309. Take This Job and Shavuot: The prohibition against performing labor on Shavuos

As with Passover (and, for that matter, Shabbos), there is both an obligation to refrain from acts of creative labor on Shavuos and a prohibition against performing them. (In Mitzvah #298, we referred the reader to the discussion of this matter in Talmud Shabbos 24b.) On Yom Tov, of course, one may perform such labors as may be required for the preparation of the day’s food.

As we have stated, the reason for these mitzvos is to keep Yom Tov from being just another day. Keeping away from our usual activities frees us up to use the time spiritually-constructively.

This mitzvah applies to both men and women in all times and places. It is discussed in the Talmud in the tractates of Beitza (8a-9a) and Makkos (21b-22a). It is codified in the Shulchan Aruch in Orach Chaim 495. This mitzvah is #325 of the 365 negative mitzvos in the Rambam’s Sefer HaMitzvos and #149 of the 194 negative mitzvos that can be observed today in the Chofetz Chaim’s Sefer HaMitzvos HaKatzar.