Question:
Hello
Are raw potatoes muktzeh and can we moove them if we are disturb by them ?
Thanks
Answer:
Raw potatoes are muktza machmas gufo on shabbos, as they have no use to us and may not be moved. However since there is a need they may be moved in a backhanded manner such as moving them with your foot or elbow, but not in normal manner.
Sources:
Shmiras Shabbos Khilchoso 20-28, Shalmei Yehuda 7-14, Tiltilei Shabbos pg. 103 in the name of R’ Moshe Feinstein zt”l. Regarding Tiltul B’gufo see O:CH 311-8, Titulei Shabbos response from R’ M. Feinstein zt”l 32, MG:A ibid 7.
Regarding if the Raw potatoes that are disturbing if they are a graf shel rei. Essentially they are not disgusting, or unsightly although the person is bothered by them, that is because it is not “shabbosdik” to have raw potatoes lying around. Therefore to rely on this as a heter is controversial, see Taz 337-3, Aruch Hashulchan 308-60, Biur Halacha 308-3 D:H Kli regarding dirty dishes. Also see Tiltulei Shabbos ibid 38, that if ones wife will be bothered by something and will be embarrassed in front of guest that it is included in graf she rei. However see Shulchan Shlomo end of siman 338 that leaves it as questionable. Therefore I don’t want to rely on this aspect, and it should be removed titul b’gofu.
