“כל העושה מלאכה באשמות ובחטאות פסול” – Summary & Sources

I. Core Talmudic and Halachic Sources

1. Mishnah Zevachim 15a

  • Principle: “כל העושה מלאכה באשמות ובחטאות פסול”—whoever does work with an asham or chatat (while it is sanctified) disqualifies it.
  • Scope: Applies to kodshei kodashim (asham, chatat), not to kodshim kalim (e.g. shelamim).
  • Definition of “Work”: Includes any melacha that uses the animal for labor (e.g., plowing, carrying loads) after it has been sanctified as a korban.

2. Gemara Zevachim 15b–16a

  • Limitation: Only applies after the animal is sanctified as a korban, not before.
  • Machloket: How much melacha is necessary to disqualify? Even a minor melacha can be enough.
  • Connection to Other Laws: This is similar to the issur of “baal mum” (blemish), but here the focus is on use, not physical damage.

3. Rambam, Hilchot Pesulei HaMukdashin 2:1–4

  • Halacha: Any use of the animal—riding, leaning, benefiting in any way—renders an asham or chatat invalid.
  • Kodshim Kalim: Not invalidated by melacha.
  • Exception: If done inadvertently, it may not always invalidate; intentional use is the main subject.

4. Rashi, Zevachim 15a s.v. “Kol Ha’oseh Melacha”

  • Explanation: Focuses on the sanctity of kodshei kodashim and the unique stringency of melacha.

5. Tosafot, Zevachim 16a s.v. “Kol Ha’oseh”

  • Discussion: Whether any benefit or only actual labor is included. Debates the boundaries and stringency.

II. Conceptual and Halachic Analysis

  • The law highlights the unique sanctity of chatat and asham—they are not to be used for any mundane purpose once designated as a korban.
  • Kodshim Kalim (like shelamim) have less stringency; melacha does not invalidate.
  • The act of melacha is a “psul” (disqualification) that is unrelated to physical damage or the act of slaughter—it’s about the relationship to sanctity.
  • The rule reflects a broader principle: using holy objects for mundane purposes undermines their sanctity.

III. Summary Table: “Kol HaOseh Melacha”

Korban Type Is Melacha a Psul? Source Details
Chattat/Asham Yes Mishnah, Rambam Any use is a psul
Kodshim Kalim No Rambam Melacha is permitted
Before Sanctification No Gemara Melacha does not disqualify
Inadvertent Use Possibly not Rambam Depends on intention

IV. Key Takeaways

  • Avoiding Melacha is an expression of respect for the korban’s sanctity.
  • Disqualification by melacha applies only to certain korbanot and only after sanctification.
  • Boundary Cases (e.g., inadvertent use, types of melacha) are subject to halachic debate.
  • The law is a paradigm for treating holy objects with reverence and separation from the mundane.

Sources Cited

  • משנה זבחים טו ע”א
  • גמרא זבחים טו ע”ב–טז ע”א
  • רמב”ם הלכות פסולי המוקדשין פרק ב:א–ד
  • רש”י זבחים טו ע”א ד”ה “כל העושה מלאכה”
  • תוספות זבחים טז ע”א ד”ה “כל העושה”