#194: Av and Toladah

1. Chazal refer to each primary category of melachah that was performed in the Mishkan as an “Av Melachah” (lit. father of the melachah). A subcategory that is similar to the “Av” but differs in some way is called a “Toladah” (see Rambam, Hilchot Shabbat 7:5 and Maggid Mishneh. A toladah is a derivative of an av melacha—an activity that is similar in purpose or method to an av but not identical.

2. For example, Dash (threshing, which removes the kernel from the husk) is an Av Melachah since it was done in preparing the dyes used in the Mishkan, while Sechitah (squeezing) is a Toladah since it was not done in the Mishkan but it is similar to threshing (removing liquid from the fruit). Both Avot and Toladot are forbidden equally according to the Torah (mide’oraita).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.