101

Not to do prohibited labor on Shavuot

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
וּקְרָאתֶ֞ם בְּעֶ֣צֶם ׀ הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֗ה מִֽקְרָא־קֹ֙דֶשׁ֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶ֔ם כׇּל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֲבֹדָ֖ה לֹ֣א תַעֲשׂ֑וּ חֻקַּ֥ת עוֹלָ֛ם בְּכׇל־מוֹשְׁבֹ֥תֵיכֶ֖ם לְדֹרֹֽתֵיכֶֽם׃ - פָּרָשַׁת אֱמוֹר
Leviticus 23:21 - "And you shall designate on this very day a holy occasion it shall be for you; you shall not perform any work of labor. [This is] an eternal statute in all your dwelling places throughout your generations."

This Mitzvah's Summary

מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Holidays – חֲגִים

It is forbidden to perform labor on Shavuot.

This mitzvah prohibits laborious work (melachet avodah) on the festival of Shavuot. While work that supports food preparation for the holiday is permitted, all other weekday tasks are forbidden. By refraining from work, the Jewish people sanctify the day of the giving of the Torah, dedicating it to prayer, learning, and rejoicing in Hashem’s most precious gift.

Commentary & Classical Explanation:

  • Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 6:1): Establishes the prohibition of labor on Shavuot as equal to that of the other pilgrimage festivals.
  • Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 327): The root is to elevate the day as one of holiness and joy, ensuring it is not treated like an ordinary weekday.
  • Talmud (Pesachim 68b): Teaches that on Shavuot, one must celebrate both with spiritual pursuits and with physical joy, balancing Torah study with festive meals.
(Source: Chabad.org)

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Holidays - חַגִּים

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Mitzvot related to the Jewish festivals — their observance, rituals, prohibitions, and spiritual significance. This includes Torah-commanded holidays like Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot, as well as rabbinic celebrations such as Purim and Chanukah.

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Faith - אֱמוּנָה

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Represents Emunah—the deep, inner trust in Hashem’s presence, oneness, and constant involvement in our lives. This badge symbolizes a heartfelt connection to G-d, rooted in belief even when we cannot see. It is the emotional and spiritual core of many mitzvot.

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Holiness - קְדֻשָּׁה

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Represents the concept of  spiritual intentionality, purity, and sanctity—set apart for a higher purpose.

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Reverence - יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם

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Signifies awe and reverence toward Hashem—living with awareness of His greatness and presence.

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Between a person and G-d - בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם

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Mitzvot that define and deepen the relationship between a person and their Creator. These include commandments involving belief, prayer, Shabbat, festivals, sacrifices, and personal holiness — acts rooted in divine connection rather than human interaction.

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