skip to Main Content
BAIS HAVAAD ON THE PARSHA - BRING THE PARSHA TO LIFE! LEARN MORE

Q&A from the Bais HaVaad Halacha Hotline

Book Keeping

January 16, 2025

Q I have a bookstore in my basement. May I read the books on Shabbos?

A One of the categories of muktzeh is muktzeh machamas chisaron kis, which covers items that one is particular about so he avoids using them regularly. Such items may not be moved on Shabbos for any purpose (Shulchan Aruch O.C. 308:1).

An example offered by the Rama (ibid.) is merchandise for sale, because the vendor is particular to preserve it in perfect condition. But the Mishnah Brurah (ibid. 6) clarifies that if the seller doesn’t mind using the merchandise himself, it isn’t muktzeh.

The Chazon Ish (Hil. Shabbos 42:16) explains that the sort of item that buyers tend to insist appear pristine is classified as muktzeh machamas chisaron kis. Books meet this criterion.

R’ Nissim Karelitz (Chut Shani, Shabbos Vol. 3 43:1) writes that books on display in a bookstore for customers to browse are not muktzeh, as the owner clearly accepts that the books will be used, albeit minimally. But books stored away and not displayed are muktzeh.

Some authorities hold that sfarim for sale are not muktzeh, because they are intended for Torah use (Piskei Teshuvos ibid. fn. 33, citing Chayei Adam).

Q What if I decide on Shabbos to keep a particular book for personal use?

A The Chazon Ish (ibid.) rules stringently, applying the principle of iskatzai lekula Shabbos (a muktzeh item remains forbidden for the entire Shabbos even if the reason for its muktzeh status is eliminated during Shabbos). But R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Shmiras Shabbos Kehilchasah 20 fn. 83) argues that the principle does not apply in this context. A book that becomes damaged on Shabbos and is rendered unsalable would be subject to the same dispute.

Q What if I designate a book before Shabbos to be used on Shabbos?

A Some argue that an item does not lose its muktzeh status unless it is permanently designated for a different use. Others contend that it is sufficient to designate it before Shabbos for Shabbos use exclusively (O.C. 308:22). The Mishnah Brurah (ibid. 97) rules that one may be lenient in cases of necessity.

image_pdfimage_print
NEW Yorucha Program >