We see clearly that it is the purpose of our actions that count, and the melakhah -act can only be an expression of human creative intelligence if that purpose is constructive. Any act, however small, which demonstrates man's mastery of nature in this way is a melakhah, be it striking a light or washing clothes, tying a knot or building a house. We have thus arrived at the definition we have been searching for. A Melakhah is any act that show man's mastery over the world by the constructive exercise of his intetligence and skill. In the light of this exposition one can easily see how senseless is the oft-repeated argument that it is no exertion to switch on an electric light, or to write a word.
Actions can be more eloquent than words.
Let it be clearly understood that giving up melakhah is a positive spiritual act. Man's work in the week, and the illusion which it fosters, is as a veil which hides from him the true nature of his purpose in the world. Giving up melakhah means lifting the veil. So long as there is the slightest trace of melakhah in our life on Sabbath, the veil hangs in place. In the spiritual sphere, the smallest act can have as great an effect as the largest.