Moving an Electric Lamp on Shabbos
Question: On Shabbos, may an electric lamp be moved to another location so that the light will not disturb one’s sleep?
Discussion: This should be avoided, since many Poskim classify an electric lamp as absolute muktzeh, which may not be moved for any reason.[i] While some Poskim maintain that an electric lamp is a kli shemelachto le’issur, which may be moved under certain conditions,[ii] the custom is to be stringent and not move an electric lamp for any reason.[iii]
It follows, therefore, that the recently introduced “Kosher Lamp” may not be moved from one place to another on Shabbos, since the lamp itself is considered muktzeh. It is permitted, however, to turn the top of the cylinder which covers and uncovers the light that shines through, since the cylinder is a completely separate and detached piece and is not considered muktzeh.
When necessary, it is permitted to move a lamp via one’s “body,” which means moving the object by employing any part of the body except the hand.[iv] Thus, one may move the lamp using one’s elbow or foot,[v] provided, of course, that one is careful not to pull the plug out of the socket.
[i] Chazon Ish, Orach Chaim 41:16; 43:17; Chelkas Yaakov I, 40; Minchas Yitzchak III, 43; Rav Y.S. Elyashiv (Shalmei Yehudah 2, note 5); Az Nidberu IV, 40; Rav N. Karelitz (Chut Shani III, pg. 60).
[ii] Igros Moshe, Orach Chaim IV, 91:5; V, 23.
[iii] Rav S.Z. Auerbach (Meorei Eish, pg. 78). Rav M. Feinstein himself, in yet another responsum, is also stringent; see Igros Moshe, Orach Chaim V, 22:36.
[iv] See Mishnah Berurah 308, note 13, 309, note 14, 311, note 30; Beiur Halachah 266:13; Igros Moshe, Orach Chaim V, 22:6; Minchas Shlomo I, 14:2.
[v] Or back of the hand; Mishnah Berurah 276, note 31.