Muktzeh Archives - AskTheRav

Can one pay Draidel on Shabbos using beans?

There are 3 issues that need to be addressed: Dreidel - The dreidel should not be played on Shabbos. According to some authorities, a dreidel is possibly considered a…

If I have Mukztah in my coat pockets that I can not take out by shaking it, the only way I can take it out is by putting my hands in it, how can I remove it? Also can I move this coat from one room to another if there is something inside the pocket other than Muktza, like keys?

If you did not have intention specifically that the coins should be there on Shabbos, or if you have a non Muktzah object that has more importance than the…

I asked my sister for a laptop. She offered to send it with my mother who would be returning back from her on Shabbos day. (My mother is not Shomer Shabbos yet). Should I tell my sister not to send the laptop with my mother since the laptop is technically for me? Or can I use it?

You may not have someone do a Melacha, such as carrying, for you on Shabbos. Therefore, it should not be sent through your mother.

Are all watches permissible to be worn on Shabbos? Self winding, With a battery, Wind up, Mechanical.

Watches are not Muktzah, unless you need to press a button to see the time. According to many opinions, if the watch is not working it is Muktzah. Even…

If my house keys are in my coat pocket with a tile key finder attached to it, does it make my coat Muktza for Shabbos? Can I move it out on Shabbos (it may be affecting the tracking as I move it)?

Your coat is not Muktzeh, and the key-chain may be removed from the coat if necessary as long as the tile key finder is not directly touched. Explanation: The…

1. Can one touch flowers that are in a vase on Shabbos? According to Alter Rebbes Shulchan Aruch, 336:18; and 494:14, It seems like it is allowed since they were already prepared from Erev Shabbos. 2. Also, may one take flowers out of a vase with water on Shabbos? Would that be the same as Koitzer?

Moving flowers: Flowers and decorative leaves or branches which were cut and arranged prior to Shabbos are regarded as a decoration and are not Muktzeh. They may be handled directly. However, if…

What should be done if a few candles start to smoke on Shabbos? Should they be extinguished, adjusted with a metal knife, so they stop to smoke? As it is dangerous to stay in a room and inhale this air.

You should walk out of the room unless there is imminent danger. There is room to be lenient if you carry it very gently so that the candle does not shake.…

What are the Halachos of snow on Shabbos? May one spread salt on an icy path on Shabbos?

According to some Poskim, snow that falls on Shabbos is Muktzeh, but if it fell before Shabbos, it isn’t. Many Poskim say that we may not make snowballs on Shabbos—no matter…

If someone is working in a Jewish institution and for security reasons carries a gun, is it permissible to carry it on Shabbos as well?

If there is concern about a possible threat which would justify carrying a gun on Shabbos, even if it is Muktza or there is no Eiruv, a local Rav with an…

What is the best way to go about Shabbos morning checkout at a hotel with regards to Muktzah in the suitcases?

You may bring the bags to the front desk to watch. Since giving the bags to the hotel to watch is a permissible act, there is no issue of Amirah…

Is it permissible to leave a electric heated blanket on for use on Shabbos for the purpose of pain relief?

It is permissible if when it is plugged in you are careful it doesn’t get unplugged. It is worthwhile to cover the part that is plugged in to remember not…

Is it okay to take something non-Muktzah out of my bag on Shabbos if it moves something Muktzah, if I do not touch the Muktzah?

Yes. Sources: שוע"ר שי, יד.

We are staying at a hotel for a family Shabbaton and we have to have our luggage out of the room Shabbos afternoon at check out time. The hotel can’t send someone around to collect the luggage, but they will give us a room to place it in. Are we allowed to put our Muktzeh items in our suitcase before Shabbos, and then Shabbos morning close it up and bring it to that luggage room, since their suitcase is also holding non-Muktzah items?

You may carry the suitcase if the non-Muktzeh items inside are more important than the Muktzeh items. In principle, one would have to first shake out the Muktzeh items before…

If I keep money in my Talis bag, like dollar bills or coins for Tzedaka, would it make the bag Muktzeh on Shabbos? What about if I leave my Tefillin in it over Shabbos?

Money (coins/bills) make the Talis bag Muktzeh. If you want to move the bag, you need to shake the bag so the money will drop out. After the money drops…

The Alter Rebbe rules that unsalted fish is Muktzah on Shabbos. Based on this is sushi Muktzah?

If one eats raw fish and it’s common in his locale to do so, it is not Muktzah. Some say it is necessary to have most people eat it. Shulchan…

Can a Rebbe dime necklace be worn on Shabbos?

Yes. However, one must assure that the necklace be made before Shabbos. Sources: .עיין משנה שבת ס״ה וגמרא שם במטבע פרפרה עליו מערב שבת, ועיין מ״א סימן שג ס״ק…

May I move the Shabbos candle sticks off of the table backhandedly on Shabbos morning after the candles have already burned out?

Yes, with your elbow or the back of your hand. Sources: .עיין סוף סימן שיא ,ואדה״ז סימן שח סעיף טו ולהעיר מסימן רעו סעיף א בנוגע אצילי ידיו