The inspiration for Just One Melacha
Just One Melacha was inspired by the upcoming Rosh Hashanah that coincides with Shabbos.
On Rosh Hashanah, the shofar is ordinarily sounded as a central mitzvah of the day. Yet when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbos, the shofar is not blown. The rabbis of the Talmud were concerned that someone who did not know how to blow the shofar properly might carry it through a public domain to a teacher in order to learn—a possible violation of Shabbos.
As a result, out of profound reverence for Shabbos, Chazal suspended the mitzvah of shofar blowing when Rosh Hashanah coincides with Shabbos. Through the unique legal authority granted to the Sanhedrin, they were able to establish this safeguard.
Surely, this illustrates the tremendous significance of Shabbos: that the Jewish people were willing to forgo the great spiritual benefit of hearing the shofar in order to protect the sanctity of Shabbos.
Just One Melacha was therefore created to encourage people to begin—or continue—their journey toward greater Shabbos observance. By taking on just one melacha, a person can take a meaningful step toward fulfilling this sacred mitzvah while also beginning to experience the profound blessings that Shabbos brings to our lives.
About Rabbi Alexander Coleman
Just One Melacha was created by Rabbi Alexander Coleman, a Jewish educator, spiritual guide, therapist, and personal mentor with more than three decades of experience helping people apply Jewish wisdom to everyday life.
A student of Yeshiva Chaim Berlin, Rabbi Coleman spent years in Jewish education and outreach before founding the Institute for Jewish Ethics (IJE). He is also trained in marriage and family therapy and is a certified life coach.
Through his teaching and mentorship, Rabbi Coleman seeks to make Judaism accessible, meaningful, and relevant—helping people take practical steps toward spiritual growth and a more purposeful life.
Learn more at RabbiColeman.com and IJEthics.org.