While there is no explicit prohibition in the written Torah on carrying objects between domains on the Sabbath, the Talmud and later commentators suggest several indirect sources for the prohibition:[1] The book of Jeremiah is more explicit, specifying two types of forbidden carrying (into the gates of Jerusalem, or out of an individual's house): Thus says the LORD: Take heed for the sake of your souls, and carry no burden on the Sabbath day, nor bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem; nor carry forth a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day, nor do any work; but rather make holy the Sabbath day - as I commanded your fathers, but they listened not, nor inclined their ear, but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear, nor receive instruction.
Then shall there enter into the gates of this city kings and princes sitting on David's throne, riding in chariots and with horses, they and their princes the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and this city shall be inhabited forever.
The book of Nehemiah contains a similar description: In those days I saw in Judah some treading winepresses on the sabbath, and bringing in heaps of corn, and lading donkeys with it; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day.
... Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them: "What evil thing is this that you do, and profane the sabbath day?"
... And when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut, and commanded that they should not be opened until after the sabbath; and some of my servants set I over the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.According to halacha, all areas are divided into four categories:[5][6] The neutral domain is defined as not bounded by walls or fences, and which also is not traversed by large numbers of people.