Garment order I - Shearing, bleaching, combing, dyeing, spinning

The first melakha in the garment-making sequence is 'Gozez' (Shearing). In the Mishkan, this act involved shearing wool from sheep to prepare threads and garments. But its meaning extends far beyond that.

Therefore, cutting hair, nails, or even picking a flower from the ground – all these are toladot (offshoots) of the melakha of Gozez and are biblically forbidden on Shabbat.

After shearing the wool, it must be cleaned. The melakha of 'Melaben' (Bleaching/Washing) is the act of whitening or cleaning. In the Mishkan, this was cleaning raw wool from dirt and grease.

1. 1Understand the core: Melaben is removing dirt or changing an object's color to prepare it for use.
2. 2Critical distinction: Scrubbing, wringing, or using cleaning agents are the core of the forbidden melakha.
3. 3Limited permission: Light soaking in water without scrubbing or wringing, not for thorough cleaning, is permitted.

After cleaning, the wool is still raw. The melakha of 'Menapetz' (Combing/Carding) is separating the raw wool fibers and aligning them in a uniform direction, so they are suitable for spinning.

The melakha of 'Tzove'a' (Dyeing) is giving color to the wool. Any change of color for permanence or beauty is included in this melakha. This also includes makeup, as it changes the facial tone for beauty.

Finally, 'Toveh' (Spinning) is the act of creating threads from the combed and dyed wool. This is the creation of a new structure, transforming raw material into a more finished product.

We have understood five foundational melakhot in the garment-making process. Each represents a broader principle applicable to a variety of actions in our lives. Understanding the principle allows us to navigate Shabbat safely and with holiness.