Muktzeh

Question 1

What are the four categories of Muktzeh?

Answer 1

1) keli she melachto l’issur –
כלי שמלאכתו לאסור

an instrument normally used for work prohibited on Shabbos. Ie a pen, matches
2) muktzeh me-chamas chesron kis –
מקצה מחמת חסרון כיס
an object of value normally used for work prohibited on Shabbos whose owner is particular about not using it for any other purpose. Ie candlesticks, typewritter, camera, iphone
3) Muktzeh me-chamas gufo – an object which was neither designated nor designated for any use. Neither a utensil nor food. Ie, non kosher food, stones, sand, animals, non cooked kosher food
4) Basis l’dvar ha-assur - anything which serves as a base or support for a muktzeh item. Ie a desk drawer that contains muktzeh items

Question 2

Of the four categories, which ones can be moved? Under what conditions?

Answer 2

Cannot be moved under any circumstance :
Muktez me chamas chesron kis
מקצה מחמת חסרון כיס
Muktzeh me chamas gufo

Can be moved :
Keli she melachito l’issur – if one needs the place where it is lying, OR if you are going to use it for a purpose that is alliwed on Shabbat, ie use a hammer to crack nuts.

Basis l’dvar ha-assur – if it contains both muktzeh and non muktzeh items. First try to shake off the items, if that doesn’t work, you can move the base. Ie a plate that contains a wallet and a challah

Question 3

Name two cases when we can move muktzeh me chamas gufo.

Answer 3

Splinters and glass fragments that can cause injury

Peels and bones left on a table that will become disgusting

Question 4

Name three ways to move a muktzeh object

Answer 4

Blowing on it. Ie, one may blow money bills off a table.

Moving the object indirectly : but only if you aren’t intending to move the muktzeh object. Ie, you can pick up a book with coins on it.

Questionable : mishneh berurah allows moving muktzeh objects with one’s body. In a way you normally wouldn’t do that. Ie, move it with your foot, not your hands. Chazon Ish forbids that.