The first Mishna of the 18th perek, mephanin, discusses the prohibition of moving various items in a storehouse on Shabbat for talmud Torah or hachnasat orchim. Did we not learn earlier that muktze can be moved if the space it occupies is needed? Why is this "loophole" not being employed here?
Daniel Ettedgui, Boca Raton, FL
There are many different kinds of Muktzah, each with its own set of rules. The latter ruling to which you referred is talking about Muktzah on account of its usage - such as a hammer, which may be used for something that is permitted on Shabbos (such as cracking nuts) and for its space, should it be needed.
The Mishnah in Mefanin, on the other hand, is talking about something that one placed in storage, which is Muktzah even as regards the above-mentioned purposes, and which the Tana now permits for a Mitzvah.
Be'Virchas Kol Tuv,
Eliezer Chrysler