...Continued from previous week
1) A painting, framed photo or other piece of art, as well as a clock that hangs on the wall, which the owner is careful with so it doesn’t get ruined or broken, according to some Poskim is classified as Muktzeh Machmas Chisaron Kis, even if it is not expensive, due to the fact that it has a designated place where it was placed, and it is meant to stay there. (See Chazon Ish Orach Chaim Siman 43:16)
According to these Poskim even when they are not hanging on the wall, they retain this classification as Muktzeh Machmas Chisaron Kis, provided that care is exhibited with these particular item so that it should not get ruined while they are waiting to be hung.
2) Other Poskim are more lenient and do not consider these items Muktzeh Machmas Chisaron Kis and deem them Keilim SheMelachtam L’Heter, unless the items are particularly expensive or fragile, in which case they agree that they would be Muktzeh Machmas Chisaron Kis. (This was the ruling of Rav Moshe Feinstein; Igros Moshe Vol. 5 Siman 22:13 and 23:12, as well as Rav Yosef Shalom Elyashiv, quoted in Shalmei Yehuda Siman 3:9. See also Shemiras Shabbos K’Hilchasa Perek 20:22)
For Halacha L'Ma'aseh, of course, each individual must consult their own Rav.
3) A vase or a crystal bowl or similar items whose purpose is for decoration may be moved on Shabbos, as it is deemed a Kli Shemelachto L’Heter.
4) Utensils which are intended for sale, and the owner is careful to not use these items, are classified as Muktzeh Machmas Chisaron Kis. (Rama Siman 308:1)
If , however, the owner is not particular about these items, and does not care if they are used, they are not Muktzeh. (See Mishna Berua Siman 308 S”K 7)
Some Poskim apply the same Halacha to utensils purchased or received as a gift, which the owner intends to return, exchange or re-gift, classifying them as Muktzeh Machmas Chisaron Kis, unless there is a fair chance that the owner will change his mind and use them instead of returning them. (Ruling of Rav Shlomo Zalmen Auerbach Zatzal quoted in Shulchan Shlomo Siman 308:1:7)
5) Esrogim and which are slated for sale before Sukkos are classified as Muktzeh Machmas Chisaron Kis.
6) An Esrog which was purchased for use on Sukkos, and the owner is very careful with it and tries to minimize the amount it is touched, to ensure it retains its beauty for Sukkos, is classified as Muktzeh Machmas Chisaron Kis.
7) Food items that are intended for sale are not Muktzeh.
This is the case, even if they are on the shelf in a store, packaged and ready to be sold, they are still not Muktzeh, and the owner of the store, or anyone else who has permission my move, handle or eat these items.
8) The reason for this is that despite these items being intended for sale, and thus having already been “Set aside” from use on Shabbos, a person never totally sets food aside, as there is always a chance that food items will be needed, and thus they are always classified as being needed on Shabbos. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 310:2 and Mishna Berura S”K 4)
9) A large, heavy piece of furniture, which people are careful to not move unnecessarily, due to concern that it will get damaged in the moving process, is classified as Mutzeh Machmas Chisaron Kis. (See Mishna Berura Siman 308 S”K 8)
10) However, it is permitted to use this piece of furniture in its place. This includes placing items on it, opening its doors, drawers or other compartments, as in essence it’s a Kli Shemelachto L’Heter; only moving the entire thing is prohibited due to Chisaron Kis, because people are cautious when it comes to moving it.
A heavy piece of furniture which people are not careful with and don’t care if it’s moved, is not Muktzeh, and may be moved even if it requires a few people together to carry it. (See Shulchan Aruch Siman 308:2)
...To be continued next week B’Ezras Hashem
