The last of the thirty-nine melachas is that of transferring an object from one domain to another or better known as carrying. This is perhaps one of the most discussed melachas as it is different from the others in that the action does not lead to anything being physically altered in the way that fire, tearing or sewing would.

It is prohibited to move an object from a private domain to a public domain and it is prohibited to move an object more than 4 cubits within a public domain.

Public and private domains are defined in terms of the amount of enclosure rather than by legal notions of property ownership.

There are various Jewish legal concepts that seek to define the separation of domains. An enclosed shared living area is understood to be a common area in which one is permitted to carry. This comes into play in a number of settings including apartment complexes, hospitals and walled cities.

A modern eruv is often a string or wire that serves as a symbolic ‘fence’ or ‘wall’ for a Jewish neighborhood. A wall of a building or natural wall can count as part of the enclosure as well. The eruv defines the bounds of the common or shared domain for the Jewish residents. Within this legal construct, one is permitted to carry as they would in a walled city. The shared domain is also legally defined by a resident transferring bread to another within the eruv. This symbolizes the need for residents to share food (bread) within the enclosure, allowing for certain other objects to be transferred as well.

Items such as pens and matches may not be carried as they are not allowed to be used. Similarly, one may not carry an umbrella as it is considered to be akin to erecting a tent and therefore violates the prohibition against building.

Even without the eruv one is permitted to wear normal clothing in its normal manner on their body even though an object will be transferred between domains. Similarly, many medical objects such as glasses or casts may be ‘worn’ and therefore transferred between domains.

Adapted from the Shabbos Home by Rabbi Simcha Bunim Cohen