melachot

In Judaism, the 39 types of work forbidden on the Sabbath as listed in the Mishnah, part of the law of the Talmud. They embrace activities such as growing and preparing food, making clothes, completing work, writing, lighting a fire, and transporting goods. Applied to the modern world, the melachot prevent Jews from activities such as driving to synagogue or switching on lights and heating by hand. The melachot do not have to be obeyed if the saving of life is involved.