Intro to Muktzeh

Question 1

Definition of the word מוקצה

Answer 1

Something which is set aside

Question 2

The earliest source for the איסור טלטול מוקצה

Answer 2

The Gemara (Shabbos 30b) describes that, upon seeing that his father died on Shabbos, Shlomo was worried about the body which was out in the sun, exposed to the elements and animals looking to eat. Shlomo asked how he could properly move the body on Shabbos, without violating the laws of Shabbos.

Question 3

The second earliest source for the איסור טלטול מוקצה

Answer 3

The Gemara (Shabbos 123b) seems to suggest that the laws of Muktzeh were instituted at a much later date in time, at the beginning of the Second Beis HaMikdash, in the days of Nechemiah. There was a prevalent laxity in Shabbos observance, and to enhance its sanctity, Nechemiah banned the movement of nearly all objects by deeming them Muktzeh. This ruling was so comprehensive that it encompassed the movement of practically all objects except for eating utensils. Subsequently, as Shabbos performance improved, they permitted many of the initial prohibitions of Muktzeh. Chazal relaxed the restrictions of Muktzeh and permitted the handling of a wider range of objects.

Question 4

Reconciling the Gemara of Shlomo HaMelech and the Gemara of Nechemia

Answer 4

Aruch HaShulchan and Shulchan Aruch HaRav argue that objects with no use were always Muktzeh. In the days of Nechemia, when Shabbos observance was lax, more Issurim were introduced. (Some were withdrawn as Shabbos observance increased).

Question 5

Reasons for the איסור טילטול מוקצה

Answer 5

Rambam - 1. Prevent General Weekday Activity 2. Preventing Forbidden Activity (Melacha) 3. Shvita HaNikeret.

Raavad - Gzeira Atu Hotzaah.

Question 6

Why the Rambam doesn’t offer the approach of the Gemara (and the Raavad) that Muktzeh is a Gzeira Atu Hotzaah.

Answer 6

Maggid Mishna argues that Nechemiah instituted more Issurei Muktzeh because people were lax in Hotzaah. As they improved, this stringency was removed. The Issurim that remained were due to the reasons that the Rambam mentions.

Question 7

Beit Yosef’s Categories of Muktzeh

Answer 7

1. Muktzeh Machmas Chesron Kis
2. Kli SheMelachto L’Issur
3. Muktzeh Machmas Gufo
4. Basis L’Davar HaAssur
5. e. Muktzeh Machmas Issur – M’Chubar O M’Chusar Tzeida
6. f. Muktzeh Machmas Mitzvah

Question 8

Mutar Ways to Interact With All Categories of Muktzeh

Answer 8

1. Touch without movement
2. K’L’Achar Yad/Tiltul B’Gufo
3. Tiltul Min HaTzad L’Tzorech Davar HaMutar