Chapter 20
Categories of Muktzeh
Laws specifically relating to muktzeh on Yom Tov are explained in Chapter 21.
BASIS LA-DAVAR HA-ASSUR
78.a. As mentioned in paragraph 46 above, even food which is fit to be eaten in its existing state can become a basis la-davar ha-assur
78.b. Whether or not it becomes a basis is governed by the rules outlined in paragraphs 50 to 56 above.
78.c. By way of example, where raw potatoes (which, as explained in paragraph 28 above, are muktzeh) happen to be on top of fruit in a crate or basket, in the circumstances described in paragraph 52c above, one may, in case of need, rely on the opinion that the fruit has not become a basis la-davar ha-assur.
79.a. 1) Except in the case mentioned immediately below, a muktzeh object that a non-Jew places on an article of his own which is not muhtzeh does not make the article a basis la-davar ha-assur, even if it remains there for the whole of the period between sunset and the time when the stars come out on Friday night.
2) The article should be treated as described in paragraph 47b above.
79.b. The exception occurs where the non-Jew puts the muktzeh object in position for the purposes of a Jew, in which case the article on which it is placed can indeed become a basis la-davar ha-assur
79.c. See also Chapter 22, paragraph 52.
