...Continued from the previous week
1) A telephone directory is deemed a Kli SheMelachto L’Isur, as its primary function is to locate people’s phone numbers to call them, which is prohibited on Shabbos. (Some Poskim say it is prohibited [also] due to the Gezeira of reading ‘Shtarei Hedyotos’, while other Poskim reject that reason and deem it a simple Kli SheMelachto L’Isur. See Shemiras Shabbos K’Hilchasa Perek 28:14. See also Sefer Shvus Yitzchok; Mukzteh Perek 2:4)
2) It is permitted to use the directory to locate an address that is needed on Shabbos, as doing so is deemed L’Tzorech gufo. Once the needed address is located the directory should be put down right away as it may no longer be moved, as it is no longer L’Tzorech Gufo. (It is thus a good idea to use it for looking up the address in the place where it is usually kept, and not bring it to the table or another location to do this task, as then it will have to be left on the table.)
3) There is a discussion among the Poskim if a cookbook (or a recipe printed in an otherwise non-Muktzeh publication) may be read on Shabbos under certain conditions, if at all. If reading it in preparation of cooking a meal in the future, all agree that it is prohibited. (See Shu"t Be’er Moshe Vol. 6 Siman 67 and Shemiras Shabbos K’Hilchasa Perek 29:46)
If reading it for enjoyment or pleasure, many Poskim allow it. (See Shu”t Be’er Moshe ibid.)
If reading it to gain culinary skills and knowledge, some Poskim prohibit it (especially if this is done often and/or done in a group setting), while others allow it. (See Be’er Moshe ibid. and Shemiras Shabbos K’Hilchasa Perek 29 footnote 116). Each individual should consult their Rav for a psak halacha L'Ma'aseh.
4) If a cookbook is not being read under permissible conditions, it is best to treat it as a Kli SheMelachto L’Isur, and not move it on Shabbos unless it is L’Tzorech Gufo or L’Tzorech Mekomo.
5) Some other common household items which are classified as Keilim SheMelachtom L’Isur include: Matches and Matchboxes, Scales, can openers (according to the Poskim who do not allow using it on Shabbos; some do allow it), mops, ash trays, sifters, graters, sand timers, Potato peelers (according to the Poskim who do not allow using it on Shabbos due to Borer and other concerns; some, including Rav Moshe Feinstein Zatzal do allow it and deem it a ‘fancy knife’. On Yom Tov it may be used, and is not Muktzeh See Shmiras Shabbos K’Hilchasa Perek 4:10 and footnote 16), rolling pins, laundry detergent, empty purses and pocketbooks, garden hoses, and tape measures, just to list a few of the many items commonly found in many homes.
6) It is important to be educated – and to educate children and other family members – as to what classification each utensil and common household item gets, so as not to inadvertently transgress the prohibition of moving and handling Muktzeh items on Shabbos.
7) As we mentioned at the onset of this topic, a Kli SheMelachto L’Heter, is a utensil whose purpose is to do a Melacha that is allowed to be done on Shabbos
8) Such a utensil may be moved and handled on Shabbos for any purpose, be it to use it, to protect it from getting stolen or ruined, or even to move it to tidy up the room.
However, if there is no purpose at all to moving it, it may not be moved. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 308:4. There are a few exceptions to this rule, as we shall see as we progress.)
9) Food items and Seforim (holy books) may be moved and handled on Shabbos without any restrictions. Even if being moved for no specific reason at all, it is permitted. (Shulchan Aruch Siman 308:4. See Shemiras Shabbos K’Hilchasa Perek 20 footnote 264 that this only applies to food that is ready to eat; it does not apply to food that is currently raw, inedible or otherwise not yet Halachically permissible to eat.)
10) According to some Poskim, the dispensation for allowing food items to be moved even for no reason at all, also applies to plates, silverware, cups, the Challah knife and other commonly used food service items. (Mishna Berura Siman 308 S”K 23). Other Poskim, however, do not apply this leniency to food service items and maintain that unlike food itself, food service items may only be moved and handled for a purpose, similar to other Keilim SheMelachtom L’Heter. (See Sha’ar Hatziyun to Mishna Berura ibid. Os 21 that this seems to be the opinion of the Rambam). Some Poskim maintain that according to the opinion of those who allow food service items to be moved even for no purpose, so too, would that leniency apply to clothing and jewelry. (See Shemiras Shabbos K’Hilchasa Perek 20:80). This would apply to eyeglasses and wristwatches as well, and possibly to other common accessories that are worn.
...To be continued next week B’Ezras Hashem
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The Halachos are based on my personal understanding of the Halachic texts quoted, and are for learning purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha. If you have questions or require further source information, please email [email protected] and I will try to respond as soon as I can. For a Halacha L’Ma’aseh Psak, please contact your local Orthodox Rav.
