Introduction
The Masechta is called Beiah, which is the Aramaic equivalent of Beitza (egg). The reason it’s called by this name is because the first Mishna begins with an egg that was laid on Yom Tov. According to Beis Hillel, this egg is muktzeh because it was unanticipated*, and therefore set aside at the beginning of Yom Tov not to be used or moved, which is the definition of muktzeh — set aside.
The last Mishna, on Daf Mem, also discusses the law of muktzeh concerning animals called midbarios — literally range animals — that stay away on their own for long periods of time. Since they are not usually available to be slaughtered on Yom Tov, they are again considered set aside and unanticipated. This is the opinion of Rebbi, unlike beisos (domestic animals), which stay in the vicinity and are available to be slaughtered and therefore are not muktzeh.
The Seven Categories of Muktzeh
To review the laws of muktzeh, we will list the seven ways something is considered muktzeh:
- Muktzeh machmas gufo (itself)
For example: stones, money. - Muktzeh machmas issur
For instance, oil used for light — since at the start of Shabbos it was muktzeh because of possibly extinguishing it, it remains muktzeh even when the fire goes out. - Muktzeh machmas mi’us (disgusting)
For example, an earthenware candle holder, which becomes very dirty from the oil. - Nolad
Something new that did not exist at the start of Shabbos, like ice. - Muktzeh machmas kli shemelachto le’issur
Like a pen that is used for writing, which is assur. - Muktzeh machmas chisaron kis
For example, a barber’s razor, since the owner is worried that it is very valuable and may break if handled. - Basis ledavar ha’assur
Like a barrel that has a stone on it — just as the stone is muktzeh, so is the barrel.
Returning to the Gemara
Getting back to the last piece of Gemara: Rebbi was asked what the din is according to Rebbi Shimon about figs that are left in bowls to dry on Shabbos and Yom Tov. Are they considered muktzeh because they are in the drying process?
Rebbi answered no, because they are not like dates and raisins while drying, which are not edible during that stage. Figs are edible, and you are not pushing them away from eating them as you do with dates and raisins.
Similarly, with range animals, the owner is considered like one who pushes them away by sending them out, and therefore they are muktzeh for slaughter.
It would seem that Rebbi holds the same as Rebbi Shimon. Is this true?
The final line states that the Gemara gives three answers to the question about Rebbi’s opinion on muktzeh according to him and Rebbi Shimon:
- He agrees with Rebbi Shimon that something pushed away before Yom Tov is muktzeh.
- He is only saying that Rebbi Shimon holds this, but not himself — because Rebbi holds that even something not pushed away, like figs drying out or domestic animals grazing outside the techum, is muktzeh.
- Rebbi is only explaining the opinion of the Chachamim, who hold a very broad scope of muktzeh — even animals sent out around Pesach and returning during the month of Cheshvan, which according to Rebbi are considered beisos (domestic), yet according to the Chachamim are considered midbarios (range animals) and are muktzeh.
Notes
* Isn’t an egg laid every day? So it should be considered anticipated.
** One making a siyum should begin reading from Ee Boyis Eima on Mem Amud Beis (40b).