Muktza – Rocks & Sticks

The Aish Rabbi Replies

There are several different categories of muktza – items which the Rabbis forbade handling on Shabbat in order to strengthen our reverence of Shabbat. (The most classic example is that we may not handle a pen on Shabbat lest we forget and come to write.)

One category of muktza is known as muktza machmas gufo – literally, “muktza on account of itself” – items which are muktza because they have no intrinsic use to man on Shabbat. Examples of this category are rocks, sticks, dirt, straw, useless broken items, etc. This category also includes items which are not utensils and have no legitimate use on Shabbat – such as money, bar soap, toothpaste, bricks, fabrics, and blank paper. Since such items are not vessels (or finished vessels) they fall under this category rather than one of the categories of muktza which applies to utensils. Such items may not be handled at all on Shabbat – even for a legitimate use (such as using a large rock to prop open a door), or just to move it out of your way.

This, however, is of course limited to actual useless rocks and the like. A rock which is in use – certainly a diamond “rock” made into jewelry – is most certainly not muktza. Likewise, if before Shabbat a person designates a rock for permanent use, say as a doorstop, then it is no longer a useless item to him and may be used on Shabbat. To designate an item, it is sufficient to just think in your mind that you will begin using it. You don’t have to say anything or move the rock beforehand.

(Sources: Shulchan Aruch O.C. 308:21-22, 259:1-2; Mishna Berurah 308:93, 259:5; The Halachos of Muktza, pp. 84, 86).