Mitzvah —
103
Not to do prohibited labor on Rosh Hashanah
This page is incomplete.
Help complete the
Mitzvah Minute website.
Do a Mitzvah — Join us in building a living digital Beit Midrash — your partnership makes it possible.
-
כׇּל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֲבֹדָ֖ה לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֑וּ וְהִקְרַבְתֶּ֥ם אִשֶּׁ֖ה לַה׳׃ - פָּרָשַׁת אֱמוֹר
-
Leviticus 23:25 - "You shall not perform any work of labor, and you shall offer up a fire offering to the L-rd."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Holidays – חֲגִים
It is forbidden to perform labor on Rosh Hashanah.
Full Description:
This mitzvah prohibits performing laborious work (melachet avodah) on Rosh Hashanah. Unlike Shabbat, where all creative labor is forbidden, Yom Tov permits certain types of work necessary for food preparation. The restriction ensures that the day is sanctified and devoted to its primary themes: the sounding of the shofar, recognition of Hashem’s kingship, and reflection on judgment and renewal.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 1:2): Clarifies that labor prohibited on Rosh Hashanah is the same as on other festivals, with exceptions for food preparation.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 328): The root is to distinguish the day as holy, creating space for prayer, repentance, and recognition of Hashem as King.
- Talmud (Rosh Hashanah 32b): Links the sanctity of the day to both rest and the mitzvah of shofar, which together elevate its unique character.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
