Mitzvah —
105
Not to do prohibited labor on Sukkos
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בַּיּ֥וֹם הָרִאשׁ֖וֹן מִקְרָא־קֹ֑דֶשׁ כׇּל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֲבֹדָ֖ה לֹ֥א תַעֲשֽׂוּ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת אֱמוֹר
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Leviticus 23:35 - "On the first day, it is a holy occasion; you shall not perform any work of labor."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Holidays – חֲגִים
It is forbidden to perform labor on Sukkot.
This mitzvah prohibits laborious work (melachet avodah) on the first day of Sukkot. While food-related preparations are permitted, all other weekday labors are forbidden, so the day remains holy. The prohibition preserves the unique character of Sukkot, directing focus toward its commandments — dwelling in the sukkah and taking the four species — and celebrating Hashem’s protection and blessings.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 1:2): Clarifies that the prohibition of labor applies equally on Sukkot, as on Pesach and Shavuot.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 328, applied here): The root is to honor Hashem by resting from weekday pursuits and devoting the festival to joy and service.
- Talmud (Sukkah 48a): Associates the sanctity of the first day of Sukkot with abstention from work, ensuring its celebration is complete.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
