Chapter 20
Categories of Muktzeh
Laws specifically relating to muktzeh on Yom Tov are explained in Chapter 21.
BASIS LA-DAVAR HA-ASSUR
61.a. 1) It is customary to place on the table, before the commencement of Shabbath, the Shabbath loaves or some other item of importance which one needs for Shabbath.
2) In this way, one prevents the candlesticks standing on the table from turning it into a basis la-davar ha-assur
61.b. If one does this, the table may be moved, but one should first have the candlesticks removed by a non-Jew or should tilt the table until they fall off.
61.c. 1) Sometimes it is not practicable to remove the candlesticks, for example where there is no non-Jew available and
a) one is afraid the candlesticks will be damaged if one tilts the table to make them fall off, or
b) the candles are burning and may be extinguished if made to fall off.
2) In those circumstances, the table may be moved with the candlesticks still on it (subject to what is stated below and in paragraph 47 above),
a) even while the candles are still burning and
b) even if the Shabbath loaves have been taken off and the candlesticks are left on the table by themselves.
61.d. Nevertheless, the table may not be moved while the candlesticks are still on it if one requires neither the table nor the space which it occupies, but wishes to move it only for purposes connected with the candlesticks, for example
1) because one is afraid that in their present position they may be damaged or stolen or
2) because one wishes to make use of the light elsewhere.
