GROUP-D:

32. KOTEIV - Writing
33. MOCHEK - Erasing
34. BONEH - Building
35. SOTER - Demolishing
36. MAV'IR - Kindling a fire
37. M'CHABEH - Extinguishing
38. MAKEH B'PATISH - Finishing
39. HOTZA'AH - Transferring

Melachot Koseiv and Mochek were used to mark the boards of the Mishkan to indicate their correct order of placement, to recognize "which is the partner of the other" (Mishnah - Shabbat 12:3).

Melachot Boneh and Soter were used for the erection and dismantling of the Mishkan, as mentioned in Exodus 40:18-19, "Moshe erected the Tabernacle. He [did this by] setting up the bases, placing the beams [in them]... He [then] set up the pillars. He spread the tent over the Mishkan and placed the tent's roof over it."

Melachot Mav'ir and M'chabeh were used in the metal-work for the Mishkan (smelting, casting, etc.) as in Exodus 38:27, "The 100 talents were used to cast the bases for the sanctuary..."

Melechet Makeh B'Patish was done when completing the gold overlay on the beams of the Tabernacle, as in Exodus 36:34, "They covered the beams with a layer of gold."

Melechet Hotza'ah was done when the people brought contributions to build the Mishkan, as in Exodus 36:3, "In Moshe's presence, they took the entire donation that the Israelites had brought to complete the work on the sacred task."

Melacha #32: KOTEIV - WRITING

Av Melacha: Marking beams with letters.

Principle: Forming an image that communicates a message.

Toldot: Writing or drawing to create letters, forms, symbols or pictures.

1. Torah prohibition -- Permanent writing:

Writing letters, or a sign/picture, with one's normal hand in such a way that it remains (relative to its surface). This is true even if the writing is not done with pen and paper -- e.g. writing "Happy Birthday" or forming a flower with icing on a cake. (A design that does not convey a message or symbol is permitted.)

2. Rabbinic prohibition -- Temporary writing:

The Rabbis forbade writing even if it won't stay long on this surface -- e.g. writing on a wet window, or forming letters with toothpicks.

3. Permitted -- intangible writing:

Writing in the air is therefore permitted, since it doesn't leave any impression at all.

Gezeirot:

1. Activities that may be associated with writing -- e.g. doing business. Therefore, making an acquisition (kinyan) is prohibited, unless the item can be used on Shabbat -- e.g. food objects. (A kinyan could be made on behalf of the recipient, however, before Shabbat.)

It is also prohibited to use weighing or measuring utensils -- e.g. getting on the bathroom scale. These examples are permitted, however, for a mitzvah (e.g. measuring food for a newborn baby).

2. Reading papers or books that could be associated with writing. For example, one may not read the business section or any advertisement in a newspaper, any business or personal letters, or a workbook that has blank spaces to be filled in. (It is permitted to learn secular knowledge on Shabbat for one's interest, unless one is specifically preparing for the weekday -- e.g. studying for an exam.)