GROUP-C: Melachot used in preparing a covering for the Mishkan, as in Exodus 26:14: "Make a roof for the tent out of reddened rams' skin. Above it, make a roof out of the blue processed hides."

25. TZEIDA - Trapping
26. SHOCHET - Slaughtering
27. MAF'SHEET - Skinning
28. M'ABEID - Tanning
29. M'MACHEIK - Smoothing
30. M'SARTEIT - Scratching out
31. M'CHATEICH - Cutting
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Melacha #25: TZEIDA - TRAPPING

Av Melacha: Trapping an animal for its skin.

Principle: An action that completely limits the movement of a free animal (for a constructive purpose).

Toldot: Trapping an animal using a net, cage, or rope.

It is permitted to release a trapped animal.

1. Trapping is prohibited when:

a. Prior to trapping, the animal had complete freedom of movement, and

b. One's action will cause the animal to be easily caught.

It is prohibited to trap an animal whether one intends to use the animal itself (Chayav), or because it is a nuisance (Patur aval Assur).

2. Trapping is permitted when:

a. The animal's movement is already restricted (e.g. a domesticated animal), or

b. It can easily be caught with one lunge (e.g. an ant, or an animal locked in a cage).

The issue depends on the size and quickness of the animal. For example, it is permitted to trap a wild animal already confined to a small room, but it is prohibited to trap a wild animal that is in a large room.

Additionally, the issue is based on how the animal would react in full consciousness For example, it is permitted to trap a wild animal that is lame, but it is prohibited to trap a wild animal that is sleeping.

3. Examples:

a. Since a pet dog will come when called, and won't run away when approached, this animal lacks complete freedom of movement. One is therefore permitted to restrict a pet dog further by locking it into an enclosed area or attaching it to a leash. Trapping a rebellious dog is prohibited.

b. If a bird flies into a huge room, one is permitted to close the window or door, since it is difficult to catch the bird even with the window shut.

c. It is prohibited to "trap" flies in a garbage can by closing the lid. In order to avoid this, one must leave the lid slightly open, or make an effort to wave away the flies before closing the lid.

d. It is prohibited to close a cage that houses an animal. Since the animal could have easily escaped from the cage if left unattended, closing the cage is an act of trapping, even though the animal made no attempt to leave. To open a cage on Shabbat (e.g. at time of feeding), one must do so in a way that prevents the animal from fleeing even during the time the cage door is open. For example, one should hold his hand in front of the opening, or in the case of a large cage, use a second door.

e. Erecting a trap on Shabbat to capture flies, bees, or any other animal is Patur aval Assur, because this indirectly traps them. It is permitted to set a trap before Shabbat.

4. Exception due to danger of physical pain (not emotional distress):

When an animal is likely to inflict great pain, it is permitted to trap it. However, one cannot kill the animal unnecessarily, or plan to make use of it after it was trapped. Bites from a bee, fly or mosquito are generally not considered sufficiently painful to warrant trapping.

However, since the bite of a bee or mosquito does cause great pain to an infant or someone who is allergic to these bites, trapping is allowed if these insects are threatening these people.

Note: All animals are Muktzah on Shabbat (though it is permitted to feed animals that one is responsible for).