Chapter 20
Categories of Muktzeh
Laws specifically relating to muktzeh on Yom Tov are explained in Chapter 21.
BASIS LA-DAVAR HA-ASSUR
60.a. That part of the tablecloth on which the candles stand is also treated as a basis la-davar ha-assur
60.b. The same applies to the special cloth which some people are accustomed to place underneath the candlesticks in honor of the Shabbath candles.
60.c. On the other hand, that part of the tablecloth which is not underneath the candlesticks does not become a basis la davar ha-assur and may be moved.
60.d. 1) In case of need, one may rely on the opinion that even that part of the tablecloth which is underneath the candlesticks does not become a basis la-davar ha-assur.*
2) The result is that the rules set out in paragraph 47b above apply, and one may, for example, move the whole tablecloth once the candlesticks have been removed by a non-Jew.
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*The grounds for this opinion are either
a. that the cloth serves the purpose not of the candlesticks but of the table, or
b. that one’s intention in putting the candlesticks in position is not that they should specifically stand on the cloth, but that the candles should cast their light over the table.
