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[[Image:Nissan.png|thumb|right|Calendar from Kaluach of the month of Nissan with the first day of Chol HaMoed [[Pesach]] highlighted]] | [[Image:Nissan.png|thumb|right|Calendar from Kaluach of the month of Nissan with the first day of Chol HaMoed [[Pesach]] highlighted]] | ||
Chol HaMoed | Chol HaMoed refers to the intermediate days of the [[holidays]] of [[Sukkot]] and [[Pesach]]. In the diaspora, on [[Pesach]], Chol HaMoed spans from the third day of [[Pesach]] until and including the sixth day, and on [[Sukkot]] from the third day of [[Sukkot]] until [[Shemini Aseret]]. In [[Israel]], on [[Pesach]], Chol HaMoed starts on the second day of [[Pesach]] and lasts until and including the sixth day, and on [[Sukkot]], from the second day of [[Sukkot]] until [[Shemini Aseret]]. | ||
==Kavod and Oneg== | ==Kavod and Oneg== | ||
#Since Chol Hamoed is called a mikarei kodesh,<ref>Vayikra 23:4, Chagiga 18a, Mechilta (Parshat Bo 9), Rambam (Yom Tov 7:1). However, Tashbetz 2:206 writes that Chol Hamoed is not called mikraei kodesh and that's why he doesn't mention it in Yaaleh Veyavo. In fact, there is an old dispute between the rishonim whether a person should say mikraei kodesh in the Yaaleh Vyavo for Chol Hamoed. In Tashbetz 2:210 he writes that even though the gemara calls Chol Hamoed mikraei kodesh that is only a rabbinic level. Shulchan Aruch O.C. 490:3 writes that the Sephardic minhag is to say it, while Rama holds the minhag is not to say it. Nonetheless, Magen Avraham 490:2 (as explained by Pri Megadim) writes that even Ashkenazim say it in other places in davening.</ref> there’s an obligation to honor Chol Hamoed and treat it differently | #Since Chol Hamoed is called a mikarei kodesh,<ref>Vayikra 23:4, Chagiga 18a, Mechilta (Parshat Bo 9), Rambam (Yom Tov 7:1). However, Tashbetz 2:206 writes that Chol Hamoed is not called mikraei kodesh and that's why he doesn't mention it in Yaaleh Veyavo. In fact, there is an old dispute between the rishonim whether a person should say mikraei kodesh in the Yaaleh Vyavo for Chol Hamoed. In Tashbetz 2:210 he writes that even though the gemara calls Chol Hamoed mikraei kodesh that is only a rabbinic level. Shulchan Aruch O.C. 490:3 writes that the Sephardic minhag is to say it, while Rama holds the minhag is not to say it. Nonetheless, Magen Avraham 490:2 (as explained by Pri Megadim) writes that even Ashkenazim say it in other places in davening.</ref> there’s an obligation to honor Chol Hamoed and treat it differently from how a person treats a weekday. This includes having special food, drinks, and clothing that are nicer than a person has during the week, but it is more lenient than Kavod of [[Yom Tov]].<ref>Sh”t Rabbi Akiva Eiger 1 (in the Hashmatot) and S”A HaRav 529:5 write that there’s no Kavod and Oneg on Chol HaMoed. On the other hand, Magen Avraham 530:1, Mishna Brurah 530:1, Sefer Chol HaMoed (pg 1; by Rabbi Dovid Zucker) write that there’s Kavod and Oneg on Chol HaMoed, however, Shaar Tzion 530:4 points out that it’s not as strict as Kavod of [[Yom Tov]]. Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 502) agrees. Mechilta (Parshat Bo 9) derives from a pasuk that there is an obligation to honor Chol Hamoed with food, drinks, and nice clothing. [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=8920&st=&pgnum=111 Tanya Rabati (siman 52)] writes that a person should eat and drink on Chol Hamoed like he does on Yom Tov. Shaar Hatziyun 530:4 concludes that the mechilta means that it is necessary to have food, drink, and clothing that is nicer than during the week but not necessarily like Yom Tov. </ref> | ||
#As part of Kavod, one should wear clothing on chol hamoed that are a little nicer than his weekday clothing. Some have the minhag to wear [[Shabbat]] clothing on Chol HaMoed.<ref>Mishna Brurah 530:1, Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 502), and Aruch HaShulchan 530:4 write that there’s an obligation to wear clothing which is a little nicer than regular weekday clothing. Shaar Hatziyun 530:4 clarifies that it isn't necessary to wear Shabbat or Yom Tov clothing. It is sufficient to wear clothing that are a little nicer than during the week. [https://ph.yhb.org.il/12-10-03/ Peninei Halacha (Moadim 10:3)] agrees that chol hamoed clothing just need to be slightly nicer than weekday clothing. Nimukei Orach Chaim 530:3 and Chaye Adam 106:1 hold that one should wear [[Shabbat]] clothes, but one doesn’t need to wear [[Yom Tov]] clothing which are supposed to be a little better than [[Shabbat]] clothing. Mishna Brurah 530:1 writes that the Maharil's practice was to wear [[Shabbat]] clothes on Chol HaMoed. Beer Moshe 7:3:3 and Yalkut Yosef (Chol Hamoed p. 735) write that a worker who is allowed to work may put on work clothing in private when he needs to work and then change into nicer clothing afterwards. </ref> | #As part of Kavod, one should wear clothing on chol hamoed that are a little nicer than his weekday clothing. Some have the minhag to wear [[Shabbat]] clothing on Chol HaMoed.<ref>Mishna Brurah 530:1, Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 502), and Aruch HaShulchan 530:4 write that there’s an obligation to wear clothing which is a little nicer than regular weekday clothing. Shaar Hatziyun 530:4 clarifies that it isn't necessary to wear Shabbat or Yom Tov clothing. It is sufficient to wear clothing that are a little nicer than during the week. [https://ph.yhb.org.il/12-10-03/ Peninei Halacha (Moadim 10:3)] agrees that chol hamoed clothing just need to be slightly nicer than weekday clothing. Nimukei Orach Chaim 530:3 and Chaye Adam 106:1 hold that one should wear [[Shabbat]] clothes, but one doesn’t need to wear [[Yom Tov]] clothing which are supposed to be a little better than [[Shabbat]] clothing. Mishna Brurah 530:1 writes that the Maharil's practice was to wear [[Shabbat]] clothes on Chol HaMoed. Beer Moshe 7:3:3 and Yalkut Yosef (Chol Hamoed p. 735) write that a worker who is allowed to work may put on work clothing in private when he needs to work and then change into nicer clothing afterwards. </ref> | ||
#As part of Kavod, some have the practice to leave the table cloth on the table all of Chol HaMoed.<ref>Pri Megadim 639 (M”Z 639:1) and Aruch HaShulchan 530:4 </ref> | #As part of Kavod, some have the practice to leave the table cloth on the table all of Chol HaMoed.<ref>Pri Megadim 639 (M”Z 639:1) and Aruch HaShulchan 530:4 </ref> | ||
#As part of Kavod, one is not obligated to have a bread meal, however, it is preferable to do so.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 188:7 writes that since there’s no obligation to have a meal on Chol HaMoed | #As part of Kavod, one is not obligated to have a bread meal, however, it is preferable to do so.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 188:7 writes that since there’s no obligation to have a meal on Chol HaMoed, if one forgets [[Yaaleh VeYavo]] one doesn’t repeat Brikat HaMazon. Magen Avraham 530:1, Mishna Brurah 530:1, and Yalkut Yosef (Moedim pg 502) write that it’s preferable to have bread, since Kavod is with food and the most important food is bread. Regarding having nice meals on Chol HaMoed, see Rashi's comment to Avot 3:11.</ref> | ||
==Simcha== | ==Simcha== | ||
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#According to those who fulfill simcha on Chol HaMoed like simcha on [[Yom Tov]], men should fulfill simcha with wine and not grape juice.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (Buir 1:2) quotes Rabbi Moshe Feinstien and the Debersiner Rav who say that grape juice doesn’t fulfill the mitzvah of simcha. Nemukei Orach Chaim 529:2 writes that one should have a reviyat of wine, while Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 3; based on Sh”t Rosh 25:1) writes that a Meloh Lugmav is sufficient. </ref> | #According to those who fulfill simcha on Chol HaMoed like simcha on [[Yom Tov]], men should fulfill simcha with wine and not grape juice.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (Buir 1:2) quotes Rabbi Moshe Feinstien and the Debersiner Rav who say that grape juice doesn’t fulfill the mitzvah of simcha. Nemukei Orach Chaim 529:2 writes that one should have a reviyat of wine, while Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 3; based on Sh”t Rosh 25:1) writes that a Meloh Lugmav is sufficient. </ref> | ||
#Initially one should have two bread meals on each day of Chol Hamoed, once at night and once during the day but it isn't an absolute obligation.<ref>Yalkut Yosef Moadim p. 502</ref> | #Initially one should have two bread meals on each day of Chol Hamoed, once at night and once during the day but it isn't an absolute obligation.<ref>Yalkut Yosef Moadim p. 502</ref> | ||
#It is forbidden to get married on Chol HaMoed because such an occasion would infringe on the mitzvah of simcha of the holiday.<ref>Moed Katan 8b, Shulchan Aruch 546:1</ref> However, it is permitted to get engaged, which isn't the same as halachic [[Kiddushin]] on Chol HaMoed.<ref>Taz 546:2, Chol HaMoed KeHilchato 1:32</ref> | #It is forbidden to get married on Chol HaMoed because such an occasion would infringe on the mitzvah of simcha of the holiday.<ref>Moed Katan 8b, Shulchan Aruch 546:1</ref> However, it is permitted to get engaged, which isn't the same as halachic [[Kiddushin]], on Chol HaMoed.<ref>Taz 546:2, Chol HaMoed KeHilchato 1:32</ref> | ||
==Special parts of Davening== | ==Special parts of Davening== | ||
===Shemonah Esrei=== | ===Shemonah Esrei=== | ||
#On Chol HaMoed, one should insert [[Yaaleh VeYavo]] in [[Shmoneh Esrei]] during the Bracha of Avoda (Retzeh). If one forgot to say [[Yaaleh VeYavo]] and remembered before concluding [[Shmoneh Esrei]] (with Yeyihu LeRatzon) one should return to Retzeh and continue from there. However, if one only remembered after finishing [[Shmoneh Esrei]], one must repeat [[Shmoneh Esrei]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch 124:10, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 19:11, [[Tefillah]] KeHilchato 23:106 </ref> | #On Chol HaMoed, one should insert [[Yaaleh VeYavo]] in [[Shmoneh Esrei]] during the Bracha of Avoda (Retzeh). If one forgot to say [[Yaaleh VeYavo]] and remembered before concluding [[Shmoneh Esrei]] (with Yeyihu LeRatzon), one should return to Retzeh and continue from there. However, if one only remembered after finishing [[Shmoneh Esrei]], one must repeat [[Shmoneh Esrei]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch 124:10, Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 19:11, [[Tefillah]] KeHilchato 23:106 </ref> | ||
===Birkat HaMazon=== | ===Birkat HaMazon=== | ||
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#If one forgot [[Yaaleh VeYavo]] and one realized: | #If one forgot [[Yaaleh VeYavo]] and one realized: | ||
##before saying Hashem’s name at the end of the third Bracha, one should return to [[Yaaleh VeYavo]] and then continue from there.<ref>Halachos of [[Brachos]] (pg 510) </ref> | ##before saying Hashem’s name at the end of the third Bracha, one should return to [[Yaaleh VeYavo]] and then continue from there.<ref>Halachos of [[Brachos]] (pg 510) </ref> | ||
##after saying Hashem’s name but before saying [[Boneh]] Yerushalayim, one should immediately say למדני חוקיך which is the conclusion of a פסוק in Tehillim and then return to Yaaleh Veyavo and continue from there.<ref>Halachos of [[Brachos]] (pg 510) </ref> | ##after saying Hashem’s name, but before saying [[Boneh]] Yerushalayim, one should immediately say למדני חוקיך which is the conclusion of a פסוק in Tehillim, and then return to Yaaleh Veyavo and continue from there.<ref>Halachos of [[Brachos]] (pg 510) </ref> | ||
##after finishing the third Bracha before starting the fourth Bracha one should insert a special Bracha ברוך אתה ה' אלקינו מלך העולם שנתן מועדים לעמו ישראל לששון ולשמחה את יום חג (פלוני) הזה <ref>Halachos of [[Brachos]] (pg 513) writes that the special Bracha to insert on Chol HaMoed is ברוך אתה ה' אלקינו מלך העולם שנתן מועדים לעמו ישראל לששון ולשמחה את יום חג. (פלוני) הזה. This is based on Mishna Brurah 188:27 who writes that the special Bracha of Chol HaMoed doesn’t have a conclusion like the Bracha of [[Rosh Chodesh]]. </ref> | ##after finishing the third Bracha before starting the fourth Bracha, one should insert a special Bracha ברוך אתה ה' אלקינו מלך העולם שנתן מועדים לעמו ישראל לששון ולשמחה את יום חג (פלוני) הזה <ref>Halachos of [[Brachos]] (pg 513) writes that the special Bracha to insert on Chol HaMoed is ברוך אתה ה' אלקינו מלך העולם שנתן מועדים לעמו ישראל לששון ולשמחה את יום חג. (פלוני) הזה. This is based on Mishna Brurah 188:27 who writes that the special Bracha of Chol HaMoed doesn’t have a conclusion like the Bracha of [[Rosh Chodesh]]. </ref> | ||
##within the first six words of the fourth Bracha (ברוך אתה ה' אלקינו מלך העולם), one should continue with the special Bracha (שנתן...) mentioned in the last option.<ref>Halachos of [[Brachos]] (pg 515) </ref> | ##within the first six words of the fourth Bracha (ברוך אתה ה' אלקינו מלך העולם), one should continue with the special Bracha (שנתן...) mentioned in the last option.<ref>Halachos of [[Brachos]] (pg 515) </ref> | ||
##after one said the seventh word in the fourth Bracha, one should continue and not repeat Birkat Hamazon.<ref>S”A 188:7 writes that one doesn’t need to repeat [[Birkat HaMazon]] if one forgot [[Yaaleh VeYavo]] on Chol HaMoed because there’s no obligation to have a bread meal on Chol HaMoed. </ref> | ##after one said the seventh word in the fourth Bracha, one should continue and not repeat Birkat Hamazon.<ref>S”A 188:7 writes that one doesn’t need to repeat [[Birkat HaMazon]] if one forgot [[Yaaleh VeYavo]] on Chol HaMoed because there’s no obligation to have a bread meal on Chol HaMoed. </ref> | ||
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==Forbidden work== | ==Forbidden work== | ||
#There’s a dispute whether work on Chol HaMoed is | #There’s a dispute amongst the Rishonim as to whether the prohibition of work on Chol HaMoed is Biblical or Rabbinic.<ref>Tosfot (Chagiga 18a s.v. cholo, Moed Katan 19a s.v. rebbe), Rabbenu Tam (cited by Rosh), Rosh (Moed Katan 1:1), Rambam (Yom Tov 7:1), Mordechai (Moed Katan n. 835), Yereyim 304, Nemukei Yosef (Moed Katan 1a s.v. Gemara), and Tashbetz 2:210 hold that the entirety of work on Chol HaMoed is derabbanan. On the other hand, Rashi (m"k ktav yad 11b s.v. ela, 12a s.v. khilchot, 13a s.v. disura, Tosfot Rabbenu Peretz Pesachim 5a), Rashbam (Pesachim 118a s.v. kol), Tosfot (m"k 2a s.v. mashkin, 11b s.v. afilu), and Yereyim (Mitzvah no. 304) hold that melacha on Chol HaMoed is forbidden by the Torah. Several statements of Chazal indicate this position including Chagiga 18a and Moed Katan 11b. However, Tosfot answer that these Gemaras mean that there is an allusion in the pasuk to the prohibition.<br /> | ||
The Ramban (Moed Katan 2a s.v. od ani), Rashba (a"z cited by Maggid Mishna Yom Tov 7:1), and Ritva (m"k 2a) arbitrate between these two positions and consider melacha on Chol HaMoed from the Torah’s perspective to be dependent on whether the melacha is necessary for the holiday or there is a loss. If it is necessary for the holiday or there is a loss, then the melacha is permitted from the Torah and, if not, it is forbidden. The Bach 530:1 supports such an explanation based on the pesukim. | The Ramban (Moed Katan 2a s.v. od ani), Rashba (a"z cited by Maggid Mishna Yom Tov 7:1), and Ritva (m"k 2a) arbitrate between these two positions and consider melacha on Chol HaMoed from the Torah’s perspective to be dependent on whether the melacha is necessary for the holiday or there is a loss. If it is necessary for the holiday or there is a loss, then the melacha is permitted from the Torah and, if not, it is forbidden. The Bach 530:1 supports such an explanation based on the pesukim. | ||
On Yom Tov, the Torah forbids “melechet avoda” (Vayikra 23:8) and Rashi explains this to mean that one is prohibited to perform even work that will cause one to experience a loss if not done today. The Torat Kohanim (Emor 12:5) states that the prohibition of “melechet avoda” does not apply to Chol HaMoed; therefore, concludes the Bach, it is biblically permitted to do a melacha for the need of the holiday.<br /> | On Yom Tov, the Torah forbids “melechet avoda” (Vayikra 23:8) and Rashi explains this to mean that one is prohibited to perform even work that will cause one to experience a loss if not done today. The Torat Kohanim (Emor 12:5) states that the prohibition of “melechet avoda” does not apply to Chol HaMoed; therefore, concludes the Bach, it is biblically permitted to do a melacha for the need of the holiday.<br /> | ||
In a similar vein, Rav Sobolofsky (“[http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/811776/Rabbi_Zvi_Sobolofsky/Issur_Melacha_On_Chol_Hamoed Issur Melacha on Chol HaMoed],” min 12-15) explained based on the Ritva (Moed Katan 13a s.v. elah) that the primary principle underlying the laws of Chol HaMoed is that one should enjoy the holiday. Thus, activities that further this purpose are permitted, while those which hinder this goal, especially ones that involve excessive effort, are forbidden. <br /> | In a similar vein, Rav Sobolofsky (“[http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/811776/Rabbi_Zvi_Sobolofsky/Issur_Melacha_On_Chol_Hamoed Issur Melacha on Chol HaMoed],” min 12-15) explained based on the Ritva (Moed Katan 13a s.v. elah) that the primary principle underlying the laws of Chol HaMoed is that one should enjoy the holiday. Thus, activities that further this purpose are permitted, while those which hinder this goal, especially ones that involve excessive effort, are forbidden. <br /> | ||
The Sefer HaChinuch (n. 323) explains that the determination of which melachot are biblically forbidden is left in the hands of the rabbis. He seems to understand this concept (לא מסרה הכתוב אלא לחכמים) differently than the Ramban. Ramban understood that the general principles that the rabbis stated such as צורך המועד and דבר האבד are considered principles from the Torah, however, the other details are only rabbinic. Sefer Hachinuch, on the other hand, understands that every detail that the rabbis dictated is also given the weight of a Torah prohibition. </ref> According to Sephardim, the halacha is that work on Chol HaMoed is a Rabbinic prohibition.<ref>Chazon Ovadia (Yom Tov p. 168) and Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 504) writes that one may be lenient like Shulchan Aruch and if there’s a safek one can be lenient as it’s only derabbanan. Chazon Ovadia quotes 16 rishonim who hold that it is derabbanan including: Rambam, Smag, Rash, Riva, Rabbenu Tam, Rosh, Yereyim, Hagahot Maimoniyot, Mordechai, Or Zaruah, Meiri, Talmid Ri Mparis, Tosfot Rid, Orchot Chaim, Kol Bo, and Rashbetz | The Sefer HaChinuch (n. 323) explains that the determination of which melachot are biblically forbidden is left in the hands of the rabbis. He seems to understand this concept (לא מסרה הכתוב אלא לחכמים) differently than the Ramban. Ramban understood that the general principles that the rabbis stated such as צורך המועד and דבר האבד are considered principles from the Torah, however, the other details are only rabbinic. Sefer Hachinuch, on the other hand, understands that every detail that the rabbis dictated is also given the weight of a Torah prohibition. </ref> According to Sephardim, the halacha is that work on Chol HaMoed is a Rabbinic prohibition.<ref>Chazon Ovadia (Yom Tov p. 168) and Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 504) writes that one may be lenient like Shulchan Aruch, and if there’s a safek one can be lenient as it’s only derabbanan. Chazon Ovadia quotes 16 rishonim who hold that it is derabbanan including: Rambam, Smag, Rash, Riva, Rabbenu Tam, Rosh, Yereyim, Hagahot Maimoniyot, Mordechai, Or Zaruah, Meiri, Talmid Ri Mparis, Tosfot Rid, Orchot Chaim, Kol Bo, and Rashbetz. </ref> Ashkenazic poskim are concerned for the opinion that work on Chol Hamoed is a Biblical prohibition.<ref>Magen Avraham 530:1 and Gra 530:3 understand that Rama 530:1 holds that melacha on Chol Hamoed is from the Torah. Mishna Brurah (Biur Halacha 530:1 s.v. umuter) writes that it is proper to be strict because most Rishonim hold it is from the Torah. Biur Halacha enumerates 7 rishonim who hold that it is from the Torah: Rif, Shiltot, Eshkol, Ritz Geyitz, Rashbam, Rashi, and Shibolei Haleket. </ref> | ||
#According to those who hold that melacha on Chol Hamoed is only derabbanan, some poskim permit anything which is a psik reisha (action which | #According to those who hold that melacha on Chol Hamoed is only derabbanan, some poskim permit anything which is a psik reisha (action which will inevitably cause a melacha to occur).<ref>Chazon Ovadia (Yom Tov p. 171) explains that according to those who hold that melacha on Chol Hamoed is derabbanan, a pesik reisha is permitted based on Trumat Hadeshen 66.</ref> Others hold that a psik reisha is permitted on Chol Hamoed even according to the view that melacha is deoritta.<ref>Hilchot Chag Bchag (ch. 3 fnt. 30) proves from Moed Katan 10b, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 537:8, and Mishna Brurah 538:32 that psik reisha is permitted on chol hamoed according to everyone. The reason is according to some rishonim melacha without a tircha is permitted, so too a psik reisha doesn't involve extra tircha. Alternatively, in a case where a person is doing a melacha for tzorech hamoed as well as a psik reisha for another melacha, the same tzorech hamoed that permitted a melacha can also permit the psik reisha.</ref> | ||
=== Melacha without Tircha === | === Melacha without Tircha === | ||
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* Hilchot Chag Bchag (Chol Hamoed 3:7) is lenient to allow melacha without tircha on Chol Hamoed. He quotes Rav Elyashiv as holding m'ikar hadin that it is permitted. He notes that the minhag is to be lenient regarding turning off and on lights, cutting toilet paper, and talking on the phone even without a tzorech hamoed, and according to him is permitted. | * Hilchot Chag Bchag (Chol Hamoed 3:7) is lenient to allow melacha without tircha on Chol Hamoed. He quotes Rav Elyashiv as holding m'ikar hadin that it is permitted. He notes that the minhag is to be lenient regarding turning off and on lights, cutting toilet paper, and talking on the phone even without a tzorech hamoed, and according to him is permitted. | ||
* Igrot Moshe OC 1:163 learns from Tosfot (Moed Katan 14a) that melacha without tircha is permitted. Tosfot writes that shaving on Chol Hamoed is forbidden because of tircha. Rav Moshe infers that if it would be a melacha without tircha it would be permitted. Rav Moshe doesn't conclude on this topic as he only discusses this point incidentally. </ref> However, other | * Igrot Moshe OC 1:163 learns from Tosfot (Moed Katan 14a) that melacha without tircha is permitted. Tosfot writes that shaving on Chol Hamoed is forbidden because of tircha. Rav Moshe infers that if it would be a melacha without tircha it would be permitted. Rav Moshe doesn't conclude on this topic as he only discusses this point incidentally. </ref> However, the view of other Rishonim, and the consensus of the poskim, is that all melacha is forbidden, even if it does not involve tircha. Melacha without tircha is only permitted if there's a need for the holiday or another reason that permits melacha on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Shibolei Haleket (cited by Biur Halacha 545:5 s.v. vafilu) quotes Rav Avigdor Katz who does not allow writing friendly letters on Chol Hamoed unless there is a need for the moed or a concern for loss. He implies that melacha without tircha is forbidden. Also, Ritva (m"k 18a s.v. vigeret) implies this as well because he writes that it is only permitted to write a letter if there's a particular need for the moed. Mishna Brurah 545:30 codifies this approach. He definitely seems to disagree with Aruch Hashulchan 545:12's second answer. It is also implied from Pri Megadim (E"A 540:5) that melacha without tircha is forbidden. Beer Moshe 7:42:1 quotes a lot of sources on this topic and doesn't come to a clear conclusion. He seems to be strict as he quotes Aruch Hashulchan as lenient, but Pri Megadim and Mishna Brurah as strict. Betzel Hachachma 5:95:1 is also strict in general and only lenient for carrying. Shevet Halevi 6:68 is lenient for carrying but doesn't sound like he would permit in general. Moadim Uzmanim 4:298 is strict except for carrying and cooking, but in 7:154 he isn't sure. He suggests that perhaps any melacha that doesn't involve tircha is permitted but leaves it unresolved. Chazon Ovadia p. 204 quotes Aruch Hashulchan but notes that it is against the Ritva. He indicates that he is strict about this question. See Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata (66:55) who quotes Aruch Hashulchan and also quotes Mishna Brurah. His ruling on this matter isn't clear. </ref> | ||
## Many poskim hold that it is permitted to carry on Chol Hamoed even if there's no need.<ref>Meiri (18b s.v. ein), Shevet Halevi 6:68, Moadim Uzmanim 4:298, 7:154, Betzel Hachachma 5:95:1 (see there for details), Chazon Ovadia (Yom Tov p. 171), Hilchot Chag Bchag 3:6</ref> However, some poskim are strict.<ref>Chazon Ish and Amudei Or cited by Moadim Uzmanim 4:154. Hilchot Chag Bchag 3:6 quotes that Chazon Ish in his sefer is lenient, but Orchot Rabbenu records his practice not to carry anything unnecessarily on Chol Hamoed.</ref> | ## Many poskim hold that it is permitted to carry on Chol Hamoed even if there's no need.<ref>Meiri (18b s.v. ein), Shevet Halevi 6:68, Moadim Uzmanim 4:298, 7:154, Betzel Hachachma 5:95:1 (see there for details), Chazon Ovadia (Yom Tov p. 171), Hilchot Chag Bchag 3:6</ref> However, some poskim are strict.<ref>Chazon Ish and Amudei Or cited by Moadim Uzmanim 4:154. Hilchot Chag Bchag 3:6 quotes that Chazon Ish in his sefer is lenient, but Orchot Rabbenu records his practice not to carry anything unnecessarily on Chol Hamoed.</ref> | ||
## Some poskim permitted ripping toilet paper off the lines on Chol Hamoed even if he has pre-ripped toilet paper or tissues available.<ref>Beer Moshe 7:10:1, 7:42, Hilchot Chag Bchag 3:6</ref> | ## Some poskim permitted ripping toilet paper off the lines on Chol Hamoed even if he has pre-ripped toilet paper or tissues available.<ref>Beer Moshe 7:10:1, 7:42, Hilchot Chag Bchag 3:6</ref> | ||
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#A strenuous activity (one that involves exertion) is forbidden even if it doesn’t involve any Melacha.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 535:1 writes that one may not move homes on Chol HaMoed. Mishna Brurah 535:1 explains that it’s forbidden because of the tircha (exertion) involved. This is the explanation of Rashi (ktav yad 13a s.v. ein), Rabbenu Gershom, Ran, and one explanation of Ritva. Ritva has another explanation that it is because of uvda dchol. However, see Tosfot 12b who isn't sure if there is a prohibition of tircha without melacha in general. </ref> | #A strenuous activity (one that involves exertion) is forbidden even if it doesn’t involve any Melacha.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 535:1 writes that one may not move homes on Chol HaMoed. Mishna Brurah 535:1 explains that it’s forbidden because of the tircha (exertion) involved. This is the explanation of Rashi (ktav yad 13a s.v. ein), Rabbenu Gershom, Ran, and one explanation of Ritva. Ritva has another explanation that it is because of uvda dchol. However, see Tosfot 12b who isn't sure if there is a prohibition of tircha without melacha in general. </ref> | ||
#For example, it’s forbidden to move heavy furniture (unless there’s a need see below).<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 7) brings this as an example of forbidden exertion on Chol HaMoed. </ref> | #For example, it’s forbidden to move heavy furniture (unless there’s a need, see below).<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 7) brings this as an example of forbidden exertion on Chol HaMoed. </ref> | ||
#It is permitted to wash dishes after eating or dishes that he might use again on the moed.<ref>Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Shulchan Shlomo 530:2:2) permits washing dishes after eating. However, if a family is leaving the house on Chol Hamoed and going to be away for the second days, he isn't sure that it is permitted to clean the dishes, take out the garbage, and tidy up. </ref> | #It is permitted to wash dishes after eating, or dishes that he might use again on the moed.<ref>Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Shulchan Shlomo 530:2:2) permits washing dishes after eating. However, if a family is leaving the house on Chol Hamoed and going to be away for the second days, he isn't sure that it is permitted to clean the dishes, take out the garbage, and tidy up. </ref> | ||
#It is permitted to take out the garbage, put the garbage bag in garbage cans, and move the can so that they can be picked up.<ref>Based on Pesachim 55b, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 535:3 writes that it is forbidden to remove manure from the courtyard on chol hamoed; rather, he should just push it to the side. Seemingly, that would indicate that it is forbidden to take out the garbage on chol hamoed. However, Rav Elyashiv (Mevakshei Torah ch. 106 cited by Chazon Ovadia) ruled that it is permitted to take out the garbage since that isn't a simple act that doesn't involve tircha. Rav Ovadia (Chazon Ovadia p. 196) agrees. Garbage collectors are allowed to work on chol hamoed since that is considered tzarchei rabbim (Chazon Ovadia p. 196).</ref> | |||
===Degradation of the Holiday=== | ===Degradation of the Holiday=== | ||
#Certain activities must be limited to avoid degradation of the holiday. For this reason, even when commercial activity is permitted it should be done in private.<ref>Beiur Halacha 539 s.v. Eino Mutar, quoted by Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 8) </ref> | #Certain activities must be limited to avoid degradation of the holiday. For this reason, even when commercial activity is permitted, it should be done in private.<ref>Beiur Halacha 539 s.v. Eino Mutar, quoted by Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 8) </ref> | ||
#For example, it’s forbidden to paint one’s apartment on Chol HaMoed to improve its appearance.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 8) in name of Rav Moshe Feinstein. Or Letzion 3:24:6 writes that it is permitted to have a non-Jewish painter paint a yeshiva during Chol Hamoed if it isn't possible another time because it would interrupt the learning.</ref> | #For example, it’s forbidden to paint one’s apartment on Chol HaMoed to improve its appearance.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 8) in name of Rav Moshe Feinstein. Or Letzion 3:24:6 writes that it is permitted to have a non-Jewish painter paint a yeshiva during Chol Hamoed if it isn't possible another time because it would interrupt the learning.</ref> | ||
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#It’s permitted to go biking since that’s not considered a melacha.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 22) </ref> | #It’s permitted to go biking since that’s not considered a melacha.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 22) </ref> | ||
===Is | ===Is one forbidden to benefit from work that was illegally performed on Chol HaMoed?=== | ||
#If one did violate Chol HaMoed unintentionally, one may be lenient and benefit from the work that day. However, if one violated the Chol HaMoed intentionally, that individual shouldn’t benefit from it forever, and others may benefit | #If one did violate Chol HaMoed unintentionally, one may be lenient and benefit from the work that day. However, if one violated the Chol HaMoed intentionally, that individual shouldn’t benefit from it forever, and others may benefit from it after the holiday.<ref>S”A 318:1 rules that if one violates [[Shabbat]] unintentionally, the work is prohibited from benefit until after [[Shabbat]] and for intention violations, the work is prohibited for the perpetrator forever and everyone else is permitted after [[Shabbat]]. Magen Avraham 538:2 says that this same prohibitions would apply to someone who violates Chol HaMoed according to those that melacha on Chol HaMoed is s.v. HaMivashel who writes in name of the Gra and Chaye Adam that a Derabbanan Melacha is permitted on [[Shabbat]] itself.) Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 15) writes that for this safek one can be lenient based on the fact that the entire prohibition is a rabbinic penalty. However, writes the Hilchot Chol Moed, for an intentional violation, there’s more reason to be strict based on Mishna Brurah 538:16. </ref> | ||
==The Principle Reasons to Permit Melacha== | ==The Principle Reasons to Permit Melacha== | ||
#Melacha on Chol HaMoed is forbidden just like [[Yom Tov]], however, there are five major leniencies to permit Melacha on Chol HaMoed | #Melacha on Chol HaMoed is forbidden just like [[Yom Tov]], however, there are five major leniencies to permit Melacha on Chol HaMoed: 1) Tzorech HaMoed (work done for a holiday need), 2) Tzorech Ochel Nefesh (work to prepare food), 3) Tzarchi Rabim (work needed for communal purpose), 4) Dvar HaAved (work done to avoid a loss), 5) Poel Shein Lo Mah Yochal (work done by a laborer who doesn’t have food to eat).<ref>Tur 530 writes that all of the melachas of [[Shabbat]] and [[Yom Tov]] apply to Chol HaMoed with five reasons to permit Melacha. This is codified by Biur HaGra 530:1 and Mishna Brurah 530:1. </ref> | ||
===Comparison of the Reasons for which Melacha is Permitted=== | ===Comparison of the Reasons for which Melacha is Permitted=== | ||
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|Professional Labor||Forbidden<ref>Mishna Brurah 530:1, Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 11) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Ramban (Likutim on Chol Hamoed s.v. vchen machshirin), Ritva (Moed Katan 9b s.v. oseh isha), Meiri (19a k'shetitbonen), Shulchan Aruch O.C. 533:5, Mishna Brurah 530:1, Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </ref>||Permitted (under certain conditions)<ref>Tosfot Harosh Moed Katan 4b quoting Raavad, Meiri (19a s.v. k'shetitbonen), Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 47). | |Professional Labor||Forbidden<ref>Mishna Brurah 530:1, Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 11) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Ramban (Likutim on Chol Hamoed s.v. vchen machshirin), Ritva (Moed Katan 9b s.v. oseh isha), Meiri (19a k'shetitbonen), Shulchan Aruch O.C. 533:5, Mishna Brurah 530:1, Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </ref>||Permitted (under certain conditions)<ref>Tosfot Harosh Moed Katan 4b quoting Raavad, Meiri (19a s.v. k'shetitbonen), Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 47). | ||
Sheloshim Yom Kodem HaChag (vol. 1, p. 168) writes that one may only perform melacha via professional labor for a communal need, provided that all three of these conditions are met: 1) the melakha is l'tzorekh haguf (such as fixing public roads so people don't get hurt or eating/drinking), 2) the community needs it on the holiday itself, and not after the holiday, and 3) one can complete the melakha on the holiday. If one of these conditions is absent, only maaseh hedyot (unprofessional labor) is permitted to accomplish the task (ibid). </ref>||Permitted <ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 51) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 540:2, 534:3</ref> | Sheloshim Yom Kodem HaChag (vol. 1, p. 168) writes that one may only perform melacha via professional labor for a communal need, provided that all three of these conditions are met: 1) the melakha is l'tzorekh haguf (such as fixing public roads so people don't get hurt or eating/drinking), 2) the community needs it on the holiday itself, and not after the holiday, and 3) one can complete the melakha on the holiday. If one of these conditions is absent, only maaseh hedyot (unprofessional labor) is permitted to accomplish the task (ibid). </ref>||Permitted <ref>Tosfot (10a s.v. tofer), Mordechai (n. 844), Maharshach 1:113, Tiferet Yisrael (Kupat Rochlin 5:5), Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 51) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 540:2, 534:3</ref> | ||
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|Excessive Exertion||Forbidden (see footnote for exceptions)<ref>Chol HaMoed K'Hilchato (perek bet seif 36 & footnotes). Aruch HaShulchan 540:4 forbids great exertion. Pri Megadim M”Z 540:3 permits even great exertion. (Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 66:38 adds that the pri megadim means that it’s permitted if it’s a maaseh hedyot or shinui.) See Nishmat Adam 110:1. Netivei Moed 7:2 says tzorech hamoed must be hedyot and one should still minimize the exertion. Sheloshim Yom Kodem HaChag (Chol HaMoed p. 163) writes based on Zichron Shlomo that exertion is prohibited whenever the tircha is great relative to the desired outcome. According to this approach, great exertion would be permitted for a great need, and small exertion would be permitted for a small need. But great exertion would not be permitted for a small need. However, Chol HaMoed KeHilchato (perek bet footnote 98) quotes this position of the Zichrom Shlomo and writes that the purpose of his distinction is only to explain contradictions in the poskim and cannot be used to establish new halachic principles. See Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 17). See also Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 17) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Ritva (Moed Katan 8b s.v. oseh isha), Meiri (19a s.v. k'shetitbonen), Biur Halacha (546:5 s.v. kol), Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Meiri (19a s.v. k'shetitbonen), Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 47) </ref>||Forbidden <ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 52) </ref>||- | |Excessive Exertion||Forbidden (see footnote for exceptions)<ref>Chol HaMoed K'Hilchato (perek bet seif 36 & footnotes). Aruch HaShulchan 540:4 forbids great exertion. Pri Megadim M”Z 540:3 permits even great exertion. (Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 66:38 adds that the pri megadim means that it’s permitted if it’s a maaseh hedyot or shinui.) See Nishmat Adam 110:1. Netivei Moed 7:2 says tzorech hamoed must be hedyot and one should still minimize the exertion. Sheloshim Yom Kodem HaChag (Chol HaMoed p. 163) writes based on Zichron Shlomo that exertion is prohibited whenever the tircha is great relative to the desired outcome. According to this approach, great exertion would be permitted for a great need, and small exertion would be permitted for a small need. But great exertion would not be permitted for a small need. However, Chol HaMoed KeHilchato (perek bet footnote 98) quotes this position of the Zichrom Shlomo and writes that the purpose of his distinction is only to explain contradictions in the poskim and cannot be used to establish new halachic principles. See Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 17). See also Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 17) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Ritva (Moed Katan 8b s.v. oseh isha), Meiri (19a s.v. k'shetitbonen), Biur Halacha (546:5 s.v. kol), Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Meiri (19a s.v. k'shetitbonen), Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 47) </ref>||Forbidden <ref>Moed Katan 2a, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 537:2, Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 52) </ref>||- | ||
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|Work Delayed for the Holiday<ref>Rashi 11a, 12b implies that the definition of someone who plans to do melacha on Chol Hamoed to avoid a loss only includes someone who had the ability to do it before the moed and intended to leave it for the moed. Shulchan Aruch O.C. 538:1 rules that if someone forgot to do the melacha before the moed or was lazy and thought there was time but he ended up without time, he isn't considered as though he planned it for the moed. Gra 538:1 writes that he's only considered as having planned it for the moed if he intentionally plans to do it on the moed. Chazon Ovadia p. 186 cites this from Meiri and Michtam as well. </ref>||Forbidden<ref>Meiri (19a s.v. k'shetitbonen), Aguda (Moed Katan 1:8), Pri Megadim (M"Z 533:1), [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=8020&st=&pgnum=26 Shulchan Atzi Shitim 1:2], Mishna Brurah 541:4, Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 12) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Rosh, Mordechai, Meiri (19a s.v. k'shetitbonen), Shulchan Aruch O.C. 533:1, Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Meiri (19a s.v. k'shetitbonen), Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 47) </ref>||Forbidden <ref>Moed Katan 11a and 12b, Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 61) </ref>||- | |Work Delayed for the Holiday<ref>Rashi 11a, 12b implies that the definition of someone who plans to do melacha on Chol Hamoed to avoid a loss only includes someone who had the ability to do it before the moed and intended to leave it for the moed. Shulchan Aruch O.C. 538:1 rules that if someone forgot to do the melacha before the moed or was lazy and thought there was time but he ended up without time, he isn't considered as though he planned it for the moed. Gra 538:1 writes that he's only considered as having planned it for the moed if he intentionally plans to do it on the moed. Chazon Ovadia p. 186 cites this from Meiri and Michtam as well. </ref>||Forbidden<ref>Meiri (19a s.v. k'shetitbonen), Aguda (Moed Katan 1:8), Pri Megadim (M"Z 533:1), [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=8020&st=&pgnum=26 Shulchan Atzi Shitim 1:2], Mishna Brurah 541:4, Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 12) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Rosh, Mordechai, Meiri (19a s.v. k'shetitbonen), Shulchan Aruch O.C. 533:1, Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Meiri (19a s.v. k'shetitbonen), Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 47) </ref>||Forbidden <ref>Moed Katan 11a and 12b, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 538:1, Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 61) </ref>||- | ||
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|Paying for the Work||Forbidden<ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 16) </ref>||Permitted but preferable to get a goy <ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 47) </ref>||Permitted <ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 51) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Shulchan Aruch 540:2</ref> | |Paying for the Work||Forbidden<ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 16) </ref>||Permitted but preferable to get a goy <ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 47) </ref>||Permitted <ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 51) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Shulchan Aruch 540:2</ref> | ||
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#One may not delay doing a certain work from before Chol HaMoed and do it on Chol HaMoed.<ref>S”A 536:1 </ref> | #One may not delay doing a certain work from before Chol HaMoed and do it on Chol HaMoed.<ref>S”A 536:1 </ref> | ||
#Fixing a broken object is called a holiday need if the object will be needed, however, if there’s a replacement that can be used instead or one could easily borrow a replacement, fixing the object isn’t a holiday need.<ref>Based on Bet Yosef 534 and Magen Avraham 544:1, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 12) writes that if one can borrow a replacement one must not fix the broken object. </ref> | #Fixing a broken object is called a holiday need if the object will be needed, however, if there’s a replacement that can be used instead or one could easily borrow a replacement, fixing the object isn’t a holiday need.<ref>Based on Bet Yosef 534 and Magen Avraham 544:1, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 12) writes that if one can borrow a replacement one must not fix the broken object. </ref> | ||
#It’s permissible to vacuum or wash floors that are usually cleaned at least once a week.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 19 and 34). | #It’s permissible to vacuum or wash floors that are usually cleaned at least once<ref>Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo p. 19 is lenient if it is washed or vacuumed once a week to do so it on chol hamoed. However, [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=1485&pgnum=617 Teshurat Shay 2:174] is only lenient if it is cleaned more often than that. </ref> a week.<ref>Chazon Ovadia p. 194, Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 66:47, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 19 and 34), Hilchot Chag Bchag p. 233. They quote this same idea from [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=1485&pgnum=617 Teshurat Shay 2:174] is lenient to clean only if it is regularly cleaned more than once a week. [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=210&pgnum=119 Kapei Aharon 41] explains those who are even stricter and don't wash at all. Minchat Yom Tov 104:2 quotes Rav Shlomo Hacohen as lenient in places where they generally wash the floors twice a week. However, Chazon Ovadia himself is lenient to wash the floors even if it isn't washed every week. The Debretziner (Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo teshuva 14) and Chazon Ovadia argue with the premise of the Teshurat Shay that washing the floor is included in the gezerah of laundering. However, Debretziner forbade vacuuming regularly because that involves tircha and uvda dchol. </ref> It is permitted to sweep on chol hamoed.<ref>It is permitted to flatten the floor of the house on chol hamoed (Moed Katan 10b, Rashi ktav yad s.v. adayta d'ara, Rabbenu Yerucham (4:5, cited by Bet Yosef 537:9), Shulchan Aruch O.C. 540:2, Magen Avraham 540:5). Rashi and Rabbenu Yerucham write that it is permitted to flatten the floors on Chol Hamoed so that a person doesn't trip. Magen Avraham 540:5 adds that it isn't a tircha. Pri Megadim E"A 540:5 writes that it isn't a tircha and also it is a tzorech hamoed. Mishna Brurah 540:7 agrees. However, Eshel Avraham Mbuchach 540:1 and Hilchot Chag Bchag 3:6 argue that it is permitted because it isn't tircha even though it isn't a tzorech hamoed. This is also how Atzi Shitim understood the Magen Avraham, though he disagreed with Magen Avraham (and held like Pri Megadim).</ref> | ||
#Some say it’s forbidden to nail a picture to a wall for decorative purposes, while others permit since it involves no skilled work or exertion.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 19-20) </ref> | #Some say it’s forbidden to nail a picture to a wall for decorative purposes, while others permit since it involves no skilled work or exertion.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 19-20) </ref> | ||
#It’s forbidden to garden, plant, dewed, or move grass on Chol HaMoed. Watering is only permitted if the plant is in danger of dying.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 537:1, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 21) </ref> | #It’s forbidden to garden, plant, dewed, or move grass on Chol HaMoed. Watering is only permitted if the plant is in danger of dying.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 537:1, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 21) </ref> | ||
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#For example, if a chair broke, it may be fixed in an unskilled manner is the chair is needed for the holiday, however, if another chair could be used or a chair could be borrowed one shouldn’t fix the chair. Additionally, if it takes carpentry skills to fix the chair or it was broken before the holiday and could have been fixed then, one may not fix the chair.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 12) based on the principles of Tzorech HaMoed. </ref> | #For example, if a chair broke, it may be fixed in an unskilled manner is the chair is needed for the holiday, however, if another chair could be used or a chair could be borrowed one shouldn’t fix the chair. Additionally, if it takes carpentry skills to fix the chair or it was broken before the holiday and could have been fixed then, one may not fix the chair.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 12) based on the principles of Tzorech HaMoed. </ref> | ||
#For example, it’s permissible to change a tire, jumpstart a car, or change it’s battery if the car will be used for festival purposes.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 15, 22) </ref> However, making other car repairs which require skilled work are forbidden to make (unless there’s a financial loss like having to leave your car on the road and having to return for it). | #For example, it’s permissible to change a tire, jumpstart a car, or change it’s battery if the car will be used for festival purposes.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 15, 22) </ref> However, making other car repairs which require skilled work are forbidden to make (unless there’s a financial loss like having to leave your car on the road and having to return for it).<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 23), Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 66:59, for further analysis see R’ Nebenzahl’s Yerushalayim BeMoadeha pp. 279-282. Chazon Ovadia p. 175 cited by Tiferet 536:4 permits doing melacha to fix a car only if it is maaseh hedyot. This fits the regular rules of tzorech hamoed. [However, Vayan Avraham 17 and Or Letzion 3:24:5 permit fixing the horse for riding even with a maaseh uman. Accordingly, Or Letzion seems to permit maaseh uman to fix a car on chol hamoed. (This opinion is seemingly very hard to justify.)] </ref> | ||
#Purely preparatory actions are allowed, provided that they are necessary. Thus, washing a car’s windows or getting gas are permitted. However, preparatory actions that are purposely delayed until Chol HaMoed may not be done on Chol HaMoed.<ref>S.A. 536:1. M.A. there quotes the Maharik that if this was done, the use of the item is forbidden. </ref> | #Purely preparatory actions are allowed, provided that they are necessary. Thus, washing a car’s windows or getting gas are permitted. However, preparatory actions that are purposely delayed until Chol HaMoed may not be done on Chol HaMoed.<ref>S.A. 536:1. M.A. there quotes the Maharik that if this was done, the use of the item is forbidden. </ref> | ||
#Washing or vacuuming the floor which is usually cleaned once or more times a week is permitted during Chol HaMoed.<ref>Minchat [[Yom Tov]] 104:2 writes that since it’s normal to wash the floor twice a week it’s permissible to wash the floors on Chol Hamoed even if it’s a excessive work, however, scrubbing the floor to remove dirt is forbidden as it involves a melacha and requires excessive effort. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 19) extends this to floors that are cleaned once a week, and permits vacuuming as well. </ref> | #Washing or vacuuming the floor which is usually cleaned once or more times a week is permitted during Chol HaMoed.<ref>Minchat [[Yom Tov]] 104:2 writes that since it’s normal to wash the floor twice a week it’s permissible to wash the floors on Chol Hamoed even if it’s a excessive work, however, scrubbing the floor to remove dirt is forbidden as it involves a melacha and requires excessive effort. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 19) extends this to floors that are cleaned once a week, and permits vacuuming as well. </ref> | ||
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#Many forbid fishing for pleasure on Chol HaMoed, while some are lenient. If the fish will be eaten one may be lenient.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 38) writes in name of the Debreciner Rav that it’s forbidden to fish for pleasure and points out that Rav Moshe Feinstein permits. However many others side are strict including Sh”t Rivevot Efraim 1:356(2) and Chol HaMoed KeHilchato (7:24, p. 244) in the name of Rav Shlomo Zalman Aurerbach, Rav Wosner, and Rabbi Brandsdorfer. He explains that they hold that going on a trip for pleasure and enjoyment isn't a tzorech hamoed. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 38) writes that (according to all) one can be lenient if the fish will be eaten. See Tosfot Beitzah 12a and Rama 518 who write that playing with a ball for pleasure is a small tzorech yom tov. </ref> | #Many forbid fishing for pleasure on Chol HaMoed, while some are lenient. If the fish will be eaten one may be lenient.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 38) writes in name of the Debreciner Rav that it’s forbidden to fish for pleasure and points out that Rav Moshe Feinstein permits. However many others side are strict including Sh”t Rivevot Efraim 1:356(2) and Chol HaMoed KeHilchato (7:24, p. 244) in the name of Rav Shlomo Zalman Aurerbach, Rav Wosner, and Rabbi Brandsdorfer. He explains that they hold that going on a trip for pleasure and enjoyment isn't a tzorech hamoed. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 38) writes that (according to all) one can be lenient if the fish will be eaten. See Tosfot Beitzah 12a and Rama 518 who write that playing with a ball for pleasure is a small tzorech yom tov. </ref> | ||
##Some hold that any activity that is done for pleasure on Chol Hamoed even if it involves melacha is permitted since that is simchat hachag.<ref>Rav Moshe (Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo teshuvot n. 13), Rav Elyashiv (Ashrei Haish 3:8:6, v. 3 p. 52). Rav Elyashiv wrote that a person should try to minimize the tircha (exertion) he is involved in. However, if the exertion is pleasurable, such as row boating, it is permitted. Halacha Sheleima (siman 23) is lenient and quotes Hitorerut Teshuva 48 as a proof to be lenient. Yalkut Yosef (Chol Hamoed p. 888) quotes that some poskim are lenient to go fishing for pleasure. In the footnote he cites the dispute between Rav Wosner and Rav Moshe. He doesn't clearly resolve the dispute.</ref> However, many authorities argue that it isn't considered simchat hachag.<ref>Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Chol Hamoed Khilchato 7:24), Rav Wosner (Mbet Levi Hilchot Chol Hamoed 5783 p. 16), Rabbi Brandsdorfer (Chol Hamoed Khilchato), Hilchot Chag Bchag (p. 183), Debretziner (Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo teshuvot n. 30), Rivevot Efraim 1:356(2)</ref> Some have a compromise view and permit activities that involve melacha with minimal exertion, but not something that involves exertion like fishing.<ref>Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo (Biurim 4)</ref> | ##Some hold that any activity that is done for pleasure on Chol Hamoed even if it involves melacha is permitted since that is simchat hachag.<ref>Rav Moshe (Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo teshuvot n. 13), Rav Elyashiv (Ashrei Haish 3:8:6, v. 3 p. 52). Rav Elyashiv wrote that a person should try to minimize the tircha (exertion) he is involved in. However, if the exertion is pleasurable, such as row boating, it is permitted. Halacha Sheleima (siman 23) is lenient and quotes Hitorerut Teshuva 48 as a proof to be lenient. Yalkut Yosef (Chol Hamoed p. 888) quotes that some poskim are lenient to go fishing for pleasure. In the footnote he cites the dispute between Rav Wosner and Rav Moshe. He doesn't clearly resolve the dispute.</ref> However, many authorities argue that it isn't considered simchat hachag.<ref>Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Chol Hamoed Khilchato 7:24), Rav Wosner (Mbet Levi Hilchot Chol Hamoed 5783 p. 16), Rabbi Brandsdorfer (Chol Hamoed Khilchato), Hilchot Chag Bchag (p. 183), Debretziner (Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo teshuvot n. 30), Rivevot Efraim 1:356(2)</ref> Some have a compromise view and permit activities that involve melacha with minimal exertion, but not something that involves exertion like fishing.<ref>Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo (Biurim 4)</ref> | ||
===Driving=== | |||
# It is permitted to drive for any need of the moed.<ref>Based on Gemara 10a, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 536:1 permits fixing a horse in order to ride for a tzorech hamoed. On this basis, Rav Moshe (Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo n. 6) and Beer Moshe 7:13 permit driving for any tzorech hamoed. Even though Shulchan Aruch writes that it is only permitted to do melacha in order to ride if he wouldn't usually walk instead of riding, Rav Moshe writes that this doesn't apply to driving for two reasons. One is that nowadays people enjoy driving as opposed to walking. Also, riding a horse is much more similar to walking in how much exertion is involved than driving is like walking. Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky (Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo p. 22) and Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata (ch. 66 fnt. 224) agree.</ref> However, it is forbidden to drive if there's no tzorech hamoed.<ref>Rav Moshe (Hilchot Chol Hamoed teshuva n. 6), Beer Moshe 7:13, Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata (ch. 66 fnt. 224).</ref> | |||
# For example, it is forbidden to take driving lessons on chol hamoed.<ref>Beer Moshe 7:13 writes that it is forbidden to take driving lessons on chol hamoed unless it is dvar haaved. The example he has for dvar haaved is someone who is working, needs to drive for work, cannot take off any day from work, and needs to learn how to drive on chol hamoed. In that case he permits taking driving lessons in a secluded place. Otherwise it is forbidden. Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo p. 22 agrees.</ref> | |||
# Some poskim permit washing a car on chol hamoed if it doesn't involve a lot of tircha.<ref>Chazon Ovadia p. 175 cited by Tiferet 536:6 permits in accordance with Shulchan Aruch O.C. 536:2. Piskei Teshuvot 536 is strict based on some rishonim who understand that it is only permitted to comb a horse on chol hamoed because it is helpful for the health of the horse. But Chazon Ovadia is following the Meiri and Rambam who sound like it is permitted just to beauty the horse.</ref> | |||
===Maaseh Uman=== | ===Maaseh Uman=== | ||
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===For whom?=== | ===For whom?=== | ||
#It’s permissible to cook for fellow Jews, but one may not do extra work in [[cooking]] for a non-Jew. If one is just adding more ingredients to the pot (not considered extra work for the non-Jew) it’s permissible.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </ref> | #It’s permissible to cook for fellow Jews, but one may not do extra work in [[cooking]] for a non-Jew. If one is just adding more ingredients to the pot (not considered extra work for the non-Jew) it’s permissible.<ref>Chayey Adam 106:11, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36), Shemirat Hamoed Kehilchato (siman 5). Shemirat Hamoed Kehilchato writes that if a Jew has a particular need why he needs to give the non-Jew food for his own benefits then it is permitted to cook for him, however, if he's doing it for the non-Jew, such as if he's inviting him over, it is forbidden. </ref> | ||
#It’s permissible to prepare food for guests even though it’s uncertain that they will come (as long as there’s a reasonable possibility).<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 37) </ref> | #It’s permissible to prepare food for guests even though it’s uncertain that they will come (as long as there’s a reasonable possibility).<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 37) </ref> | ||
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# Non-professional labor for communal needs is permitted even if the community will only benefit after the holiday<ref>Shulcan Aruch 544:2, Mishna Brurah 544:1</ref> and even if the benefit isn't a physical benefit, such as construction for a shul.<ref>Mishna Brurah 544:1, Rama 544:1</ref> | # Non-professional labor for communal needs is permitted even if the community will only benefit after the holiday<ref>Shulcan Aruch 544:2, Mishna Brurah 544:1</ref> and even if the benefit isn't a physical benefit, such as construction for a shul.<ref>Mishna Brurah 544:1, Rama 544:1</ref> | ||
# Examples of communal needs include: fixing the streets, water aqueducts, marking graves, and fixing a mikveh.<ref>Moed Katan 2a, Shulchan Aruch 544:2. Mishna Brurah 544:4 clarifies that you can fix a mikveh only if it'll be completed on chol hamoed and be needed on the holiday otherwise it is forbidden since it involves professional labor.</ref> | # Examples of communal needs include: fixing the streets, water aqueducts, marking graves, and fixing a mikveh.<ref>Moed Katan 2a, Shulchan Aruch 544:2. Mishna Brurah 544:4 clarifies that you can fix a mikveh only if it'll be completed on chol hamoed and be needed on the holiday otherwise it is forbidden since it involves professional labor.</ref> | ||
==Avoiding a Loss== | |||
See [[Dvar Ha'aved on Chol Hamoed]] for details on this topic. | |||
# Saving time isn’t considered dvar haaved.<ref>Chol Hamoed Kehilchato p. 286, Chazon Ovadia p. 196</ref> | |||
# Doing a melacha on chol hamoed to save time for after the moed that he can use for learning and not doing the melacha will cause him bitul torah is not dvar haaved.<ref>Rav Moshe Feinstein (Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo teshuva 19), Chol Hamoed Kehilchato p. 286, Chazon Ovadia p. 196</ref> | |||
==Hiring Workers== | ==Hiring Workers== | ||
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===Women and Children=== | ===Women and Children=== | ||
#This prohibition applies both to men and women,<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 26), Mishna Brurah 546:16 based on Pri Megadim 546:9 and Gra 546:5, Kaf Hachaim 546:28, Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchita vol. 2 66:23. </ref> but not to children below the age of Bar or Bat Mitzvah if it | #This prohibition applies both to men and women,<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 26), Mishna Brurah 546:16 based on Pri Megadim 546:9 and Gra 546:5, Kaf Hachaim 546:28, Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchita vol. 2 66:23. </ref> but not to children below the age of Bar or Bat Mitzvah if it causes them discomfort.<ref>In Moed Katan 14a, Shmuel permitted a parent to cut the hair of his child on Chol Hamoed. There are two versions whether this applies only to a baby born on Chol Hamoed or any child. Rosh (m"k 3:2) and Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 7:19) rule like the lenient version of Shmuel. Therefore, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 531:6 permits haircutting for a child. | ||
Nemukei Yosef (Moed Katan 7a s.v. katan) writes that it is only permitted to cut a child's hair if it is causing them discomfort. Magen Avraham 531:8, Mishna Brurah 531:15, Aruch Hashulchan 531:6, and Kaf Hachaim 531:26 codify the Nemukei Yosef. Shulchan Gavoha (cited by Or Letzion 3:24:1) disagrees and holds that it is permitted even if the child is not in discomfort. | Nemukei Yosef (Moed Katan 7a s.v. katan) writes that it is only permitted to cut a child's hair if it is causing them discomfort. Magen Avraham 531:8, Mishna Brurah 531:15, Aruch Hashulchan 531:6, and Kaf Hachaim 531:26 codify the Nemukei Yosef. Shulchan Gavoha (cited by Or Letzion 3:24:1) disagrees and holds that it is permitted even if the child is not in discomfort. | ||
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==Laundry== | ==Laundry== | ||
===Washing Machines=== | ===Washing Machines=== | ||
# The poskim hold that the prohibition against doing laundry on chol hamoed applies today even though it is easy to do laundry in a washing machine. The reason is that the prohibition wasn't because of working on chol hamoed. It was enacted in order to ensure that a person prepares for the holiday properly and has clean clothing and doesn't save the laundry for chol hamoed.<ref>Yabia Omer 7:48, [https://ph.yhb.org.il/plus/12-11-11/ Peninei Halacha (Moadim 11:11:4)]</ref> | # The poskim hold that the prohibition against doing laundry on chol hamoed applies today even though it is easy to do laundry in a washing machine. The reason is that the prohibition wasn't because of working on chol hamoed. It was enacted in order to ensure that a person prepares for the holiday properly and has clean clothing and doesn't save the laundry for chol hamoed.<ref>Rav Moshe Feinstein (Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo teshuva 9), Yabia Omer 7:48, Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 66:65, Or Letzion 3:24:2, [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=1081&pgnum=277 Rivevot Efraim 1:354:1], [https://ph.yhb.org.il/plus/12-11-11/ Peninei Halacha (Moadim 11:11:4)], Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo p. 30, Shemirat Hamoed Kehilchato p. 358. </ref> | ||
# If someone did all of their laundry before the holiday and now they don't have clean clothing a minority opinion in the poskim allows doing laundry in a washing machine, while most forbid it.<ref>[https://ph.yhb.org.il/plus/12-11-11/ Peninei Halacha (Moadim 11:11:4)] quotes several who hold that if one cleaned all of one's clothing before chol hamoed and now they're dirty to be able to launder them on chol hamoed. These poskim include [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=21155&st=&pgnum=209 Chemda Genuza of R' Shalosh 2:55], Migdal Sofim 3:30, and Chevel Nachalato 11:19. He also quotes Rav Liyor in Dvar Chevron OC 545 who held this approach but is hesistant to rule like that without the approval of the gedolei hador. Peninei Halacha concludes that majority of the poskim do not allow it.</ref> | # If someone did all of their laundry before the holiday and now they don't have clean clothing a minority opinion in the poskim allows doing laundry in a washing machine, while most forbid it.<ref>[https://ph.yhb.org.il/plus/12-11-11/ Peninei Halacha (Moadim 11:11:4)] quotes several who hold that if one cleaned all of one's clothing before chol hamoed and now they're dirty to be able to launder them on chol hamoed. These poskim include [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=21155&st=&pgnum=209 Chemda Genuza of R' Shalosh 2:55], Migdal Sofim 3:30, and Chevel Nachalato 11:19. He also quotes Rav Liyor in Dvar Chevron OC 545 who held this approach but is hesistant to rule like that without the approval of the gedolei hador. Peninei Halacha concludes that majority of the poskim do not allow it. Shemirat Hamoed Kehilchato p. 358 is stringent.</ref> | ||
===Adding to the Load=== | ===Adding to the Load=== | ||
# If someone is running a load of permitted clothing such as children clothing one may not add to the load more clothing that otherwise would be forbidden to clean.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 32) citing Rav Moshe Feinstein, Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata ch. 66 fnt. 254, [https://ph.yhb.org.il/plus/12-11-11/ Peninei Halacha (Moadim 11:11:5)]. Peninei Halacha cites this from Rav Elyashiv in Mivakshei Torah p. 471, Or Letzion 3:24:2, Chazon Ovadia p. 199, Tefilla Lmoshe 2:24, Chut Shani p. 237, Piskei Teshuvot 534:32, and Chol Hamoed Khilchato 5:18. The only lenient opinion he quotes is Shevivei Esh Moadim v. 2 p. 294.</ref> | # If someone is running a load of permitted clothing such as children clothing one may not add to the load more clothing that otherwise would be forbidden to clean.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 32) citing Rav Moshe Feinstein, Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata ch. 66 fnt. 254, Yabia Omer 7:48, [https://ph.yhb.org.il/plus/12-11-11/ Peninei Halacha (Moadim 11:11:5)], [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/1101852 Rav Mordechai Willig (Chol Hamoed Shiur 20 min 61)]. Peninei Halacha cites this from Rav Elyashiv in Mivakshei Torah p. 471, Or Letzion 3:24:2, Chazon Ovadia p. 199, Tefilla Lmoshe 2:24, Chut Shani p. 237, Piskei Teshuvot 534:32, and Chol Hamoed Khilchato 5:18. The only lenient opinion he quotes is Shevivei Esh Moadim v. 2 p. 294.</ref> | ||
===Clothing, Towels, Tableclothes=== | ===Clothing, Towels, Tableclothes=== | ||
#It’s forbidden to launder clothing, towels, linens, or tablecloths on Chol HaMoed as the rabbis prohibited this so that people would prepare properly before the holiday.<ref>Gemara Moed Katan 14a, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 534:1, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 34). The Mishna (13b) states that it is forbidden to launder clothing on Chol HaMoed. Even though it should have been considered a need of the holiday and permitted, Chazal (Gemara Moed Katan 14a) made a specific gezerah not to do laundry on Chol HaMoed lest one neglect to prepare properly for the holiday and not launder his clothing until the holiday comes. Shulchan Aruch 534:1 codifies this as halacha. </ref> It’s also forbidden to launder clothing in a washing machine.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 30). Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer 7:48:1) writes that it is forbidden to do laundry with a laundry machine on Chol HaMoed since the reason of Chazal, to prevent a person from being unprepared for the holiday, still applies whether or not it takes a lot of effort. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 66:63 agrees. </ref> | #It’s forbidden to launder clothing, towels, linens, or tablecloths on Chol HaMoed as the rabbis prohibited this so that people would prepare properly before the holiday.<ref>Gemara Moed Katan 14a, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 534:1, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 34). The Mishna (13b) states that it is forbidden to launder clothing on Chol HaMoed. Even though it should have been considered a need of the holiday and permitted, Chazal (Gemara Moed Katan 14a) made a specific gezerah not to do laundry on Chol HaMoed lest one neglect to prepare properly for the holiday and not launder his clothing until the holiday comes. Shulchan Aruch 534:1 codifies this as halacha. </ref> It’s also forbidden to launder clothing in a washing machine.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 30). Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer 7:48:1) writes that it is forbidden to do laundry with a laundry machine on Chol HaMoed since the reason of Chazal, to prevent a person from being unprepared for the holiday, still applies whether or not it takes a lot of effort. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 66:63 agrees. </ref> | ||
===Undergarments=== | ===Undergarments and Socks=== | ||
#It is permitted to launder socks and stockings on chol hamoed if they got dirty. It is better to buy new ones and wash the dirty ones. It is better to wash them by adding them to a load with children clothing rather than wash them by themselves.<ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchato 66:66, Hilchot Chag Bchag p. 225. This also seems to be the view of Chazon Ovadia p. 198. However, Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo p. 32 quotes the Debretziner who was strict not to launder even socks and underwear. | #It is permitted to launder socks and stockings on chol hamoed if they got dirty. It is better to buy new ones and wash the dirty ones. It is better to wash them by adding them to a load with children clothing rather than wash them by themselves.<ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchato 66:66, Hilchot Chag Bchag p. 225, Shraga Hameir 7:43. This also seems to be the view of Chazon Ovadia p. 198. However, Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo p. 32 quotes the Debretziner who was strict not to launder even socks and underwear. He writes that usually the only recourse for someone whose clothing got dirty is to buy new ones. In a case where a person doesn't have enough he should ask a competent posek. </ref> | ||
#Some poskim allow cleaning an adult's undergarments if they were all cleaned before the holiday and then because they frequently get sweaty or dirty need to be laundered and there aren't any other available, can be washed in the washing machine on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Yalkut Yosef 534:8 based on Magen Avraham 534:2 and Shraga Hameir 7:43:3. Chazon Ovadia p. 198 permits laundering undershirts if a person changes them daily if he doesn't have clean ones. </ref> However, some poskim are strict and forbid laundering undershirts.<ref>Hilchot Chag Bchag p. 226 quotes that Rav Elyashiv forbade laundering undershirts which get dirty every day and he should just buy new ones.</ref> | #Some poskim allow cleaning an adult's undergarments if they were all cleaned before the holiday and then because they frequently get sweaty or dirty need to be laundered and there aren't any other available, can be washed in the washing machine on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Yalkut Yosef 534:8 based on Magen Avraham 534:2 and Shraga Hameir 7:43:3. Chazon Ovadia p. 198 permits laundering undershirts if a person changes them daily if he doesn't have clean ones. Shevet Halevi 8:124:2 writes that he would only permit laundering undershirts on chol hamoed if a person is really bothered by not having the undershirt laundered, such as by having worn it for a few days without laundering it. [https://he.wikisource.org/wiki/%D7%97%D7%91%D7%9C_%D7%A0%D7%97%D7%9C%D7%AA%D7%95_%D7%99%D7%90_%D7%99%D7%98 Chevel Nachalato 11:19:2] argues that today many people are bothered to wear an undershirt that they already wore once. </ref> However, some poskim are strict and forbid laundering undershirts.<ref>Hilchot Chag Bchag p. 226 quotes that Rav Elyashiv forbade laundering undershirts which get dirty every day and he should just buy new ones.</ref> | ||
#Similarly, a niddah who needs to change her white underwear for [[Shiva Nekiyim]] and doesn't have enough can launder it on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Yalkut Yosef 534:6 based on Meiri Moed Katan 14a</ref> | #Similarly, a niddah who needs to change her white underwear for [[Shiva Nekiyim]] and doesn't have enough can launder it on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Yalkut Yosef 534:6 based on Meiri Moed Katan 14a</ref> | ||
===Sheets and Towels=== | ===Sheets and Towels=== | ||
#One may launder guests' sheets and towels on Chol HaMoed.<ref>[http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/ostroff/archives/shabbos6_21.htm Weekly Hilchos Shabbos Shemini] | #One may launder guests' sheets and towels on Chol HaMoed if he had guests the first days and he needs them clean for more guests for chol hamoed or the second days.<ref>[https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=890&st=&pgnum=13 Beer Moshe 7:8] permits cleaning guests' sheets if they are necessary for more guests on the second days. He adds that it is proper to buy new sheets for the guests for the second days rather than do laundry on the sheets from the first days. Similarly, [http://www.shemayisrael.com/parsha/ostroff/archives/shabbos6_21.htm Weekly Hilchos Shabbos Shemini] based on Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata (66 note 263). Mishna Brurah 534:6 explains that it is permitted to launder clothing that get dirty all the time since it is evident that even if one were to clean in advance of the holiday, they would need to be cleaned again on the holiday. Similarly, Chaye Adam adds that it is permitted to clean a handkerchief that gets dirty frequently. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata (66 no. 263) writes that as an application of this Mishna Brurah one is permitted to launder towels and guest sheets on the holiday since those are frequently cleaned on a regular basis. Interestingly, Shevet HaLevi 8:124 is hesitant to permit laundering undergarments which become dirty frequently on Chol HaMoed if one can wear them again without great discomfort. </ref> | ||
#It is permitted to clean sheets in a hospital and hotels on chol hamoed.<ref>Chazon Ovadia p. 198</ref> | #It is permitted to clean sheets in a hospital and hotels on chol hamoed.<ref>Chazon Ovadia p. 198</ref> | ||
#It is permitted to clean towels in a mikveh on chol hamoed.<ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 66:67</ref> | |||
===Sick=== | ===Sick=== | ||
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#Chazal made a few exceptions and permitted certain people to do laundry on Chol HaMoed including a person who was released from prison on the holiday or late on Erev [[Yom Tov]], one who arrives from over seas on Erev [[Yom Tov]] and was unable to do laundry all of Erev [[Yom Tov]], and someone who was a mourner for a relative other than a parent, whose seventh day of [[mourning]] occurred on Erev [[Yom Tov]] which was [[Shabbat]] (and so he was unable to do laundry before the holiday).<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 534:1, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 30) </ref> Those who Chazal permitted to cut one’s hair should do so in private.<ref>Rama 534:1 </ref> | #Chazal made a few exceptions and permitted certain people to do laundry on Chol HaMoed including a person who was released from prison on the holiday or late on Erev [[Yom Tov]], one who arrives from over seas on Erev [[Yom Tov]] and was unable to do laundry all of Erev [[Yom Tov]], and someone who was a mourner for a relative other than a parent, whose seventh day of [[mourning]] occurred on Erev [[Yom Tov]] which was [[Shabbat]] (and so he was unable to do laundry before the holiday).<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 534:1, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 30) </ref> Those who Chazal permitted to cut one’s hair should do so in private.<ref>Rama 534:1 </ref> | ||
#If someone has only one suit and it got dirty on the first days of yom tov he can clean it for Shabbat or the second days of Yom Tov.<ref>Or Letzion 3:24:3, Hilchot Chag Bchag (p 222 5:19 fnt. 27). The logic is that wearing weekday clothing on Shabbat and Yom Tov is not considered an alternative. Therefore, it is considered as though he only has one clothing, in which case chazal permitted him to launder his clothing (Moed Katan 18a, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 534:1). Although some rishonim forbade this nowadays since it isn't clear that he only has one clothing, some are lenient (see Mishna Brurah 534:9).</ref> | |||
===Women=== | ===Women=== | ||
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#Many poskim permit cleaning a stain in clothing that one needs to wear on the moed.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 33). Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe 5:36:1) writes that cleaning a stain is considered a simple task (melechet hedyot) and does not constitute actual laundry which Chazal forbade. However, giving clothing to a laundromat is forbidden even if it is a simple task. Chazon Ovadia (Yom Tov p. 200) agrees. Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 66:72 and Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg. 33) also allow one to clean a stain if one does not have other suitable clean clothing. Rav Nissim Karelitz in Chut HaShani (Chol HaMoed p. 238) however, does not allow one to wash out a stain unless one is wearing the clothes and one does not have other clothes to wear. Hilchot Chag Bchag p. 214 quotes Rav Elyashiv as lenient. Chol Hamoed Khilchato (ch. 5 fnt. 86) quotes Rav Wosner as strict. </ref> | #Many poskim permit cleaning a stain in clothing that one needs to wear on the moed.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 33). Rav Moshe Feinstein (Igrot Moshe 5:36:1) writes that cleaning a stain is considered a simple task (melechet hedyot) and does not constitute actual laundry which Chazal forbade. However, giving clothing to a laundromat is forbidden even if it is a simple task. Chazon Ovadia (Yom Tov p. 200) agrees. Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 66:72 and Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg. 33) also allow one to clean a stain if one does not have other suitable clean clothing. Rav Nissim Karelitz in Chut HaShani (Chol HaMoed p. 238) however, does not allow one to wash out a stain unless one is wearing the clothes and one does not have other clothes to wear. Hilchot Chag Bchag p. 214 quotes Rav Elyashiv as lenient. Chol Hamoed Khilchato (ch. 5 fnt. 86) quotes Rav Wosner as strict. </ref> | ||
#If a garment has a tough stain that won’t be removed if one waits until after the holiday, cleaning is permissible.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 33) </ref> | #If a garment has a tough stain that won’t be removed if one waits until after the holiday, cleaning is permissible.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 33), Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 66:72 </ref> | ||
===Ironing and | ===Ironing, Making Pleats, and Polishing=== | ||
#Ironing is permissible but pressing by a | #Ironing is permissible but pressing by a professional is forbidden.<ref>Or Letzion 3:24:4, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 33-4) </ref> | ||
#Making pleats in a skirt or pants is forbidden.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 33) </ref> | #Making pleats in a skirt or pants is forbidden.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 33) </ref> | ||
# | #Many poskim permit polishing one's shoes on Chol HaMoed, though some forbid it. Everyone permits brush them off.<ref>Rav Moshe Feinstein (Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo teshuva 4), Yabia Omer 1:32, and Or Letzion 3:24:4 permit polishing shoes on Chol Hamoed. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 34) quotes that most poskim permitted polishing shoes. </ref> | ||
===Children's Clothing=== | ===Children's Clothing=== | ||
#If | #If children’s clothing got dirty, it is permissible to launder the clothing that is necessary for the moed.<ref>Mishna Brurah 534:11 and Aruch HaShulchan 534:8. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach in Shulchan Shlomo 534:3 says that this age is until at most 6 or 7 years old. Tiferet 534:7 quotes Rav Sheinberg (Avnei Yishpeh 1:104) who said that there's no specific age and it depends on the child. </ref> | ||
#It is permitted to clean the children's clothing that are necessary for the rest of the moed all together in one load, rather than one clean the ones that are necessary right then.<ref>Minchat Yitzchak 8:50:2, Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo p. 32 | #It is permitted to clean the children's clothing that are necessary for the rest of the moed all together in one load, rather than one clean the ones that are necessary right then.<ref>Minchat Yitzchak 8:50:2, Yabia Omer 7:48, Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo p. 32, Hilchot Chag Bchag p. 229-230. He explains that it is minimizing the tircha and melacha by doing it together and that's better than only doing what is immediately necessary. Even though Rama 534:6 writes that a person should only clean the children's clothing one at a time as necessary, here it is permitted since doing it one at a time will be more tircha and melacha. Rav Ovadia permits doing all the clothing in one load because it minimizes tircha and melacha and also the children's clothing get dirty quickly.</ref> | ||
#If someone is going with their children to their parents or another place some poskim hold that one should bring as many of the children's clothing as they own in order that they won't have to launder them on chol hamoed,<ref>Beer Moshe 7:9</ref> while others are lenient if it is a difficulty.<ref>Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata ch. 66 fnt. 255 | #If someone is going with their children to their parents or another place some poskim hold that one should bring as many of the children's clothing as they own in order that they won't have to launder them on chol hamoed,<ref>[https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=890&pgnum=14 Beer Moshe 7:9], Rav Nissim Karelitz (cited by Tiferet 534:9)</ref> while others are lenient if it is a difficulty.<ref>Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo quoting Rav Moshe Feinstein (teshuva 7-8), Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata ch. 66 fnt. 255, Rav Meir Mazuz (cited by Tiferet 534:9)</ref> | ||
#It isn't necessary to buy extra clothing before the moed to avoid having to launder children's clothing on chol hamoed.<ref>Rav Moshe Feinstein (Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo teshuva 7), [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=890&pgnum=14 Beer Moshe 7:9]</ref> | |||
==Moving Houses== | ==Moving Houses== | ||
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#One may not set aside time to move around and organize inventory for business on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Shevet Halevi 6:67 writes that moving around and organizing business inventory is a tircha and forbidden just like it is forbidden to turn over one's fruit unless they're going to rot. Another proof is that it is forbidden to bring utensils back from a worker on Chol Hamoed. Also, it is forbidden to move one's residence from place to place because of tircha.</ref> | #One may not set aside time to move around and organize inventory for business on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Shevet Halevi 6:67 writes that moving around and organizing business inventory is a tircha and forbidden just like it is forbidden to turn over one's fruit unless they're going to rot. Another proof is that it is forbidden to bring utensils back from a worker on Chol Hamoed. Also, it is forbidden to move one's residence from place to place because of tircha.</ref> | ||
#It is forbidden to contract a house to be built on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Shulchan Aruch OC 543:2 writes that one can't contract a house to be built by a non-Jew on Chol Hamoed. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 100) writes that if the custom is that everyone contracts their house to be built with a contract (kablanut) and not by individual day workers (sachir) it is a discussion if it can be built on Chol Hamoed and a person must ask a posek if they can rely on that leniency.</ref> | #It is forbidden to contract a house to be built on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Shulchan Aruch OC 543:2 writes that one can't contract a house to be built by a non-Jew on Chol Hamoed. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 100) writes that if the custom is that everyone contracts their house to be built with a contract (kablanut) and not by individual day workers (sachir) it is a discussion if it can be built on Chol Hamoed and a person must ask a posek if they can rely on that leniency.</ref> | ||
#It is permitted to pack and take home suitcases and bags that he took with him for the first days when he is traveling to another place or home on chol hamoed.<ref>[https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=890&pgnum=64 Beer Moshe 7:85] explains that this isn’t considered like moving residences.</ref> | |||
==Buying and Selling== | ==Buying and Selling== | ||
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#One may purchase or sell something that is generally bought or sold for the festival even in public.<ref>S.A 539:10. Chol HaMoed By Rabbi Dovid Zucker/ Rabbi Moshe Francis p105 quotes a machloket regarding whether one is allowed to buy more than is necessary for the festival. </ref> | #One may purchase or sell something that is generally bought or sold for the festival even in public.<ref>S.A 539:10. Chol HaMoed By Rabbi Dovid Zucker/ Rabbi Moshe Francis p105 quotes a machloket regarding whether one is allowed to buy more than is necessary for the festival. </ref> | ||
#One may not return an item unless one would not be able to return the item after the festival.<ref>Chol HaMoed p. 108 cites Rav Moshe Feinstein who says that one may not return for a refund. However, if by waiting one will no longer be able to return the object this is considered a dvar heaved and may be returned. </ref> | #One may not return an item unless one would not be able to return the item after the festival.<ref>Chol HaMoed p. 108 cites Rav Moshe Feinstein who says that one may not return for a refund. However, if by waiting one will no longer be able to return the object this is considered a dvar heaved and may be returned. </ref> | ||
#One should not shop online during Chol HaMoed unless | #One should not shop online during Chol HaMoed unless no money is being paid.<ref>Chol HaMoed p. 108 </ref> | ||
#If one traveled during the moed and found a unique object that he will not be able to find when he returns from his trip, he may purchase such an item.<ref>Chol Hameod p 106-107 Rav Moshe Feinstein says that this is considered a dvar heaved because it will save him the trip in the future. However, Rav Moshe says that it is better for one to extend his trip until after the Chag. This leniency only applies if he will not be returning to this city after the festival. Similarly, if a child is visiting a parent during Chol HaMoed and the parent will buy the item for the child, whereas if the parent does not purchase the item, the child will have to buy it himself this is considered a dvar heaved and one may allow his parents to buy it for him on Chol HaMoed.</ref> | #If one traveled during the moed and found a unique object that he will not be able to find when he returns from his trip, he may purchase such an item.<ref>Chol Hameod p 106-107 Rav Moshe Feinstein says that this is considered a dvar heaved because it will save him the trip in the future. However, Rav Moshe says that it is better for one to extend his trip until after the Chag. This leniency only applies if he will not be returning to this city after the festival. Similarly, if a child is visiting a parent during Chol HaMoed and the parent will buy the item for the child, whereas if the parent does not purchase the item, the child will have to buy it himself this is considered a dvar heaved and one may allow his parents to buy it for him on Chol HaMoed.</ref> | ||
#One is permitted to | #One is permitted to make a sale if he is poor and the sale will provide him with more money that he can spend for the moed.<ref>Shulchan Aruch OC 539:4. Here the S.A is discussing someone who does not have enough money to spend for Yom Tov, not merely someone who has stingy, but would spend more if he had more money. </ref> | ||
=== Bringing Items to and back from a Professional === | === Bringing Items to and back from a Professional === | ||
#One should not pick up an item from a store even if one ordered it before the holiday and even if the store is a non-Jewish store.<ref>Gemara Moed Katan 13b, Shulchan Aruch 534:3, Mishna Brurah 534:16 explains that some say it is because of tircha (unnecessary effort) to pick up something at the store and some say it is because it is going to look like it was commissioned to be done on chol hamoed. According to the last reason it is forbidden even if it is at a non-Jewish store. Chol HaMoed p. 107 agrees.</ref> If the item is necessary for the holiday it can be picked up on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Gemara Moed Katan 13b, Shulchan Aruch 534:3</ref> If it is necessary for a mitzvah item even if it isn't a tzorech hamoed it can be picked up on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Mishna Brurah 534:15 citing the Pri Megadim</ref> | #One should not pick up an item from a store even if one ordered it before the holiday and even if the store is a non-Jewish store.<ref>Gemara Moed Katan 13b, Shulchan Aruch 534:3, Mishna Brurah 534:16 explains that some say it is because of tircha (unnecessary effort) to pick up something at the store and some say it is because it is going to look like it was commissioned to be done on chol hamoed. According to the last reason it is forbidden even if it is at a non-Jewish store. Chol HaMoed p. 107 agrees.</ref> If the item is necessary for the holiday it can be picked up on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Gemara Moed Katan 13b, Shulchan Aruch 534:3</ref> If it is necessary for a mitzvah item even if it isn't a tzorech hamoed it can be picked up on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Mishna Brurah 534:15 citing the Pri Megadim</ref> | ||
#It is forbidden to bring an item to a | #It is forbidden to bring an item to a professional on chol hamoed even if it is something that is necessary for the moed.<ref>Bach 534 is strict to forbid bringing a kli to a professional on chol hamoed even if it is necessary for the moed. [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=38213&st=&pgnum=130 Shita Talmid L'Ri Mparis 13b] and Meiri 13b agree. Mishna Brurah 534:15 quotes this from Bach and Eliya Rabba 534:6. Hilchot Chag Bchag p. 345 agrees. Therefore, Hilchot Chag Bchag and Tiferet 534:14 quoting Chiko Mamtakim write that it is forbidden to bring a car to a mechanic on chol hamoed. However, Maamar Mordechai 534:4 argues that it is permitted since it is a tzorech hamoed. Kaf Hachaim 534:21 quotes Maamar Mordechai. | ||
Why is there a prohibition to bring kelim to a bet hauman on the moed for a tzorech hamoed? Hilchot Chag Bchag explains that it is a concern that people will think that you asked the uman to do melacha for after the moed. Hilchot Chol Hamoed Khilchato (ch. 8 fnt. 61) writes that there's a concern that people will think you asked the uman to do melacha in a prohibited fashion, such as maaseh uman for tzorech hamoed. The practical difference between these approaches is that Hilchot Chol Hamoed Kehilchato would permit bringing to an uman kelim for ochel nefesh since there maaseh uman is permitted. | |||
See Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo p. 102 who permits bringing clothing to a dry cleaner on chol hamoed to do for after the moed. However, seemingly this is in contradiction to Mishna Brurah 534:15. </ref> | |||
==Traveling== | ==Traveling== | ||
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#Writing in a non-professional manner such as regular handwriting is permissible for a need of the holiday, public need, a loss of money, or a passing mitzvah.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 73-7). <br /> | #Writing in a non-professional manner such as regular handwriting is permissible for a need of the holiday, public need, a loss of money, or a passing mitzvah.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 73-7). <br /> | ||
The Mishna (Moed Katan 18b) establishes that in general one may not write on Chol HaMoed. Rambam (Chol HaMoed 7:13) and S”A 545:1 codify this. Just like other melachos on Chol HaMoed, there are two categories of writing. The Rama 545:1 quotes two opinions about whether ordinary writing is considered professional and says that the minhag is to be lenient. Based on this and other reasons, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (p. 87) writes that ordinary writing is maaseh hedyot. S”A 540:1 and Mishna Brurah 540:1 clarify that maaseh hedyot is muter for a tzorech hamoed. Mishna Brurah 545:4 writes that writing of a sofer is considered professional and would not be permitted even for a holiday need. </ref> It is customary when writing for | The Mishna (Moed Katan 18b) establishes that in general one may not write on Chol HaMoed. Rambam (Chol HaMoed 7:13) and S”A 545:1 codify this. Just like other melachos on Chol HaMoed, there are two categories of writing. The Rama 545:1 quotes two opinions about whether ordinary writing is considered professional and says that the minhag is to be lenient. Based on this and other reasons, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (p. 87) writes that ordinary writing is maaseh hedyot. S”A 540:1 and Mishna Brurah 540:1 clarify that maaseh hedyot is muter for a tzorech hamoed. Mishna Brurah 545:4 writes that writing of a sofer is considered professional and would not be permitted even for a holiday need. </ref> It is customary when writing for a need of the holiday or a public need that isn't for the holiday to alter the way in which one writes.<ref>Rama 545:1 and 545:5, Magen Avraham 545:21, Mishna Brurah 545:5 and 34. Mishna Brurah explains that it means that they wrote everything on a slant.</ref> | ||
#Writing in a professional manner/calligraphy is only permissible if there’s a public need, a loss of money, or a passing mitzvah.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 72-73). Background: The Mishna in Moed Katan 18b states that one may not write a loan unless the lender doesn’t trust the borrower and could potentially lose his capital. The Rambam (Chol HaMoed 7:13) and S”A 545:1 generalize this by stating that one may not write on Chol HaMoed if there’s no potential loss of money. </ref> | #Writing in a professional manner/calligraphy is only permissible if there’s a public need, a loss of money, or a passing mitzvah.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 72-73). Background: The Mishna in Moed Katan 18b states that one may not write a loan unless the lender doesn’t trust the borrower and could potentially lose his capital. The Rambam (Chol HaMoed 7:13) and S”A 545:1 generalize this by stating that one may not write on Chol HaMoed if there’s no potential loss of money. </ref> | ||
#Because of ‘need of the holiday’, it’s permissible to write a shopping list or a social letter. Additionally a child may draw. Some say that one should write on a slant so as to function as a Shinui (change from the norm).<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 75-6) </ref> | #Because of ‘need of the holiday’, it’s permissible to write a shopping list or a social letter. Additionally a child may draw. Some say that one should write on a slant so as to function as a Shinui (change from the norm).<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 75-6) </ref> | ||
# | #It is permissible to take notes in a vocational course, write homework for school, or to write a bank deposit because of a concern of a loss.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 76-77) </ref> | ||
#Some permit using a copy machine (since it’s not similar to writing) for a ‘need of the holiday’, while some only permit in order to prevent a loss.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 79) quotes Rav Moshe as permitting and Rav Yacov Kamenetsky as forbidding. </ref> | #Some permit using a copy machine (since it’s not similar to writing) for a ‘need of the holiday’, while some only permit in order to prevent a loss.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 79) quotes Rav Moshe as permitting and Rav Yacov Kamenetsky as forbidding. </ref> | ||
#It’s permissible to use a tape recorder on Chol HaMoed.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 79) </ref> | #It’s permissible to use a tape recorder on Chol HaMoed.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 79) </ref> | ||
#If a person has a nuance in Torah he is permitted to write it down so that he doesn't forget it.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 545:9, Mishna Brurah 545:47. Taz 545:13 writes that his father-in-law wrote the Bach on chol hamoed. Radvaz 1:357 permits a rabbi to write a teshuva on chol hamoed because of tzarchei rabbim and dvar ha'aved. </ref> | |||
#If a sefer torah is invalid and the congregation needs it for ''[[Kriyat HaTorah|kriyat hatorah]]'' it may be fixed on chol hamoed.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 545:2. From the Bet Yosef it appears that the leniency is based on the fact that it is included in tzarchei rabbim, communal needs. This is also the view of Magen Avraham 545:4. Gra 544:1 asks that Rashba (cited by Rama 544:1) holds that communal needs are only permitted if it is a physical need and not a spiritual one. Chayey Adam 111:1 (and Nishmat Adam 106:2) answers that the reason it is permitted to fix a sefer torah that is necessary is because of dvar ha'aved, a concern for loss. The loss of the mitzvah of kriyat hatorah is sufficient to permitted professional work necessary to fix the torah. </ref> | |||
===Typing=== | ===Typing=== | ||
#Some consider typing on a computer like non-professional writing and so it’s permissible if there’s a ‘need of the holiday’. However, some consider typing like professional writing which is only permissible is there’s a public need, a loss of money, or a passing mitzvah.<ref>The Mishna (Moed Katan 18b) establishes that in general one may not write on Chol HaMoed. Rambam (Chol HaMoed 7:13) and | #Some consider typing on a computer like non-professional writing and so it’s permissible if there’s a ‘need of the holiday’. However, some consider typing like professional writing which is only permissible is there’s a public need, a loss of money, or a passing mitzvah.<ref>The Mishna (Moed Katan 18b) establishes that in general one may not write on Chol HaMoed. Rambam (Chol HaMoed 7:13) and Shulchan Aruch O.C. 545:1 codify this. Just like other melachos on Chol HaMoed, there are two categories of writing. The Rama 545:1 quotes two opinions about whether ordinary writing is considered professional and says that the minhag is to be lenient. Based on this and other reasons, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (p. 87) writes that ordinary writing is maaseh hedyot. Shulchan Aruch O.C. 540:1 and Mishna Brurah 540:1 clarify that maaseh hedyot is muter for a tzorech hamoed. Mishna Brurah 545:4 writes that writing of a sofer is considered professional and would not be permitted even for a holiday need. A very practical question to ask is how this halacha translates to typing on a computer. Is that considered like regular writing or professional writing? | ||
*Rav Ovadia Yosef (Sh”t Yabia Omer 8:48 | *Rav Ovadia Yosef (Sh”t Yabia Omer 8:48:5) writes that typing on a computer is considered non-professional writing and would permit typing up divrei torah one might forget or sending greetings for a holiday need. Rav Elyashiv (cited by Hilchot Chag Bchag p. 288) agrees that it is permitted for any holiday need. Similarly, Igrot Moshe EH 4:73:4 implies that typing on a computer isn’t considered a melacha. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata (ch. 66 n. 211) adds that typing is permitted because it isn’t permanent. He permits even if it isn't a need for the holiday. However, saving the information to the hard-drive is problematic because of boneh as the disk is improved when information is saved. That is only permitted for a holiday need or dvar aved. [[Shevet Halevi]] (6:37 s.v. VeAf) discusses whether typing is considered like writing for the purpose of Chol HaMoed because it is easy, but doesn't come to a conclusion. | ||
#There is a | *Shemirat Hamoed Kehilchato (ch. 3 fnt. 49) is lenient and quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach as also holding that printing is maaseh hedyot. Some of his proofs that maaseh hedyot and uman depends on how it is done and not the result is from Mishna Brurah 540:8 and Eshel Avraham 545.</ref> | ||
#There is a dispute whether printing from a computer is considered like professional or ordinary writing. Most poskim are lenient. Therefore, they permit printing even for just a tzorech hamoed. The stringent poskim would only allow printing for a dvar haaved.<ref>Regarding printing, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 78) records a dispute between Rav Moshe Feinstein who considers printing to be non-professional writing and Rav Yacov Kamentsky who argues that printing is considered professional writing. Yabia Omer 8:48:3 holds that printing is considered maaseh hedyot. He quotes there Rav Elyashiv as also holding this way. However, Beer Moshe 7:41 and Kinyan Torah Bhalacha 2:97 are stringent and hold it is a maaseh uman since the result is professional looking print. [https://www.yutorah.org/sidebar/lecturedata/1099687/Hilchos-Chol-Hamoed-Shiur-12:-Dvar-Haaved-and-Maaseh-Uman Rabbi Willig (Chol Hamoed shiur 12 min 46-49)] seems to be lenient as he commented about polaroid that it isn't maaseh uman. </ref> | |||
===Taking Pictures=== | ===Taking Pictures=== | ||
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#Many permit taking pictures with digital cameras or camcorders. The files from cameras or camcorders may be transferred to a computer.<ref>This follows from the idea that “writing” on an electronic screen is not considered writing at a Torah level and there is no effort involved. See the responsa of R’ Moshe Stern (siman 56), which discusses a using calculator. See Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchesa 66:55, which permits such activities because the writing is not at all permanent. R’ Yosef Shalom Elyashiv is also quoted (Mevakshei Torah p. 473 note 85) as permitting writing on a computer screen, if necessary for the Moed, because it is not considered writing. </ref> | #Many permit taking pictures with digital cameras or camcorders. The files from cameras or camcorders may be transferred to a computer.<ref>This follows from the idea that “writing” on an electronic screen is not considered writing at a Torah level and there is no effort involved. See the responsa of R’ Moshe Stern (siman 56), which discusses a using calculator. See Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchesa 66:55, which permits such activities because the writing is not at all permanent. R’ Yosef Shalom Elyashiv is also quoted (Mevakshei Torah p. 473 note 85) as permitting writing on a computer screen, if necessary for the Moed, because it is not considered writing. </ref> | ||
#Burning pictures onto a disk is permitted by many authorities. Others say it is only allowed in cases of necessity for the Moed or monetary loss.<ref>While R’ Moshe Feinstein allows this (Piskei Halachos 32), R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchesa 66 note 211) contends that it is problematic because of the melacha of boneh, building. There is some contention, however, whether this would still be the case for a memory storage device that already has data on it, or can be rewritten; see Shulchan Shlomo Hilchos Yom Tov veChol HaMoed 545:5 in the margins, and also Nishmas Avraham O”CH 340. </ref> | #Burning pictures onto a disk is permitted by many authorities. Others say it is only allowed in cases of necessity for the Moed or monetary loss.<ref>While R’ Moshe Feinstein allows this (Piskei Halachos 32), R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchesa 66 note 211) contends that it is problematic because of the melacha of boneh, building. There is some contention, however, whether this would still be the case for a memory storage device that already has data on it, or can be rewritten; see Shulchan Shlomo Hilchos Yom Tov veChol HaMoed 545:5 in the margins, and also Nishmas Avraham O”CH 340. </ref> | ||
#Many permit the use of a film camera unconditionally; <ref>R’ Moshe Feinstein (Piskei Halachos 31,32) allows using a film camera, since the “writing” which occurs before the film is developed is not considered substantive. However, R’ Chaim Kanievsky writes in the name of the Chazon Ish that it is forbidden. See Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchesa 67:19 and note 105 in the name of R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach. </ref> others permit only for a rare photo opportunity.<ref>See the responsa of R’ Moshe Stern 55.</ref> | #Many permit the use of a film camera unconditionally;<ref>R’ Moshe Feinstein (Piskei Halachos 31,32) allows using a film camera, since the “writing” which occurs before the film is developed is not considered substantive. However, R’ Chaim Kanievsky writes in the name of the Chazon Ish that it is forbidden. See Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchesa 67:19 and note 105 in the name of R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach. </ref> others permit only for a rare photo opportunity.<ref>See the responsa of R’ Moshe Stern 55.</ref> | ||
#One should not have pictures developed on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Yabia Omer OC 11:53 writes originally he thought that a professional picture is a maaseh uman based on the discussions of printing presses. However, he concluded that it wasn’t maaseh uman but still it was forbidden to let the pictures be developed on chol hamoed.</ref> | #One should not have pictures developed on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Yabia Omer OC 11:53 writes originally he thought that a professional picture is a maaseh uman based on the discussions of printing presses. However, he concluded that it wasn’t maaseh uman but still it was forbidden to let the pictures be developed on chol hamoed.</ref> | ||
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#It is forbidden to have a non-Jew build one's house on Chol Hamoed. This is forbidden even if it is contracted and isn't fired per hour or day. It is forbidden even if it is outside of the town.<ref>Gemara Moed Katan 12a, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 543:2</ref> | #It is forbidden to have a non-Jew build one's house on Chol Hamoed. This is forbidden even if it is contracted and isn't fired per hour or day. It is forbidden even if it is outside of the town.<ref>Gemara Moed Katan 12a, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 543:2</ref> | ||
#For a mitzvah it is permitted to ask a non-Jew to do construction on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Mishna Brurah 543:1, Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata end of ch. 68</ref> | #For a mitzvah it is permitted to ask a non-Jew to do construction on Chol Hamoed.<ref>Mishna Brurah 543:1, Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata end of ch. 68</ref> | ||
#If hiring a worker on chol hamoed is cheaper than hiring him afterwards nonetheless it is forbidden to hire the worker on chol hamoed, even if he's non-Jewish.<ref>Chayey Adam 106:12, Mishna Brurah 643:2. However, [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=118&pgnum=239 Chelek Levi 183] disagrees. Chol Hamoed Kehilchato quotes this dispute and adds that Sh"t Maamar Mordechai and Rav Meir Mazuz dispute this Chayey Adam. Chayey Adam explains that it isn't considered a dvar aved to have to spend more for a service that was necessary and would cost more after the moed. It is only considered a loss to permit buying and selling but not to permit melacha. Chelek Levi argues that it is a dvar aved even with respect to melacha and certainly for a non-Jewish worker. Ramban (Piskei Chol Hamoed) seems to be a proof for Chelek Halevi. Gra on 539:9 quotes this Ramban who doesn't distinguish between buying and writing, which is a melacha.</ref> | |||
==Links== | ==Links== |