In this week’s parsha we have the pasuk: והיה ביום השישי והכינו את אשר יביאו וכו' – “On the sixth day, one should prepare that which he needs to bring in.” We learn from here a remez to Hilchos Muktzeh. Therefore, I would like to start this week’s sheet with a very important shailah - one particularly relevant for bochurim and sem girls in Eretz Yisroel - the question of whether one is allowed to carry a Rav Kav card on Shabbos to a place where it will be needed after Shabbos?
Many people in Eretz Yisroel walk to the Kosel on Shabbos afternoon, and stay for Ma’ariv on motzei Shabbos and then return home. In the past, Egged (the bus company) accommodated those who came to the Kosel on Shabbos by allowing them to ride the bus home free of charge. However, in recent years, this arrangement has been canceled (as well as many other things which make life for Bnei Torah living in Eretz Yisroel more complicated!). Those without a means of payment are now forced to walk back, which is understandably difficult, particularly for older individuals. The question is, is there any permissible manner to bring a Rav Kav to the Kosel, i.e. Would placing it in a baby stroller which one brings with help? Would putting it in a coat pocket help? Would putting it inside one’s shoe help?
What Category of Muktzeh Does a Rav Kav Fall Into?
Before discussing if there is anything to, we must first determine what category of muktzeh the Rav Kav card falls under. There are three possible classifications:
- Muktzeh machmas chisaron kis — muktzeh due to potential monetary loss — This would apply if people are careful not to use the card for anything other than its designated purpose, out of concern of it becoming ruined.
- Kli she’melachto l’issur — a utensil designated for prohibited use — This would apply because the card is used for bus travel, which is prohibited on Shabbos.
- Muktzeh machmas gufo — intrinsically muktzeh — This would apply because the card has no permissible use on Shabbos, similar to stones or wood.
Contemporary poskim differ on this matter. Some maintain that the Rav Kav card is classified as a kli she’melachto l’issur. Since people are not overly particular about others touching it (e.g., children), and the Rav Kav is commonly handled, it does not fall under the category of muktzeh machmas chisaron kis. Others argue that the card still qualifies as muktzeh machmas chisaron kis.
In any case, all poskim agree that whether the Rav Kav card is classified as muktzeh machmas chisaron kis or a kli she’melachto l’issur, it is prohibited to carry it on Shabbos, even through tiltul min ha’tzad, moving it indirectly. For example, placing the card in a baby stroller before Shabbos does not permit moving the stroller with the card inside on Shabbos. Even if one ensures the stroller does not become a bosis [base] for the muktzeh item by placing a more valuable non-muktzeh item in it during bein hashmashos, it is still forbidden because it is considered tiltul min ha’tzad for the sake of the muktzeh item, which is forbidden. In such cases, there is an obligation to remove the muktzeh item (the Rav Kav) from the stroller before moving it on Shabbos.
Practical Solution from the Shevet HaKehasi
The Shevet HaKehasi offers a practical solution: Place the Rav Kav card inside a shoe before Shabbos and walk to the Kosel while wearing the shoe. Moving the card in this manner does not constitute tiltul min ha’tzad but rather tiltul b’gufo [carrying with the body]. According to the Mishnah Berurah, tiltul b’gufo is permitted even for the sake of a muktzeh item. For example, one may move coins found on Shabbos to a secure place using the body.
(It should be noted that the Chazon Ish argues and maintains that tiltul b’gufo is only permitted when the muktzeh item bothers him, e.g., if it obstructs one’s path and needs to be moved, but not when one’s intent is for the muktzeh item. Nevertheless, we may suggest that even the Chazon Ish would agree that tiltul b’gufo is permitted here, as he is only discussing when done in usual manner, as one would normally do during the week—e.g., kicking a rock with one’s feet. In this case, carrying with a shoe is not a typical method of carrying and therefore would be permitted even according to him.)
In the Shulchan Aruch HaRav (siman 301) and in the Kuntrus Acharon (siman 266), it is ruled that carrying an item in one’s pocket is considered tiltul b’gufo rather than tiltul min hatzad. He writes that if someone is walking on erev Shabbos with money in their possession and is concerned that leaving it in its place will result in its loss, they may place it in their pocket and carry it in that manner to a secure location.
In Misgeres HaShulchan, it is further explained that based on this, it would be permitted even lechatchilah to place a muktzeh item in a pocket before Shabbos with the intention of carrying it on Shabbos, as tiltul b’gufo is allowed according to the Shulchan Aruch HaRav.
Although this is not the accepted halachah, as we maintain that carrying an item in a pocket is considered tiltul min hatzad and is thus forbidden if done for the sake of a davar ha’assur, nevertheless, in a case like this, where the item is placed inside a shoe, it is indeed classified as tiltul b’gufo and is permitted.
Another Solution from Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl
Another solution was suggested by Rav Avigdor Nebenzahl shlit”a, who advises writing or attaching Torah chiddushim or halachic rulings to the Rav Kav card. If the card is primarily designated before Shabbos for studying Torah from it on Shabbos, this repurposes it for a permitted Shabbos use. As such, the card may be carried in a pocket without concerns of muktzeh.
In conclusion: While directly carrying the Rav Kav card on Shabbos is prohibited, a person may either place it in his shoe or write words of Torah on them, which will enable him to bring it to the Kosel on Shabbos.
(Based on a halachah write-up from R’ Yaakov Skoczylas shlita)
