Q&A: Sabbath
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Sabbath
Question
Hello, I’m not sure what category this question falls under—maybe muktzeh. I forgot to cut aluminum foil before the Sabbath, which I use to cover the dish in a disposable tray sitting on the hot plate. Would it be permitted to take the roll itself and unroll it in a way that covers the dish, so that I can cover the dish without cutting it?
Answer
Simply put, this is not a utensil whose primary use is for a prohibited activity, but actual muktzeh, and therefore it is forbidden even for its own use.
Discussion on Answer
Yes. There is room to discuss it, though, because in a time of need it is permitted to cut it because of human dignity, so it is fit for some use. But I tend to think it is still muktzeh. With aluminum foil, of course, that does not apply.
According to this, is toilet paper also muktzeh on the Sabbath?