Among the Jews spinning was more of a domestic operation than a regular business. And it is still so, not only in Palestine, but also throughout the East. the spinning instruments were among the most primitive, consisting of a distaff and a spindle, with no wheel being used. the spindle was a plump stick measuring almost 30 cm. in length, with a stone object at the bottom end to give it weight, and to make its rotational movement firm. the material to be spun was loosely attached to the wheel, which was held in the left hand, the thread being pulled with the right hand, which held the spindle in its movement. This industry was entirely in the hands of women, although they were helped by the men in the weaving industry (Ex 35,25,26 – Pv 31,19 – Mt 6,28 – Lc 12,27). (*see Weaving,).
