- Q. Hello, I've seen several articles discussing moving lamps on Shabbat and they clearly say that it is not permitted to move them when there is a need due to the light being categorized the same way as a flame.
My understanding is that LED lights are not similar to the lights we've used in the past and that it may not be considered a flame and thus it should be permitted to move a light when needed. Which is the correct opinion regarding a LED light....can it be moved on shabbat when needed? Thanks!
A. On question 3167 we wrote:
“Q. Hello Rav, On Shabbat, are we able to move the new kosher lamps (or any similar light) that have LED or CFL light-bulbs in them? I know that fire (and thus incandescent bulbs) can’t be moved, but maybe these are not considered fire? If not, can they be moved with your foot like other type of muktza? Thanks!
A. On question 1599 in regards to the new Shabled light we wrote; “Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shlit”a opinion is in principle to agree to Horav Moshe Heinemann”s Shlit”a certification of the Shabled light use, when left turned on the entire Shabbos and when only the drawer is opened or closed to control the amount of light emitted.
However he disagrees with the New Square Kashrus Council certification that permits moving the unit when permitted utensils such as a watch or jewelry are placed inside the drawer. The reason being, is that the Rov considers the unit to be muktza machmas chisaron kis, since it is an electrical utensil dedicated to giving light that one does not usually use for any other purposes, even when another object is placed on the unit”s drawer. (See similar in Piskei Teshuvos 308: 2: n.9).
Therefore, it cannot be moved even when one needs its place, (lertzorech mekomo), or its use somewhere else (letzorech guffo).
In essence, this new light is not in Halacha much better than the one offered by Kosher Innovations on 2004, that could also not be moved from its place.”
Horav Shlomo Miller”s Shlit”a opinion in regards to the Shabbulb in principle is similar. The Rov disagrees however with Horav Osher Zelig Weiss Shlit”a, and maintains that the bulb itself is “muktze machmas chisaron kis”
.
However, there is an additional important reason to avoid using the Shabbulb, since unlike the Kosher Innovation lamp, this bulb looks very similar to a common bulb. A casual observer of the closing and opening of the bulb may mistakenly assume that one is turning on and off a regular bulb which is obviously prohibited.”
See also question 1622, and next question.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a
Important Numbers
