105

Not to do prohibited labor on Sukkot

The Luchos - Ten Commandments
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.
(Source: Chabad.org)
בַּיּ֥וֹם הָרִאשׁ֖וֹן מִקְרָא־קֹ֑דֶשׁ כׇּל־מְלֶ֥אכֶת עֲבֹדָ֖ה לֹ֥א תַעֲשֽׂוּ׃ - פָּרָשַׁת אֱמוֹר
Leviticus 23:35 - "On the first day, it is a holy occasion; you shall not perform any work of labor."

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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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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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