Bétsah

("Egg"). Seventh tractate of Order Mo'Ed in the Mishnah. Its five chapters deal with the distinction between what is called "work" on the Sabbath and "work" on a festival day (such as the New Year or Passover, etc.) (cf. Ex. 12:16, 20:10). The distinction comes out mainly with regard to the preparation of food, which is permitted on a festival day with certain restrictions. The tractate explains the laws of Muktseh (things forbidden to be touched on the Sabbath or a festival), the preparation of food on holy days, and the concept of shevut (rabbinical restriction against work). This tractate's name is unusual in that it is named after its first word rather than after its subject matter. However, it is also called Yom Tov (Festival Day) in keeping with its contents. The text is amplified in both Talmuds and in the Tosefta.

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