9 but the seventh day is a sabbath unto ha-Sheim thy Adonai, in it thou shalt not
do any manner of work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, nor thy man-servant, nor thy maid-servant,
nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates;
11For I
know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith ha-Sheim , thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give
you a future and a hope.
this Website is automatically
shut down on the the Sabbath and does not perform e-commerce.
Messianics™ mission is to pass on truth, important News
and Articles for the Messianic and Scripture Believing Community.
In keeping with the Commandment of G-D, we close our eBIZ Website on G-d's Commanded
day of rest.
Please feel free to return anytime before Sunset on Friday
(Approximately 6pm) and After Sunset on Saturday (Approximately 6pm) for Messianics Truth, News and
Information. Or visit a Messianics™ Congregation near you.
9For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, it
is a people that shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations.
– The Moabite
prophet Balaam on the people of Israel,
.
Melacha - A Unique Definition of
Work
Shabbat is a day of holiness, set apart and elevated above the rest of
the week. The special laws pertaining to Shabbat preserve its sanctity and beauty.
The unique quality of Shabbat derives from two types of mitzvot: the
mitzvot of sanctification such as candle-lighting and Kiddush; and the equally important mitzvot which
require that we refrain from certain activities and work. The prohibitions against "work," far from being
negative or burdensome, are an integral part of the experience of Shabbat as a day when body and soul are in
true harmony.
These two aspects of Shabbat are reflected in the two expressions
found in the two different presentations of the Ten Commandments found in the Torah. "Remember the Sabbath to
keep it holy..." (Exodus 20:8) and "Guard the Sabbath to keep it holy..." (Deuteronomy 5: I 2) were,
according to tradition, heard simultaneously by the Jewish people at Mount Sinai.
Zachor, "remember," refers to the positive commandments of the
day--the things we do. Shamor, "guard," refers to the negative commandments--the things we may not do. The
latter, including such activities as cooking, writing and turning lights on and off, are described generally
by the word melachah, a certain type of work.
The Hebrew language has two words for "work"--avodah and melachah.
Avodah is a general term meaning work, while melachah has a very precise halachic meaning. On Shabbat,
melachah is prohibited. Our Sages explain that melachah refers to the activities which were necessary for
construction of the Mishkan, the traveling sanctuary which the Jews took with them throughout their desert
wanderings.
The Torah specifically mentions two melachot, kindling a fire and
carrying. The Mishnah further explains that 39 different categories of melachah went into building the
Mishkan. While these categories of labor refer to the construction of the Mishkan, they actually encompass
all forms of human productivity. These melachot are not a haphazard collection of activities, and do not
necessarily represent physical exertion. Rather, the principle behind them is that they represent
constructive, creative effort, demonstrating man's mastery over nature. Refraining from melachah on Shabbat
signals our recognition that, despite our human creative abilities, G-d is the ultimate Creator and
Master.
A newcomer to Shabbat observance may be
concerned that the numerous laws and their many nuances would present a hindrance to oneg Shabbat--enjoying and
delighting in Shabbat. However, the unique way in which we pursue ordinary activities on Shabbat actually serves as
a constant reminder of the special nature of this day. Refraining from so many of the activities that we take for
granted during the week heightens our awareness that Shabbat is different from the other days of the week, and
creates a whole new frame of mind for Shabbat.