Chapter Previewהַקְדָּמָה
Chapter 25 of Hilchos Shabbos introduces the fundamental categories of muktzeh, the Rabbinic prohibition against moving certain objects on Shabbos. The Rambam begins by distinguishing between utensils whose primary function is permitted on Shabbos (kli shemelachto l'heter) and those whose primary function is forbidden (kli shemelachto l'issur). This distinction forms the basis for the varying levels of restriction placed on handling these items.
The chapter also defines items that do not qualify as utensils at all, such as stones, money, raw materials, and corpses. The Rambam outlines the specific conditions under which different categories of muktzeh may be moved, such as for the use of the object itself, for the space it occupies, or to protect the item from damage or theft.
All introductions, summaries, and contextual notes are the editor's commentary and are not part of the original text.אַלע הַקְדָּמוֹת, סִכּוּמִים, און הערות זענען דעם רעדאַקטאָר'ס באַמערקונגען און זענען נישט קיין טייל פונעם אָריגינעלן טעקסט.
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כֵּלִים שֶׁמְּלַאכְתָּם לְהֶתֵּר בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 1 · Utensils Whose Primary Use is Permitted on Shabbos
יֵשׁThere isכְּלִיa utensilשֶׁמְּלַאכְתּוֹwhose work isלְהֶתֵּרfor permissionוְהוּאand itהַכְּלִיis the utensilשֶׁמֻּתָּרthat is permittedלַעֲשׂוֹתto doבּוֹwith itבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosדָּבָרa thingשֶׁנַּעֲשָׂהthat is doneלוֹwith itבְּחל.on a weekdayכְּגוֹןsuch asכּוֹסa cupלִשְׁתּוֹתto drinkבּוֹwith itוּקְעָרָהand a bowlלֶאֱכלto eatבָּהּwith itוְסַכִּיןand a knifeלַחְתוֹךto cutבּוֹwith itבָּשָׂרmeatוּפַתand breadוְקֻרְנָסand a hatchetלִפְצֹעַto crackבּוֹwith itאֱגוֹזִיםnutsוְכַיּוֹצֵאand the likeבָּהֶן:of them
This halacha defines the category of utensils whose primary function is permitted on Shabbos, such as eating and drinking vessels.
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דִּין כְּלִי שֶׁמְּלַאכְתּוֹ לְאִסּוּרHalacha 2 · The Law of a Utensil Whose Work is for Forbidden Use
וְיֵשׁAnd there isכְּלִיa utensilשֶׁמְּלַאכְתּוֹwhose work isלְאִסּוּרfor forbidden useוְהוּאand itהַכְּלִיis the utensilשֶׁאָסוּרthat is forbiddenלַעֲשׂוֹתto doבּוֹwith itבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosדָּבָרthe thingשֶׁנַּעֲשָׂהthat is doneבּוֹ.with itכְּגוֹןfor exampleמַכְתֶּשֶׁתa mortarוְרֵיחַיִםand a millוְכַיּוֹצֵאand similarבָּהֶןto themשֶׁאָסוּרfor it is forbiddenלִכְתּשׁto crushוְלִטְחֹןand to grindבְּשַׁבָּת:on Shabbos
This halacha defines the category of muktzeh known as a utensil whose primary function is for a forbidden activity.
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דִּינֵי טִלְטוּל כְּלִי שֶׁמְּלַאכְתּוֹ לְהֶתֵּר וּכְלִי שֶׁמְּלַאכְתּוֹ לְאִסּוּרHalacha 3 · Laws of Carrying Utensils of Permitted and Forbidden Use on Shabbos
כָּלAnyכְּלִיutensilשֶׁמְּלַאכְתּוֹwhose work isלְהֶתֵּרfor permissionבֵּיןwhetherהָיָהit wasשֶׁלofעֵץwoodאוֹorשֶׁלofחֶרֶסearthenwareאוֹorשֶׁלofאֶבֶןstoneאוֹorשֶׁלofמַתֶּכֶתmetalמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטְלוֹto carry itבְּשַׁבָּת.on Shabbosבֵּיןwhetherבִּשְׁבִילfor the sake ofעַצְמוֹitselfשֶׁלofכְּלִיthe utensilבֵּיןwhetherלְצֹרֶךְfor the need ofמְקוֹמוֹits placeבֵּיןwhetherלְצֹרֶךְfor the need ofגּוּפוֹ.its bodyוְכָלand anyכְּלִיutensilשֶׁמְּלַאכְתּוֹwhose work isלְאִסּוּרfor prohibitionבֵּיןwhetherהָיָהit wasשֶׁלofעֵץwoodאוֹorשֶׁלofחֶרֶסearthenwareאוֹorשֶׁלofאֲבָנִיםstonesאוֹorשֶׁלofמַתֶּכֶתmetalמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטְלוֹto carry itבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosבֵּיןwhetherלְצֹרֶךְfor the need ofגּוּפוֹits bodyבֵּיןwhetherלְצֹרֶךְfor the need ofמְקוֹמוֹits placeאֲבָלbutבִּשְׁבִילfor the sake ofעַצְמוֹitselfשֶׁלofכְּלִיthe utensilאָסוּר:it is forbidden
This halacha delineates the differences in the permitted reasons for carrying a utensil of permitted use versus a utensil of forbidden use on Shabbos.
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טִלְטוּל כְּלִי שֶׁמְּלַאכְתּוֹ לְהֶתֵּר לְצֹרֶךְ גּוּפוֹ וּמְקוֹמוֹHalacha 4 · Moving a Utensil of Permitted Use for Its Own Sake or Its Place
כֵּיצַד.Howמְטַלְטֵלmovesהוּאheאֶת—הַקְּעָרָהthe bowlשֶׁלofעֵץwoodלֶאֱכלto eatבָּהּwith itאוֹorלֵישֵׁבto sitבִּמְקוֹמָהּ.in its placeאוֹorכְּדֵיin orderשֶׁלֹּאthat notתִּגָּנֵב.it be stolenוְזֶהand thisהוּאisבִּשְׁבִילfor the sake ofעַצְמָהּ.itselfוְכֵןand soאִםifטִלְטֵלhe movedאוֹתָהּitמִןfromהַחַמָּהthe sunכְּדֵיin orderשֶׁלֹּאthat notתִּתְיַבֵּשׁit dry outוְתִשָּׁבֵרand breakאוֹorמִןfromהַגְּשָׁמִיםthe rainsכְּדֵיin orderשֶׁלֹּאthat notתִּתְפַּחit swellוְתִפָּסֵדand be ruinedהֲרֵיbeholdזֶהthisמְטַלְטֵלis movingבִּשְׁבִילfor the sake ofעַצְמָהּitselfוּמֻתָּרand is permittedמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁמְּלַאכְתָּהּits melachaלְהֶתֵּר:is for permitted use
This halacha defines the parameters of moving a utensil whose primary function is permitted, whether for its own protection or for the use of its space.
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טִלְטוּל כְּלִי שֶׁמְּלַאכְתּוֹ לְאִסּוּר לְצֹרֶךְ גּוּפוֹ וּמְקוֹמוֹHalacha 5 · Moving a Vessel of Forbidden Use for Its Space or Body
וְכֵןAnd soמְטַלְטֵלmovesהוּאheהָרֵחַיִםthe millאוֹorהַמַּכְתֶּשֶׁתthe mortarלְשַׁבֵּרto crackעָלֶיהָon itאֱגוֹזִיםnutsאוֹorלַעֲלוֹתto climbעָלֶיהָon itלַמִּטָּהto the bedוְזֶהand thisהוּאisלְצֹרֶךְfor the need ofגּוּפוֹits bodyאוֹorלֵישֵׁבto sitבִּמְקוֹמוֹ.in its placeאֲבָלbutאֵינוֹhe may notמְטַלְטְלָהּmove itכְּדֵיin orderשֶׁלֹּאthat notתִּשָּׁבֵרit will breakוְלֹאand notכְּדֵיin orderשֶׁלֹּאthat notתִּגָּנֵב.it will be stolenוְכֵןand soכָּלallכַּיּוֹצֵאthat is similarבָּזֶה:to this
This halacha explains the permissible and forbidden reasons for moving a vessel whose primary function is forbidden on Shabbos.
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אִסּוּר טִלְטוּל מוּקְצֶה שֶׁאֵינוֹ כְּלִי וְדַלְתוֹת הַבַּיִתHalacha 6 · The Prohibition of Carrying Non-Utensil Muktzeh and House Doors
וְכָלAnd anyשֶׁאֵינוֹthat is notכְּלִיa utensilכְּגוֹןsuch asאֲבָנִיםstonesוּמָעוֹתand moneyוְקָנִיםand reedsוְקוֹרוֹתand beamsוְכַיּוֹצֵאand the likeבָּהֶןof themאָסוּרis forbiddenלְטַלְטְלָן.to carry themאֶבֶןA stoneגְּדוֹלָהlargeאוֹorקוֹרָהa beamגְּדוֹלָהlargeאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁהִיאthat itנִטֶּלֶתis carriedבַּעֲשָׂרָהby tenבְּנֵיmenאָדָם·אִםifיֵשׁthere isתּוֹרַתthe status ofכְּלִיa utensilעָלֶיהָupon itמְטַלְטְלִיםwe may carryאוֹתָהּ.itדַּלְתוֹתThe doors ofהַבַּיִתthe houseאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁהֵןthat theyכֵּלִיםare utensilsלֹאnotהוּכְנוּwere they preparedלְטַלְטֵלto carryלְפִיכָךְthereforeאִםifנִתְפָּרְקוּthey became detachedאֲפִלּוּevenבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosאֵיןwe do notמְטַלְטְלִיןcarryאוֹתָן.themוְכֵןAnd likewiseהֶעָפָרthe earthוְהַחוֹלand the sandוְהַמֵּתand the corpseאֵיןwe do notמְזִיזִיןmoveאוֹתָןthemמִמְּקוֹמָן.from their placeוּבֶןAnd a child ofשְׁמוֹנָהeightחַיmonths who is aliveהֲרֵיbeholdהוּאheכְּאֶבֶןis like a stoneוְאָסוּרand it is forbiddenלְטַלְטְלוֹ:to carry him
This halacha defines the category of muktzeh for items that are not utensils, such as stones, sand, and detached house doors.
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טִלְטוּל כְּלִי שֶׁמְּלַאכְתּוֹ לְאִסּוּר לְצֹרֶךְ גּוּפוֹHalacha 7 · Carrying a Utensil of Forbidden Use for the Sake of its Space or Body
מֻתָּרIt is permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryהַכְּלִיthe utensilאֲפִלּוּevenשֶׁלֹּאnotלְצֹרֶךְfor the need ofתַּשְׁמִישׁוֹits usageאֶלָּאbutלַעֲשׂוֹתto performבּוֹwith itמְלָאכָהa taskשֶׁלֹּאthat notנַעֲשָׂהit was madeלְתַשְׁמִישָׁהּ.for its usageכֵּיצַד.How soנוֹטֵלtakesאָדָםa personקֻרְנָסa hammerלִפְצֹעַto crackבּוֹwith itאֱגוֹזִים.nutsקוֹרְדוֹםan axeלַחְתֹּךְto cutבּוֹwith itדְּבֵלָה.a dried figמְגֵרָהa sawלְגָרֵרto scrapeבָּהּwith itאֶת—הַגְּבִינָה.the cheeseמַגְרֵפָהa shovelלִגְרֹףto scoopבָּהּwith itאֶת—הַגְּרוֹגָרוֹת.the dried figsאֶת—הָרַחַתthe winnowing shovelוְאֶתand —הַמַּזְלֵגthe forkלָתֵתto placeעָלָיוupon itאֹכֶלfoodלְקָטָן.for a childאֶת—הַכּוֹשׁthe spindleוְאֶתand —הַכַּרְכָּרthe shuttleלִתְחֹבto pierceבּוֹ.with itמַחַטa needleשֶׁלofסַקָּאִיןsack-makersלִפְתֹּחַto openבּוֹwith itאֶת—הַדֶּלֶת.the doorאֶת—הַמַּכְתֶּשֶׁתthe mortarלֵישֵׁבto sitעָלֶיהָ.upon itוְכֵןand soכָּלallכַּיּוֹצֵאsimilarבָּזֶה:to this
This halacha teaches that one may carry a utensil whose primary function is forbidden on Shabbos if it is needed to perform a permitted task.
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טִלְטוּל מַחַט בְּשַׁבָּת לִטּוֹל בָּהּ קוֹץHalacha 8 · Carrying a Needle on Shabbos to Remove a Splinter
וּמְטַלְטֵלAnd may carryאָדָםa personמַחַטa needleשֶׁלofיָדhandהַשְּׁלֵמָהthat is wholeלִטּלto removeבָּהּwith itאֶת—הַקּוֹץ.the splinterאֲבָלbutאִםifנִטַּלwas removedהַקָּצֶהthe endהַנָּקוּבthat is piercedשֶׁלָּהּof itאוֹorהַקָּצֶהthe endהַחַדthat is sharpשֶׁלָּהּof itאֵיןwe do notמְטַלְטְלִיןcarryאוֹתָהּ.itוְאִםand ifהָיְתָהit wasגּלֶםan unfinished vesselוַעֲדַיִןand stillלֹאnotנִקְּבָהit was piercedמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטְלָהּ:to carry it
The Rambam rules that a whole hand-needle may be carried to remove a splinter, but if its eye or point is broken, it becomes muktza.
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אִסּוּר מֻקְצֶה מֵחֲמַת חֶסְרוֹן כִּיס בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 9 · The Prohibition of Muktzeh Due to Financial Loss on Shabbos
כָּלAnyכְּלִיutensilשֶׁמַּקְפִּידthat one is carefulעָלָיוabout itשֶׁמָּאlestיִפְחֲתוּdepreciateדָּמָיוits valueכְּגוֹןsuch asכֵּלִיםutensilsהַמֻּקְצִיםthat are set asideלִסְחוֹרָהfor merchandiseוְכֵלִיםand utensilsהַיְקָרִיםthat are expensiveבְּיוֹתֵרexceedinglyשֶׁמַּקְפִּידthat one is carefulעֲלֵיהֶןabout themשֶׁמָּאlestיִפָּסְדוּthey spoilאָסוּרit is forbiddenלְטַלְטְלָןto move themבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosוְזֶהand thisהוּאisהַנִּקְרָאthat which is calledמֻקְצֶהmuktzehמֵחֲמַתdue toחֶסְרוֹןloss ofכִּיס.pocketכְּגוֹןsuch asהַמַּסָּרthe sawהַגָּדוֹלlargeוְיָתֵדand the coulterשֶׁלofמַחְרֵשָׁהa plowוְסַכִּיןand the knifeשֶׁלofטַבָּחִיםbutchersוְחֶרֶבand the knifeשֶׁלofאוּשְׁכָּפִיםshoemakersוְחִצִּיןand the adze ofהַחֲרָשִׁיםthe carpentersוְקֻרְנָסand a malletשֶׁלofבַּשָּׂמִיםperfumersוְכַיּוֹצֵאand similarבָּהֶן:to them
This halacha defines the category of muktzeh machmas chisron kis, which includes expensive or specialized tools that one is careful to use only for their designated purposes.
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דִּין מֻקְצֶה מֵחֲמַת אִסּוּר וּבֵין הַשְּׁמָשׁוֹתHalacha 10 · The Law of Muktzeh Due to Prohibition and the Rule of Bein Hashmashot
כָּלAnyכְּלִיutensilשֶׁהֻקְצָהthat was set asideמֵחֲמַתbecause ofהָאִסּוּרthe prohibitionאָסוּרis forbiddenלְטַלְטְלוֹ.to carry itכְּגוֹןfor exampleנֵרa lampשֶׁהִדְלִיקוּthat they kindledבּוֹwith itבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosוְהַמְּנוֹרָהand the candelabraשֶׁהָיָהthat wasהַנֵּרthe lampעָלֶיהָupon itוְשֻׁלְחָןand a tableשֶׁהָיוּthat wasעָלָיוupon itמָעוֹתmoneyאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁכָּבָהthat was extinguishedהַנֵּרthe lampאוֹorשֶׁנָּפְלוּthat fellהַמָּעוֹתthe moneyאָסוּרit is forbiddenלְטַלְטְלָן.to carry themשֶׁכָּלfor anyכְּלִיutensilשֶׁהָיָהthat wasאָסוּרforbiddenלְטַלְטְלוֹto carry itבֵּיןbetweenהַשְּׁמָשׁוֹתthe sunsנֶאֱסַרis forbiddenלְטַלְטְלוֹto carry itכָּלall ofהַשַּׁבָּתthe Shabbosכֻּלָּהּentirelyאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁהָלַךְthat departedהַדָּבָרthe thingשֶׁגָּרַםthat causedלוֹto itהָאִסּוּר:the prohibition
This halacha establishes the principle of 'migo d'itkatzai l'bein hashmashot itkatzai l'chulo yoma'—that an object muktzeh at twilight remains muktzeh for the entire Shabbos.
הל׳ יא
טִלְטוּל כְּלִי הַמֻּקְצֶה מֵחֲמַת מֵאוּסוֹ בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 11 · Moving a Utensil Set Aside Due to Repulsiveness on Shabbos
אֲבָלButכְּלִיa utensilהַמֻּקְצֶהthat is set asideמֵחֲמַתbecause ofמֵאוּסוֹits repulsivenessכְּגוֹןsuch asנֵרa lampיָשָׁןoldשֶׁלofנֵפְטkeroseneוּכְלִיand a utensilהַצּוֹאָהof excrementוְכַיּוֹצֵאand similarבָּהֶןto themמֻתָּרis permittedלְטַלְטְלָןto move themבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosאִםifהֻצְרַךְhe needsלָהֶן:them
This halacha discusses the permissibility of moving repulsive utensils, such as kerosene lamps or chamber pots, on Shabbos when they are needed.
הל׳ יב
טִלְטוּל דְּלָתוֹת וְשִׁבְרֵי כֵלִים בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 12 · Carrying Detached Doors and Broken Pieces of Utensils on Shabbos
כָּלAllהַכֵּלִיםthe utensilsהַנִּטָּלִיןthat are carriedבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosשֶׁנִּתְפָּרְקוּwhoseדַּלְתוֹתֵיהֶןdoorsכְּגוֹןfor exampleדַּלְתוֹתthe doors ofשִׁדָּהa carriageתֵּבָהa chestוּמִגְדָּלor a cabinetבֵּיןwhetherשֶׁנִּתְפָּרְקוּthey were detachedבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosבֵּיןor whetherשֶׁנִּתְפָּרְקוּthey were detachedקֹדֶםbeforeהַשַּׁבָּתthe Shabbosמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטֵלto carryאוֹתָןthemדְּלָתוֹת.the doorsוְכֵןAnd similarlyכָּלallהַכֵּלִיםthe utensilsהַנִּטָּלִיןthat are carriedבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosשֶׁנִּשְׁבְּרוּthat brokeבֵּיןwhetherקֹדֶםbeforeהַשַּׁבָּתthe Shabbosבֵּיןor whetherבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosשִׁבְרֵיהֶןtheir broken piecesנִטָּלִיןmay be carriedוְהוּאand this isשֶׁיִּהְיוּprovided thatשִׁבְרֵיהֶןtheir broken piecesעוֹשִׂיןperformמֵעֵיןsimilar toמְלַאכְתָּן.their original functionכֵּיצַד.How soשִׁבְרֵיthe broken pieces ofעֲרֵבָהa kneading troughלְכַסּוֹתto coverבָּהֶןwith themאֶת—פִּיthe mouth ofהֶחָבִית.the barrelשִׁבְרֵיthe broken pieces ofזְכוּכִיתglassלְכַסּוֹתto coverבָּהֶןwith themאֶת—פִּיthe mouth ofהַפַּךְ.the flaskוְכֵןand similarlyכָּלallכַּיּוֹצֵאthat is similarבָּזֶה.to thisאֲבָלButאִםifאֵיןare notהַשְּׁבָרִיםthe broken piecesרְאוּיִיןfitלִמְלָאכָהfor a functionכְּלָלat allאָסוּרit is forbiddenלְטַלְטְלָן:to carry them
This halacha discusses the permissibility of carrying detached doors of utensils and the broken shards of vessels on Shabbos, provided they remain fit for some useful function.
הל׳ יג
דִּין טִלְטוּל כִּסּוּיֵי כֵלִים וְכִסּוּיֵי קַרְקָעוֹת בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 13 · The Laws of Carrying Covers of Utensils and Ground Openings on Shabbos
כָּלAllכִּסּוּיֵיcovers ofהַכֵּלִיםthe utensilsנִטָּלִיםmay be carriedבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosוְהוּאand that isשֶׁיֵּשׁprovided that there isתּוֹרַתthe status ofכְּלִיa utensilעֲלֵיהֶן.upon themהָיָהIf it wasכְּלִיa utensilמְחֻבָּרattachedבַּקַּרְקַעto the groundכְּגוֹןsuch asחָבִיתa barrelהַטְּמוּנָהthat is buriedבָּאָרֶץ.in the earthאִםifיֵשׁthere isבַּכִּסּוּיin the coverשֶׁלָּהּof itבֵּיתa place ofאֲחִיזָהholdingמְטַלְטְלִיןwe may carryאוֹתוֹitוְאִםand ifלָאוnotאֵיןwe may notמְטַלְטְלִיןcarryאוֹתוֹ.itוְכֵןAnd likewiseכִּסּוּיֵיcovers ofהַקַּרְקָעוֹתthe groundsכְּגוֹןsuch asבּוֹרוֹתpitsוַחֲרִיצִיןand ditchesאֵיןwe may notמְטַלְטְלִיןcarryכִּסּוּיthe coverשֶׁלָּהֶןof themאֶלָּאunlessאִם·כֵּן·יֵשׁthere isלוֹto itבֵּיתa place ofאֲחִיזָה.holdingכִּסּוּיThe cover ofהַתַּנּוּרthe ovenאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁאֵיןthat there is notלוֹto itבֵּיתa place ofאֲחִיזָהholdingמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטְלוֹ:to carry it
This halacha details when covers of utensils, ground-attached vessels, pits, and ovens may be carried on Shabbos based on whether they have handles.
הל׳ יד
דִּינֵי טִלְטוּל מִן הַצַּד בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 14 · The Laws of Indirect Carrying of Muktzah on Shabbos
שְׁנֵיTwoדְּבָרִיםthingsאֶחָדoneאָסוּרforbiddenלְטַלְטְלוֹto carry itוְאֶחָדand oneמֻתָּרpermittedלְטַלְטְלוֹto carry itוְהֵןand theyסְמוּכִיםare adjacentזֶהthisלָזֶהto thisאוֹorזֶהthisעַלuponזֶהthisאוֹorזֶהthisבָּזֶהinside thisוּבִזְמַןand at a timeשֶׁמְּטַלְטְלִיןthat one carriesאֶחָדoneמֵהֶןof themיְטַלְטֵלwill be carriedהַשֵּׁנִי.the secondאִםifהָיָהhe wasצָרִיךְin needלַדָּבָרof the thingשֶׁמֻּתָּרthat is permittedלְטַלְטְלוֹto carry itמְטַלְטְלוֹhe may carry itוְאַףand evenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁדָּבָרthe thingהָאָסוּרthat is forbiddenמִטַּלְטֵלis carriedעִמּוֹ.with itוְאִםand ifצָרִיךְhe needsלְטַלְטֵלto carryדָּבָרthe thingהָאָסוּרthat is forbiddenלֹאhe may notיְטַלְטְלֶנּוּcarry itבְּאוֹתוֹby thatדָּבָרthingהַמֻּתָּר:that is permitted
This halacha defines the parameters of tiltul min hatzad, permitting indirect movement of muktzah when the primary intent is to move a permitted item.
הל׳ טו
טִלְטוּל מֻקְצֶה כְּדֵי לִטֹּל אֶת הַמֻּתָּרHalacha 15 · Moving Muktzeh Indirectly to Retrieve Permitted Items on Shabbos
כֵּיצַד.Howפַּגָּהan unripe figשֶׁהָיְתָהthat wasטְמוּנָהburiedבְּתֶבֶןin strawוַחֲרָרָהand a cakeשֶׁהָיְתָהthat wasעַלuponגַּבֵּי·גֶּחָלִיםcoalsתּוֹחֲבָןone may pierce themבְּכוֹשׁwith a spindleאוֹorבְּכַרְכָּרwith a weaver's shuttleוְנוֹטְלָןand take themוְאַףand evenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁהַתֶּבֶןthe strawוְהַגֶּחָלִיםand the coalsנִנְעָרִיםare movedבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosבִּשְׁעַתat the time ofנְטִילָה.takingוְכֵןAnd soלֶפֶתa turnipאוֹorצְנוֹנוֹתradishesשֶׁהָיוּthat wereטְמוּנִיםburiedבְּעָפָרin earthוּמִקְצָתand some ofהֶעָלִיםthe leavesמְגֻלִּיםare revealedשׁוֹמְטָןone may pull them outבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosבֶּעָלֶהby the leafשֶׁלָּהֶןof theirsוְאַףand evenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁהֶעָפָרthe earthנִנְעָר.is movedאֲבָלButאִםifהָיָהthere wasכִּכָּרa loaf of breadאוֹorתִּינוֹקa childעַלuponגַּבֵּי·הָאֶבֶןthe stoneאוֹorעַלuponגַּבֵּי·הַקּוֹרָהthe beamלֹאone may notיְטַלְטֵלcarryהָאֶבֶןthe stoneאוֹorהַקּוֹרָהthe beamבַּכִּכָּרbecause of the loafאוֹorבַּתִּינוֹקbecause of the childשֶׁיֵּשׁthat isעָלֶיהָ.upon itוְכֵןand soכָּלallכַּיּוֹצֵאsimilarבָּזֶה:to this
This halacha discusses the permissibility of indirectly moving muktzeh items, such as straw, coals, or earth, in order to retrieve permitted food items on Shabbos.
הל׳ טז
טִלְטוּל תִּינוֹק וְכַלְכָּלָה שֶׁיֵּשׁ בָּהֶם אֶבֶן בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 16 · Carrying a Child or a Basket Containing a Stone on Shabbos
נוֹטֵלMay takeאָדָםa personאֶת—בְּנוֹhis sonשֶׁיֵּשׁwho hasלוֹfor himגַּעְגּוּעִיןa yearningעָלָיוupon himוְהָאֶבֶןeven though the stoneבְּיָדוֹis in his handאֲבָלbutלֹאnotדִּינָרa dinarשֶׁאִםfor ifיִפּלfallsהַדִּינָרthe dinarיִטְּלֶנּוּwill take itהָאָבthe fatherבְּיָדוֹ.in his handכַּלְכָּלָהA basketשֶׁהָיְתָהthat wasנְקוּבָהpuncturedוְסָתַםand he pluggedנֶקֶבthe holeשֶׁלָּהּof itבְּאֶבֶןwith a stoneמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטְלָהּto move itשֶׁהֲרֵיsinceהָאֶבֶןthe stoneנַעֲשֵׂיתhas becomeכְּדֹפֶן.like a wallהָיְתָהIf wasהַכַּלְכָּלָהthe basketמְלֵאָהfilled withפֵּרוֹתfruitsוְהָאֶבֶןand the stoneבְּתוֹךְis insideהַפֵּרוֹתthe fruitsאִםifהָיוּwereהַפֵּרוֹתthe fruitsרְטֻבִּיםmoistכְּגוֹןsuch asעֲנָבִיםgrapesוְתוּתִיםand berriesנוֹטֵלhe may takeאוֹתָהּitכְּמוֹתjustשֶׁהִיאas it isשֶׁאִםfor ifיְנַעֵרhe shakes outהַפֵּרוֹתthe fruitsיִטָּנְפוּthey will be soiledבֶּעָפָרin the dustוּבִמְקוֹםand in a place ofהֶפְסֵדlossלֹאnotגָּזְרוּ:did they decree
This halacha discusses the Rabbinic guidelines for carrying a child who is holding a stone or coin, and moving a basket containing a stone.
הל׳ יז
דִּין בָּסִיס לְדָבָר הָאָסוּר בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 17 · The Laws of a Base for a Forbidden Object on Shabbos
חָבִיתA jugשֶׁשָּׁכַחthat one forgotאֶבֶןa stoneעַלonפִּיהָits openingמַטָּהּhe may tilt itעַלonצִדָּהּits sideוְהִיאand itנוֹפֶלֶת.fallsהָיְתָהIf it wasבֵּיןbetweenהֶחָבִיּוֹתthe jugsוְהָאֶבֶןand the stoneעָלֶיהָis upon itמַגְבִּיהָהּhe may lift itלְמָקוֹםto a placeאַחֵרanotherוּמַטֶּהand tiltעַלonצִדָּהּits sideשָׁםthereוְהָאֶבֶןand the stoneנוֹפֶלֶת.fallsוְכֵןAnd so tooהַשּׁוֹכֵחַone who forgetsמָעוֹתmoneyעַלonהַכַּרthe pillowוְצָרַךְand he needsלַכַּרthe pillowנוֹעֵרhe may shakeאֶת—הַכַּרthe pillowוְהֵןand theyנוֹפְלוֹת.fallוְאִםAnd ifצָרִיךְhe needsלִמְקוֹםthe place ofהַכַּרthe pillowנוֹטֵלhe may takeאֶת—הַכַּרthe pillowוְהַמָּעוֹתand the moneyעָלָיו.is upon itאֲבָלButאִםifהִנִּיחַhe placedהַמָּעוֹתthe moneyמֵעֶרֶבfrom the eve ofשַׁבָּתShabbosעַלonהַכַּרthe pillowאוֹorהִנִּיחַhe placedהָאֶבֶןthe stoneעַלonפִּיthe opening ofהֶחָבִיתthe jugהֲרֵיbeholdאֵלּוּtheseאֲסוּרִיןare forbiddenלְטַלְטְלָןto carry themוַאֲפִלּוּand even ifנִטְּלוּwere removedהַמָּעוֹתthe moneyוְהָאֶבֶןand the stoneשֶׁהֲרֵיfor beholdנַעֲשׂוּthey becameבָּסִיסa baseלְדָבָרfor an objectהָאָסוּר:that is forbidden
This halacha explains the difference between forgetting a muktzeh item on a vessel versus intentionally placing it there before Shabbos.
הל׳ יח
טִלְטוּל אֶבֶן בְּקֵרוּיָה וּבֶגֶד שֶׁעַל הַקָּנֶהHalacha 18 · Moving a Stone in a Gourd-Bucket and a Garment on a Reed
הָאֶבֶןThe stoneשֶׁבַּקֵּרוּיָהthat is in the gourd-bucketאִםifמְמַלְּאִיןone draws waterבָּהּwith itוְאֵינָהּand it does notנוֹפֶלֶתfall outהֲרֵיbeholdהִיאitכְּמִקְצַתis like part ofהַקֵּרוּיָהthe gourd-bucketוּמֻתָּרand it is permittedלְמַלְּאוֹתto draw waterבָּהּwith itוְאִםand ifלָאוnotאֵיןone may notמְמַלְּאִיןdraw waterבָּהּ.with itבֶּגֶדA garmentשֶׁעַלthat is onהַקָּנֶהthe reedשׁוֹמְטוֹone may slip it offמֵעַלfrom onהַקָּנֶה:the reed
This halacha discusses the laws of muktzah regarding a stone used as a weight in a bucket and removing a garment from a reed on Shabbos.
הל׳ יט
טִלְטוּל פֵּרוֹת הָאֲסוּרִים בַּאֲכִילָה וּפִדְיוֹן מַעֲשֵׂר שֵׁנִיHalacha 19 · Moving Produce Forbidden to Eat and Redeemed Second Tithe
פֵּרוֹתProduceשֶׁאָסוּרthat is forbiddenלֶאֱכלto eatכְּגוֹןsuch asפֵּרוֹתproduceשֶׁאֵינָםthat is notמְעֵשָּׂרִיןtithedאֲפִלּוּeven ifהֵןtheyחַיָּבִיןare obligatedבְּמַעֲשֵׂרin tithingמִדִּבְרֵיהֶםfrom their wordsאוֹorמַעֲשֵׂרtitheרִאשׁוֹןfirstשֶׁלֹּאthat notנִטְּלָהwas takenתְּרוּמָתוֹits terumahאוֹorתְּרוּמָהterumahטְמֵאָהimpureאוֹorמַעֲשֵׂרtitheשֵׁנִיsecondוְהֶקְדֵּשׁand consecrated propertyשֶׁלֹּאthat notנִפְדּוּwere redeemedכְּהִלְכָתָןaccording to their lawאָסוּרit is forbiddenלְטַלְטְלָן.to move themאֲבָלbutהַדְּמַאיdemaiהוֹאִילsinceוְרָאוּיand it is fitלָעֲנִיִּיםfor the poorוְכֵןand likewiseמַעֲשֵׂרtitheשֵׁנִיsecondוְהֶקְדֵּשׁand consecrated propertyשֶׁפְּדָאָןthat he redeemed themאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁלֹּאthat notנָתַןhe gaveהַחֹמֶשׁthe fifthמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטְלָן:to move them
This halacha details which types of untithed or consecrated produce are muktzah and forbidden to move on Shabbos, and which are permitted.
הל׳ כ
טִלְטוּל תְּרוּמָה טְמֵאָה וּטְהוֹרָה בִּכְלִי אֶחָדHalacha 20 · Carrying Pure and Impure Terumah Together in One Vessel on Shabbos
מְטַלְטֵלcarriesיִשְׂרָאֵלan Israeliteהַתְּרוּמָהthe terumahאַףevenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁאֵינָהּthat it is notרְאוּיָהfitלוֹ.for himוּמְטַלְטְלִיןand we may carryתְּרוּמָהterumahטְמֵאָהimpureעִםwithהַטְּהוֹרָהthe pureאוֹorעִםwithהַחֻלִּיןthe non-sacredאִםifהָיוּwereשְׁנֵיהֶםboth of themבִּכְלִיin a vesselאֶחָד.oneבַּמֶּהin whatדְּבָרִיםwordsאֲמוּרִיםare saidבְּשֶׁהָיְתָהin that wasהַטְּהוֹרָהthe pureלְמַטָּהbelowוְהָיוּand they wereפֵּרוֹתproduceהַמִּתְטַנְּפִיןthat get soiledבַּקַּרְקַעon the groundשֶׁאִםthat ifיְנַעֵרhe shakes outאוֹתָןthemיִפָּסְדוּ.they will be spoiledאֲבָלbutאִםifהָיוּthey wereאֱגוֹזִיםwalnutsוּשְׁקֵדִיםand almondsוְכַיּוֹצֵאand similarבָּהֶןto themנוֹעֵרhe shakes outהַכְּלִיthe vesselוְנוֹטֵלand takesהַטְּהוֹרָהthe pureאוֹorהַחֻלִּיןthe non-sacredוּמַנִּיחַand leavesהַטֻּמְאָה.the impureוְאִםand ifהָיָהhe wasצָרִיךְneedingלִמְקוֹםthe place ofהַכְּלִיthe vesselבֵּיןwhetherשֶׁהַטְּהוֹרָהthat the pureלְמַעְלָהis aboveבֵּיןwhetherשֶׁהָיְתָהthat it wasלְמַטָּהbelowמְטַלְטֵלhe carriesהַכּלeverythingכְּאֶחָד:as one
This halacha discusses the guidelines for carrying impure terumah, which is muktzeh, when it is mixed in a vessel with pure terumah or non-sacred produce.
הל׳ כא
הֲכָנַת אֲבָנִים וַחֲרָיוֹת לִישִׁיבָה מֵעֶרֶב שַׁבָּתHalacha 21 · Preparing Stones and Palm Branches for Sitting Before Shabbos
נִדְבָּךְA rowשֶׁלofאֲבָנִיםstonesשֶׁחָשַׁבthat he thoughtעָלָיוupon itמִבְּעוֹדfrom whileיוֹםdayאִםifלִמְדּוּםhe prepared themמֻתָּרit is permittedלֵישֵׁבto sitעֲלֵיהֶןupon themלְמָחָרon the morrowוְאִםand ifלָאוnotאָסוּר.it is forbiddenחֲרָיוֹתBranchesשֶׁלofדֶּקֶלa date palmשֶׁגְּדָרָןthat he cut themלְעֵצִיםfor woodוְנִמְלַךְand he changed his mindעֲלֵיהֶןupon themמֵעֶרֶבfrom the eve ofשַׁבָּתShabbosלִישִׁיבָהfor sittingמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטְלָן.to move themוְכֵןand soאִםifיָשַׁבhe satעֲלֵיהֶןupon themמִבְּעוֹדfrom whileיוֹםdayמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטְלָן:to move them
This halacha discusses the requirement of designation or preparation before Shabbos to permit the handling and use of muktzeh items like stones and branches.
הל׳ כב
טִלְטוּל קַשׁ וְעָפָר בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 22 · Moving Straw and Earth on Shabbos
הַקַּשׁThe strawשֶׁעַלthat is onהַמִּטָּהthe bedלֹאnotיְנַעְנְעֶנּוּmay he move itבְּיָדוֹwith his handאֲבָלbutמְנַעְנְעוֹhe may move itבְּגוּפוֹ.with his bodyוְאִםand ifהוּאitמַאֲכַלis food ofבְּהֵמָהan animalמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטְלוֹ.to carry itוְכֵןand soאִםifהָיָהthere wasעָלָיוupon itכַּרa pillowאוֹorסָדִיןa sheetוְכַיּוֹצֵאand the likeבָּהֶןof themמְנַעְנְעוֹhe may move itבְּיָדוֹwith his handשֶׁהֲרֵיfor beholdנַעֲשָׂהit becomesכְּמִיlike oneשֶׁיָּשַׁבwho satעָלָיוupon itמִבְּעוֹדwhile it was yetיוֹם.dayהַמַּכְנִיסOne who brings inקֻפָּהa basketשֶׁלofעָפָרearthבְּבֵיתוֹinto his houseאִםifיִחֵדhe designatedלָהּfor itקֶרֶןa cornerזָוִיתof an angleמֵעֶרֶבfrom the eve ofשַׁבָּתShabbosמְטַלְטְלוֹhe may carry itבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosוְעוֹשֶׂהand doבּוֹwith itכָּלallצְרָכָיו:his needs
This halacha discusses the muktzeh status of straw on a bed and earth brought into the home, detailing when they may be moved by hand or body.
הל׳ כג
אִסּוּר בִּטּוּל כְּלִי מֵהֵיכָנוֹ בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 23 · The Prohibition of Negating the Readiness of a Utensil on Shabbos
אָסוּרIt is forbiddenלְבַטֵּלto negateכְּלִיa utensilמֵהֵיכָנוֹfrom its readinessמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁהוּאthat itכְּסוֹתֵר.is like destroyingכֵּיצַד.How soלֹאNotיִתֵּןshall one placeכְּלִיa utensilתַּחַתunderהַנֵּרthe lampבְּשַׁבָּתon Shabbosלְקַבֵּלto receiveאֶת—הַשֶּׁמֶןthe oilהַנּוֹטֵף.that dripsשֶׁהַשֶּׁמֶןfor the oilשֶׁבַּנֵּרthat is in the lampאָסוּרis forbiddenלְטַלְטְלוֹto move itוּכְשֶׁיִּפּוֹלand when it fallsלַכְּלִיinto the utensilיֵאָסֵרit will become forbiddenטִלְטוּלthe moving ofהַכְּלִיthe utensilשֶׁהָיָהwhich wasמֻתָּר.permittedוְכֵןand soכָּלallכַּיּוֹצֵאsimilarבָּזֶה.to thisלְפִיכָךְThereforeאֵיןwe do notנוֹתְנִיןplaceכְּלִיa utensilתַּחַתunderהַתַּרְנְגלֶתthe chickenלְקַבֵּלto receiveבֵּיצָתָהּ.its eggאֲבָלbutכּוֹפֶהone may overturnהוּאheהַכְּלִיthe utensilעָלֶיהָ.over itוְכֵןand soכּוֹפֶהone may overturnהַכְּלִיthe utensilעַלoverכָּלanyדָּבָרitemשֶׁאָסוּרthat is forbiddenלְטַלְטְלוֹto move itשֶׁהֲרֵיsinceלֹאnotבִּטְּלוֹhas he negated itשֶׁאִםfor ifיַחְפֹּץhe desiresיִטְּלֶנּוּ:he can take it
This halacha explains the Rabbinic prohibition of rendering a permitted utensil unusable on Shabbos by causing a muktzah item to fall into it.
הל׳ כד
הַנָּחַת כְּלִי תַּחַת הַדֶּלֶף בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 24 · Placing a Vessel Under Dripping Water on Shabbos
נוֹתְנִיןOne may placeכְּלִיa vesselתַּחַתunderהַדֶּלֶףthe drippingוְאִםand ifנִתְמַלֵּאbecame filledהַכְּלִיthe vesselשׁוֹפֵךְone may pourוְשׁוֹנֶהand repeatוְאֵינוֹand he is notנִמְנָע.preventedוְהוּאand thisשֶׁיִּהְיֶהisהַדֶּלֶףthe drippingרָאוּיfitלִרְחִיצָהfor washingאֲבָלbutאִםifאֵינוֹit is notרָאוּיfitאֵיןone may notנוֹתְנִיןplaceוְאִםand ifנָתַןone placedמֻתָּרit is permittedלְטַלְטְלוֹto carry itבַּמַּיִםwith the waterהַמְּאוּסִיןthe repulsiveשֶׁבּוֹ.that is in itשֶׁאֵיןfor we do notעוֹשִׂיןmakeגְּרָףa vesselשֶׁלofרְעִיfilthלְכַתְּחִלָּה:at the outset
This halacha discusses the permissibility of catching dripping water in a vessel on Shabbos and the restrictions based on whether the water is fit for use.
הל׳ כה
הַצָּלַת מַשְׁקִין וּתְמִיכַת קוֹרָה וּפְרִיסַת מַחְצֶלֶת בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 25 · Saving Liquids, Supporting a Broken Beam, and Spreading Mats on Shabbos
חָבִיתA barrelשֶׁלofטֶבֶלtevelשֶׁנִּשְׁבְּרָהthat brokeמֵבִיאone may bringכְּלִיa utensilוּמַנִּיחַand placeתַּחְתֶּיהָunderneath itהוֹאִילsinceוְאִםand ifעָבַרhe transgressedוְתִקְּנוֹand fixed itמְתֻקָּןbeholdהֲרֵיitהוּאis like fixedכִּמְתֻקָּן.And we may placeוְנוֹתְנִיןa utensilכְּלִיunderתַּחַתthe lampהַנֵּרto receiveלְקַבֵּלsparksנִיצוֹצוֹתbecauseמִפְּנֵיthat there is notשֶׁאֵיןin themבָּהֶןsubstanceמַמָּשׁand it is permittedוּמֻתָּרto moveלְטַלְטֵלthe utensilהַכְּלִי.A beamקוֹרָהthat brokeשֶׁנִּשְׁבְּרָהwe do notאֵיןsupportסוֹמְכִיןitאוֹתָהּwith a benchבְּסַפְסָלorאוֹwith the sideposts ofבַּאֲרוּכּוֹתthe bedהַמִּטָּהunlessאֶלָּא·אִם·כֵּןthere wereהָיוּspacesרְוָחִיםand anyוְכָלtimeזְמַןthat he desiresשֶׁיַּחְפֹּץhe may take themיִטְלֵםin orderכְּדֵיthat he notשֶׁלֹּאnullifyיְבַטֵּלa utensilכְּלִיfrom its readinessמֵהֵיכָנוֹ.We may spreadפּוֹרְסִיןa matמַחְצֶלֶתonעַלtop ofגַּבֵּיstonesאֲבָנִיםon Shabbosבְּשַׁבָּתorאוֹonעַלtop ofגַּבֵּיa beehive ofכַּוֶּרֶתbeesדְּבוֹרִיםin the sunבַּחַמָּהbecause ofמִפְּנֵיthe sunהַחַמָּהand in the rainsוּבַגְּשָׁמִיםbecause ofמִפְּנֵיthe rainsהַגְּשָׁמִיםand onlyוּבִלְבַדthat he does notשֶׁלֹּאintendיִתְכַּוֵּןto trapלָצוּדfor beholdשֶׁהֲרֵיhe may take itנוֹטְלָהּat anyבְּכָלtimeעֵתthat he wantsשֶׁיִּרְצֶה.And we may overturnוְכוֹפִין—אֶתthe basketהַסַּלon Shabbosבְּשַׁבָּתbeforeלִפְנֵיthe chicksהָאֶפְרוֹחִיםfor the sakeבִּשְׁבִילthat they may go upשֶׁיַּעֲלוּupon itעָלָיוand go downוְיֵרְדוּfor beholdשֶׁהֲרֵיit is permittedמֻתָּרto move itלְטַלְטְלוֹwhen they go downכְּשֶׁיֵּרְדוּfrom upon itמֵעָלָיו.and soוְכֵןallכָּלthat is similarכַּיּוֹצֵאto thisבָּזֶה:—
This halacha discusses the permissibility of placing utensils to catch dripping tevel or sparks, supporting broken beams, and using mats or baskets without nullifying the utensils' readiness for use on Shabbos.
הל׳ כו
הַצָּלַת בְּהֵמָה מִצַּעַר בַּעֲלֵי חַיִּים בְּשַׁבָּתHalacha 26 · Saving an Animal from Suffering on Shabbos and Handling Animals
בְּהֵמָהAn animalשֶׁנָּפְלָהthat fellלְבוֹרinto a cisternאוֹorלְאַמַּתinto a channel ofהַמַּיִםthe waterאִםifיָכוֹלone is ableלִתֵּןto giveלָהּto itפַּרְנָסָהsustenanceבִּמְקוֹמָהּin its placeמְפַרְנְסִיןone sustainsאוֹתָהּitעַדuntilמוֹצָאֵיthe departure ofשַׁבָּתShabbosוְאִםand ifלָאוnotמֵבִיאone bringsכָּרִיםpillowsוּכְסָתוֹתand blanketsוּמַנִּיחַand placesתַּחְתֶּיהָbeneath itוְאִםand ifעָלְתָהit ascendsעָלְתָה.it ascendsוְאַףand evenעַל·פִּיthoughשֶׁמְּבַטֵּלthat he nullifiesכְּלִיa vesselמֵהֵיכָנוֹfrom its readinessשֶׁהֲרֵיfor beholdמַשְׁלִיכוֹhe throws itלַבּוֹרinto the cisternלְתוֹךְintoהַמַּיִםthe waterמִפְּנֵיbecause ofצַעַרthe suffering ofבַּעֲלֵיlivingחַיִּיםcreaturesלֹאnotגָּזְרוּ.did they decreeוְאָסוּרand it is forbiddenלְהַעֲלוֹתָהּto lift it upבְּיָדוֹ.with his handוְכֵןand likewiseאֵיןone may notעוֹקְרִיןlift upבְּהֵמָהan animalוְחַיָּהor a beastוְעוֹףor a birdבְּחָצֵרin a courtyardאֲבָלbutדּוֹחִיןone may pushאוֹתָןthemעַדuntilשֶׁיִּכָּנְסוּ.they enterוּמְדַדִּיןand one may supportעֲגָלִיםcalvesוּסְיָחִים.and foalsתַּרְנְגלֶתa chickenשֶׁבָּרְחָהthat fledאֵיןone may notמְדַדִּיןsupportאוֹתָןitמִפְּנֵיbecauseשֶׁהִיאthat itנִשְׁמֶטֶתslips awayמִןfromהַיָּדthe handוְנִמְצְאוּand it turns outאֲגַפֶּיהָits wingsנִתְלָשִׁיןare torn offאֲבָלbutדּוֹחִיןone may pushאוֹתָהּitעַדuntilשֶׁתִּכָּנֵס:it enters
This halacha discusses the permissibility of placing utensils under a trapped animal to prevent suffering on Shabbos, and the rules of handling and guiding animals.
Chapter Summaryסִכּוּם
The Rambam details the halachos of muktzeh by categorizing utensils and objects based on their utility. Utensils of permitted use may be moved for their own protection, for their space, or for a permitted task. In contrast, utensils of forbidden use may only be moved to utilize their space or to perform a permitted task (such as using a hammer to crack nuts), but never solely to protect the utensil itself. Finally, items that are not utensils, such as stones, sand, money, and detached house doors, are completely muktzeh and may not be moved under any of these circumstances.
לְמַעֲשֶׂהWhat To Take Home
The laws of muktzeh teach us a profound lesson about the power of boundaries and the sanctity of our focus. On Shabbos, Hashem asks us to categorize the world around us: some vessels are ready for holy, permitted use, some are restricted because their primary function is forbidden, and some are completely set aside because they are too precious or have no vessel-status at all. By mindfully pausing before we touch or move an object, we train ourselves to respect the spiritual boundaries that Hashem has set in His world.
This is not just about physical objects; it is a blueprint for our entire inner life. Just as we do not move a tool of forbidden labor for its own protection on Shabbos, we must learn to set boundaries for our minds and hearts. There are thoughts, worries, and business matters that are 'muktzeh' for Shabbos. When we actively choose what to engage with and what to leave untouched, we elevate our day from a physical rest to a deep, spiritual sanctuary.
Today, practice this mindfulness by pausing for just one moment before you pick up or move an object on Shabbos, consciously identifying its status and remembering that this simple physical act is a direct service of Hashem.