#195: Melechet Machshevet

1. In order for any action to be classified as a biblical melachah on Shabbat (both an Av or Toladah), it must be a melechet machshevet (lit. calculated labor). This means the act must be done intentionally, in the normal manner, and for the normal purpose. Any melachot performed with intent for a different act, in an unusual manner, or for a different purpose than usual are not biblically forbidden, though they are often forbidden on a rabbinic level (miderabanan). We will discuss some of these cases in more detail over the next few months.

2. Women are commanded to observe all of the prohibitions of Shabbat in the same manner as men (Tractate Berachot 20b).

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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.