---
title: Siman 279 – Muktza lamps
description: גChelek 3 1. A lamp that was burning when Shabbos comes in is deemed a bosis for the flame – the same goes for the oil and the wick. Even if the flame goes out, they remain muktza. Besides for…
url: "https://mishnaberurasummaries.com/docs/siman-279/"
updated: "2026-09-29"
category: Mitzvos of Shabbos
---

# Siman 279 – Muktza lamps

גChelek 3

1. A lamp that was burning when Shabbos comes in is deemed a bosis for the flame – the same goes for the oil and the wick. Even if the flame goes out, they remain muktza. Besides for **bosis**, the lamp, oil and wick also fall under the category of **muktza machmas issur** because there is an issur (in this case the melacha of *extinguishing*) blocking you from using them at the onset of Shabbos. (ShA  - MB , )
2. A burnt out pottery or wooden lamp is disgusting to some people. If it is disgusting to you it's considered *graaf shel r'ee* and you can move it out of your presence. (Rama  - MB , )
3. A lamp is made to hold a flame, the lamp is therefore a bosis to the flame. Even if you were to place bread (or anything chashuv)on the lamp before Shabbos begins, the lamp would still remain a bosis **only** for the flame - it isn't made to hold bread. (ShA  - MB )
4. "Ain muktza l'chatzi Shabbos". This means that a lamp or any bosis that was not a bosis during *bain hashmoshos*, and became lit only later during Shabbos, does not remain a bosis once the flame goes out. The status of the lamp is like any other *k'li shemelachto l'issur*  that may be moved for a mutar use or for its space. (ShA  - MB , )
5. A menorah made from fitting parts, may not be moved on Shabbos. There is a concern that it will fall and come apart - then you will be tempted to fit it back together, which is a melacha. If the pieces normally fit together loosely, you can move it like any other *k'li shemelachto l'issur* . (ShA  - MB )

## Key

**ShA**
 : Shulchan Aruch

**MB**
 : Mishna Berura

**ShaH**
 : Shaar Hatsiun

**ShaT**
 : Shaaray Teshuva

**BeH**
 : Beur Halacha

**BaH**
 : Baer Haytayv

  [← PreviousSiman 278Permission to extinguish](https://mishnaberurasummaries.com/docs/siman-278/)[Next →Siman 280Marital relations on Shabbos](https://mishnaberurasummaries.com/docs/siman-280/)

**Want this on paper?** Print any simanim you choose as one clean document.