Muktzeh

Hi,

Today we begin a new topic: The Laws of Muktzeh.

In a strict sense, "Muktzeh" means "set aside" - something which is set aside from use on Shabbat.

There are various ways to break down the categories of Muktzeh, but R' Yehoshua Neuwirth, in his Shemirat Shabbat k'Hilchatah (Vol 1, Chapter 20 in the newer editions), defines four basic categories:

1. Muktzeh Machmat Gufo ["muktzeh because of itself"] - An item which has no use for that Shabbat.

2. Muktzeh Machmat Chisaron Kis ["muktzeh because of loss"] - An item which is not normally handled, because it is fragile, or because it is for sale, or because its nature demands that it be assigned a location and never moved.

3. Kli sheMelachto l'Issur ["an implement used for prohibited purposes"] - An item which is normally used for purposes which are prohibited on Shabbat.

4. Basis l'Davar ha'Assur ["a base for a prohibited item"] - An item which would not be muktzeh in itself, but which has a muktzeh item before Shabbat begins, with intent that it should remain there throughout the dusk time when Shabbat starts.

Gd-willing, in the next several emails we will examine the rules which apply to each category.

Have a great day,
Mordechai