הל׳ כג
דִּינֵי צֵידַת צְבִי וְצִפּוֹר בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 23 · The Laws of Trapping a Deer or a Bird on Shabbos
צְבִיA deerשֶׁנִּכְנַסthat enteredלְבַיִתinto a houseוְנָעַלand lockedאֶחָדone personבְּפָנָיוbefore itחַיָּב.is liableנְעָלוּהוּif they locked itשְׁנַיִםtwo peopleפְּטוּרִין.they are exemptאִםifאֵיןnotאֶחָדone personיָכוֹלis ableלִנְעלto lockוּנְעָלוּהוּand they locked itשְׁנַיִםtwo peopleחַיָּבִין.they are liableיָשַׁבIf satאֶחָדone personעַלonהַפֶּתַחthe entranceוְלֹאand did notמִלְּאָהוּfill itוְיָשַׁבand satהַשֵּׁנִיthe secondוּמִלְּאָהוּand filled itהַשֵּׁנִיthe secondחַיָּב.is liableיָשַׁבIf satהָרִאשׁוֹןthe firstוּמִלְּאָהוּand filled itוּבָאand cameהַשֵּׁנִיthe secondוְיָשַׁבand satבְּצִדּוֹat his sideאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁעָמַדthat stood upהָרִאשׁוֹןthe firstוְהָלַךְand wentלוֹfor himselfהָרִאשׁוֹןthe firstחַיָּבis liableוְהַשֵּׁנִיand the secondלֹאdid notעָשָׂהdoכְּלוּםanythingוּמֻתָּרand it is permittedלוֹfor himלֵישֵׁבto sitבִּמְקוֹמוֹin his placeעַדuntilהָעֶרֶבthe eveningוְלוֹקֵחַand he takesהַצְּבִי.the deerלְמָהTo whatזֶהthisדּוֹמֶהis comparableלְנוֹעֵלto one who locksבֵּיתוֹhis houseלְשָׁמְרוֹto guard itוְנִמְצָאand is foundצְבִיa deerשָׁמוּרguardedבְּתוֹכוֹinside itשֶׁלֹּאthat he did notעָשָׂהdoכְּלוּם.anythingנִכְנְסָהIf enteredלוֹfor himצִפּוֹרa birdתַּחַתunderכְּנָפָיוhis clothesיוֹשֵׁבhe sitsוּמְשַׁמְּרָהּand guards itעַדuntilשֶׁתֶּחְשַׁךְit gets darkוּמֻתָּר:and it is permitted
This halacha details the liability of trapping animals on Shabbos, distinguishing between individual and joint actions, and explaining when passive guarding is permitted.
הל׳ כד
דִּינֵי צִידַת בַּעֲלֵי חַיִּים שֶׁאֵין בְּמִינָם צִידָה וְחַיּוֹת בִּרְשׁוּתוֹHalacha 24 · Laws of Trapping Animals of a Species Not Usually Trapped and Domesticated Creatures
הַצָּדOne who trapsצְבִיa deerזָקֵןoldאוֹorחִגֵּרlameאוֹorחוֹלֶהsickאוֹorקָטָןsmallפָּטוּר.is exemptהַמְפָרֵקOne who releasesבְּהֵמָהa domestic animalחַיָּהa wild animalוָעוֹףor a birdמִןfromהַמְּצוּדָהthe trapפָּטוּר.is exemptהַצָּדOne who trapsחַיָּהa wild animalוָעוֹףor a birdשֶׁבִּרְשׁוּתוֹthat is in his domainכְּגוֹןsuch asאֲוָזִיןgeeseוְתַרְנְגוֹלִיןand chickensוְיוֹנֵיand doves ofעֲלִיָּהa loftפָּטוּר.is exemptהַצָּדOne who trapsדָּבָרa thingשֶׁאֵיןthat is notבְּמִינוֹin its speciesצִידָהtrappedכְּגוֹןsuch asחֲגָבִיםlocustsהַגָּזִיןwild beesצְרָעִיןhornetsוְיַתּוּשִׁיןand mosquitoesוּפַרְעוֹשִׁיןand fleasוְכַיּוֹצֵאand the likeבָּאֵלּוּof theseהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthis oneפָּטוּר:is exempt
This halacha details the exemptions for trapping animals that are already easy to catch, releasing trapped animals, and trapping species that are not normally hunted.
הל׳ כה
צִידַת רְמָשִׂים הַמַּזִּיקִין בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 25 · Trapping Dangerous Crawling Beasts on Shabbos to Prevent Injury
רְמָשִׂיםCrawling beastsהַמַּזִּיקִיןthat damageכְּגוֹןsuch asנְחָשִׁיםsnakesוְעַקְרַבִּיםand scorpionsוְכַיּוֹצֵאand the likeבָּהֶןwith themאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁאֵינָןthat they do notמְמִיתִיןkillהוֹאִילsinceוְנוֹשְׁכִיןand they biteמֻתָּרit is permittedלָצוּדto trapאוֹתָםthemבְּשַׁבָּת.on Shabbosוְהוּאand this isשֶׁיִּתְכַּוֵּןthat he intendsלְהִנָּצֵלto be savedמִנְּשִׁיכָתָן.from their biteכֵּיצַדhowהוּאdoes heעוֹשֶׂה.doכּוֹפֶהhe overturnsכְּלִיa utensilעֲלֵיהֶןover themאוֹorמַקִּיףsurroundsעֲלֵיהֶןover themאוֹorקוֹשְׁרָןties themכְּדֵיin orderשֶׁלֹּאthat they do notיַזִּיקוּ:damage
This halacha permits trapping non-deadly but harmful creatures on Shabbos solely for protection, using indirect methods like covering them.
Chapter Summaryסִכּוּם
This chapter outlines the parameters of Koshair and Matir, establishing that one is only liable min HaTorah for tying a permanent knot that requires professional craftsmanship, such as those tied by camel drivers or sailors. A knot that is permanent but simple is forbidden mid'Rabbanan, while a temporary, simple knot is completely permitted. The Rambam details various permissible knots, including those on clothing, shoe straps, and food pouches, explaining that since they are made to be undone, they do not violate Shabbos. Finally, the halachos address emergency situations, such as using animal fodder to tie a broken sandal strap in a carmelit, showing how the Chachamim made allowances using non-permanent materials to prevent distress.
לְמַעֲשֶׂהWhat To Take Home
My dear friend, when you look at the detailed halachos of tying and untying on Shabbos, you see a profound truth about how we build our lives. The Torah distinguishes between a permanent knot (kesher shel kayama) and a temporary one. A permanent knot represents something we want to establish forever, while a temporary knot is just for the moment. In our daily avodah, we must ask ourselves: what are we tying ourselves to permanently, and what are we treating as temporary?
Too often, we let our minds get permanently knotted to passing worries, material desires, or temporary frustrations. We treat a minor, fleeting nisayon as if it is a permanent fixture in our lives. On the other hand, our connection to Torah, tefillah, and Hashem—which should be our ultimate, permanent anchor—is sometimes treated like a loose, temporary knot that we easily slip out of when we are busy. We must reverse this. We need to bind ourselves to Hashem with an unbreakable, professional knot of emunah, while letting the worries of this world remain loosely tied, ready to be undone at any moment.
Today, when you face a moment of worry or frustration, consciously tell yourself, "This is temporary, I will not tie myself to this permanently." Instead, take one minute to bind your thoughts to a word of Torah or a heartfelt tefillah to Hashem.