Chapter 88:12
Laws of Muktzeh on Shabbos
12. Though all articles that are muktzeh are forbidden to be handled, they
may be touched if doing so does not cause them to move (1). Therefore, it
is permitted to touch a candelabra even when it is lit. Similarly, it is
permitted to remove a non-muktzeh item that is resting on top of an article
that is muktzeh (2).
It is, however, forbidden to touch a light that is hanging, because doing
so will cause it to move. One may cover an article that is muktzeh with an
article that is not muktzeh, in order to protect it from the rain.
FOOTNOTES:
(1) However, when doing something for the muktzeh item itself, like
covering it for protection, there are those who prohibit even touching it
(See Magen Avraham (310:3).
(2) This is true even if the muktzeh object is moved in the process,
because it is permissible to cause muktzeh items to be moved indirectly,
when the activity is performed for the sake of something that is not
muktzeh (See Mishna Berura 308:19)
