Chol HaMoed: Difference between revisions

# As part of Kavod, one is not obligated to have a bread meal, however, it is preferable to do so. <Ref>S”A 188:7 writes that since there’s no obligation to have a meal on Chol HaMoed is one forgets Yaaleh VeYavo one doesn’t repeat Brikat HaMazon. Magan 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. </ref>

* Regarding simcha of [[Yom Tov]], the Gemara Pesachim 109a says that since there's nowadays there's no Korbanot Shlamim, one fulfills simcha with wine. The Gemara continues that women fulfill their simcha with new clothes and children with toys and candies. This is codified as halacha by the Rambam (Yom Tov 6:17) and S”A 529:2. Rambam (Mitzvah 54) and Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 488) hold that Simcha is a Mitzvah Deoritta nowadays, however, Tosfot (Moed Katan 14b D”H Aseh) holds that Simcha is only Derabbanan nowadays.  

* According to the Magan Avraham 530:1, Nimukei Orach Chaim 530:2, Moadim UZmanim 1:29 there’s no obligation to have wine on Chol HaMoed (this may be based on Sukkah 47b). However, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (by Rabbi Dovid Zucker Siman 1) writes that from Rambam 6:17 it seems that all the days of the holiday are equal in fulfilling the mitzvah of Simcha. Similarly, Sh”t Rabbi Akiva Eiger 1 (in the Hashmatot), Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (Buir 1) in name of Rav Yacov Kamenetsky, Rav Moshe Feinstein and the Debersiner Rav hold that there’s a reason to have wine to fulfill simcha. </ref>

# On Chol HaMoed, one should insert [[Yaaleh VeYavo]] in [[Shemoneh Esrei]] during the Bracha of Avoda (Retzeh). If one forgot to say Yaaleh VeYavo and remembered before concluding [[Shemoneh Esrei]] (with Yeyihu LeRatzon) one should return to Retzeh and continue from there. However, if one only remembered after finishing [[Shemoneh Esrei]], one must repeat [[Shemoneh Esrei]]. <ref>S"A 124:10, Kitzur S"A 19:11, Tefillah KeHilchato 23:106 </ref>

# 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>

## 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>

## 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>

# On Shabbat Chol HaMoed, both on [[Sukkot]] and Pesach, the Torah reading is from Reah Atta, which on a regular week is Shelishi of Ki Tisa, until the end of Parshat Ki Tisa.<Ref>Rav Huna in Gemara Megillah 31a says that on Shabbat Chol HaMoed we read the portion beginning with Reah Atta. Rashi explains that we read this portion because it includes the mitzvot of shabbat, the regalim, and a reference to Chol HaMoed (derived by chazal in gemara Chagiga 18a).</ref>

# The Haftorah for Shabbat Chol HaMoed [[Sukkot]] is Bayom Bah Gog (beginning from Yechezkel 38:18) and the Haftorah for Shabbat Chol HaMoed [[Pesach]] is Atzamot Yeveshot (beginning from Yechezkel 37:4).<ref>Gemara Megillah 31a</ref>

# The forbidden melachot includes all 39 melachot and derabbanan’s of [[Shabbat]] and [[Yom Tov]] except for: carrying, going beyond techum (2000 amot), muktzah, VeDaber Dvar (preparing or talking about business issues), Havarah (lighting a fire), Tevilat Kelim, removing Trumah, <ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 8-9) writes that there’s four exceptions to the forbidden melachot of Chol HaMoed including: carrying, techum, muktzah, and VeDvar Dvar. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 68:26 writes that besides these four there’s also no melacha of Havarah (lighting a fire), Gezerah about Tevilat Kelim and removing Trumah. </ref>

# Shevitat Behemto (having one’s animal work or renting it out), and Mechamer (leading one’s animal) according to some apply on Chol HaMoed and some say that it doesn’t apply and there’s what to rely on to be lenient. <Ref> Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 530:5) writes that Shevitat Behemto and Mechamer don’t apply on Chol HaMoed. However, Biur Halacha (536 D”H UMutar Lirkov) writes that there’s a Safek Safeka to be lenient and one shouldn’t protest those who are lenient in this case. Chol HaMoed KeHilchato 2:14 writes that the only reason to be lenient is the Safek Safeka and those who hold melacha is Deoritta would hold it’s forbidden. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 68:26 writes that there’s room to be lenient unless the animal is doing a Deoritta prohibition. </ref>

# Tzorech HaMoed is only permitted if the work entails no tircha (exertion) <ref> Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 66:38 based on Mishna Brurah 540:7. 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 מעשה 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. </ref>

# It’s permitted to do an action even if it will involve violating a melacha indirectly if there’s a holiday need. For example, it’s permitted to cut branches in order to make Sachach for the Sukkah as long as one makes sure to only cut from one side of the tree. Another example, it’s permitted to wash one’s hands over grass. <Ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 18-9), Pitchei Teshuvot 530:1 </ref>  

# Anything where there’s a likely possibility that the work is needed is considered Tzorech HaMoed. <Ref> Pri Megadim A”A (intro to 537) writes that even if there is only a doubt if there will be a Dvar Aved one may do work on Chol HaMoed. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 17) writes that it is sufficient if there is a reasonable possibility of a Dvar Aved. However, the Mishna Brurah 537:1 writes that it must seem as being "close to" a Tzorech HaMoed. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 66:34 agrees. </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).  <Ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 23), Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 66:59</ref>

# It’s permissible to take wages for cooking on Chol HaMoed food that’s needed for the holiday, however, it’s preferable to have a non-Jewish cook do it. <ref>Buir Halacha 542, 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> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </ref>

# Therefore, one may shower with hot water and soap, brush one’s teeth on Chol HaMoed. Similarly, a women may apply cosmetics or tweeze eyebrow or body hair. <Ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 41) </ref>

# It’s permissible to take medications on Chol haMoed. <Ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 45) </ref>

# Chazal made a few exceptions and permitted certain people to cut hair 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 cut one’s hair all of Erev [[Yom Tov]], and one 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 shave before the holiday). <ref>S”A 531:4, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 27) </ref> Those who Chazal permitted to permitted to cut one’s hair should do so in private. <Ref>S”A 531:5 </ref>  

# Many Ashkenazic authorities permit someone who shaves regularly, at least once every 3 days, and shaved on Erev Yom Yov to shave on Chol HaMoed if there's a great need or is pained by not shaving. Also, one who relies on this only to look presentable doesn't have to be protested. <ref>

* Nodeh BeYehuda 1:13 writes that one may rely on the opinion of Rabbenu Tam who holds that one who shaved on Erev Chag may shave during Chol HaMoed on condition that the one cutting the hair is a poor person who doesn’t have what to eat. When asked why he printed such a novel idea, in Nodeh BeYehuda 2:99-101 he explains that if he didn’t print it, people would go to non-Jewish barbers who use razors and he had another secret reason. The Chatom Sofer 154 writes that the Nodeh BeYehuda’s hidden reason was that there were some who shaved daily with a razor and by allowing them to shave on Chol HaMoed he would save them from a Biblical prohibition of shaving with a razor as long as their hair stayed below some minimal level. In conclusion, the Chatom Sofer disagreed with the Nodeh BeYehuda’s leniency.

* Based on the opinion of Rabbenu Tam, Sh”t Igrot Moshe 163 rules leniently for someone who shaved on Erev [[Yom Tov]] and regularly shaves at least once in every 3 days, and he’s pained by not shaving or has a great need to shave. [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/764803/Rabbi_Shmuel_Marcus/Shaving_on_Chol_Hamoed Rabbi Shmuel Marcus] explains this teshuva of Rav Moshe.</ref> Some authorities are even more lenient and say that if one shaves daily and shaved on Erev [[Yom Tov]] one should shave on Chol HaMoed. <ref>[http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/733780/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Hilchos_Chol_Hamoed Rav Schachter] (min 50-53) quotes Rav Soloveitchik who said that anyone who had permit to shave should shave in order to look presentable for the holiday. This is also recorded in Nefesh HaRav (p. 189).</ref> However, Sephardim do not accept this leniency. <ref>Chazon Ovadyah (Yom Tov pg 190), [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?PageIndex=&ClipID=2478 Rabbi Eli Mansour on dailyhalacha.com]</ref>

# Ashkenazim hold that it’s forbidden to cut one’s nails on Chol HaMoed, while Sephardim hold that it’s permissible. <Ref> S”A 532:1 holds it’s permissible, while the Rama 532:1 writes that the Ashkenazic minhag is to refrain from cutting one's nails on Chol HaMoed. Yalkut Yosef 531:10 writes that Sephardim follow S”A. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 29) writes that the Ashkenazic minhag is like the Rama. [http://www.dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?PageIndex=&ClipID=2478 Rabbi Eli Mansour on dailyhalacha.com] also writes that the Sephardic minhag is to permit, whereas Ashkenazim refrain.</ref>

# If a child’s clothing are insufficient because they are soiled frequently it’s permissible to launder them on Chol HaMoed. <ref> Mishna Berura 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. </ref> If one is laundering them in a machine one may wash a full load of children’s clothing but adult’s clothing may not be added. <Ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 32) </ref>

# 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] quoting Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata (66 note 263)</ref>

# Chazal made a few exceptions and permitted certain people to do laudry 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>S”A 534:1, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 30) </ref> Those who Chazal permitted to permitted to cut one’s hair should do so in private. <Ref>Rama 534:1 </ref>  

# Drying cleaning is also forbidden like laundering. If one’s only suit became so soiled that it’s impossible to worn, some permit it to be dry cleaned, and one should consult a competent rabbinic authority. <Ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 33) </ref>

# For example, it’s forbidden to move homes.<Ref> S”A 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. S”A writes that it’s only forbidden to move from one courtyard to another, however within the same courtyard it’s permitted. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 7) writes in name of the Drinsiner Rav that since nowadays people have many possessions and moving always involved exertion it’s forbidden in any manner. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 68:24 (footnote 86) seemingly disagrees with this and yet leaves the leniency of moving within the chetzer out of the halachas probably because nowadays we don’t have groups of houses in small courtyards.</ref>

# Nonetheless, if it’s intolerable to live under present conditions, there’s a loss of money one may certainly move homes. However, if one is moving from a rented house to one that one owns, or from a home which one splits with others to live in one’s own home there’s room to be lenient and preferably one should ask a rabbinic authority. <Ref> S”A 535:1 writes that one may not move homes from one courtyard to another, however, in 535:2 he permits if one is moving from someone else’s home to one’s own home. Mishna Brurah 535:7 explains that moving to one’s own home is permitted because it’s a Simcha for him, yet, it’s not permitted if one is just moving from a ugly or small house to a nicer or bigger one. Shaar Tzion 535:5 writes that the same leniency would be true if one is moving from a joint home to one’s own home. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 68:24 quotes this as halacha. However, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 7) writes that one shouldn’t move unless there’s more serious needs such as if the living conditions are intolerable or there’s a loss of money. Mishna Brurah 535:7, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 7), and Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 68:24 write that each case should be judged by a rabbinic authority. </ref>

# 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> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 78) writes that Rav Moshe Feinstein considers typing to be non-professional writing, while, Rav Yacov Kamentsky and other poskim consider tying professional writing. Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata also considers tying to be non-professional writing. </ref>

# The minhag of some Ashkenazim is to wear [[Tefillin]] on Chol HaMoed, however, the minhag in Israel and minhag of Sephardim is not to wear [[Tefillin]] on Chol HaMoed. <Ref> S”A and Rama 31:2, Sh”t Yabia Omer 3:5(3), Ben Ish Chai Parashat Vayera Halacha 12, Kitzur S"A of Rav Rephael Baruch Toledano, siman 10, laws of tefilin on shabbat and yom tov, seif 1.  

* Some rishonim forbid tefillin to be laid on Hol HaMoed as they consider the days have the same status as a festival which in itself constitutes a "sign" making the laying of tefillin unnecessary. These Rishonim include: Baal Halachot Gedolot (cited by Tosafot Moed Katan 19a s.v. Rabbi Yosi), Rambam (Hilchot [[Yom Tov]] 7:13; explained by Kesef Mishna),  Rashba (Sh"t HaRashba 1:690), and Ri (cited by the Hagahot Maimoni Hilchot [[Tefillin]] 4:9).

* Other rishonim argue and hold that [[Chol HaMoed]] does not constitute a "sign" in which case tefillin must be laid on Hol HaMoed. These Rishonim include: Rambam, Rosh (Hilchot [[Tefillin]] 16), Or Zarua 1:589, and Maharam of Rothenburg cited by the Mordechai.

* The Tur (Siman 31) quotes some rishonim who are uncertain whether one must lay tefillin on Chol HaMoed and concludes that one should wear [[Tefillin]] without a Bracha. These opinions include the Ritva (Eruvin 96a), Smag (Eruvin 153), Meiri (Moed Katan 18b), and Taz 31:2. The Mishna Berura recommends that on Hol Hamoed one make a mental stipulation before donning tefillin: If I am obligated to don tefillin I intend to fulfill my obligation and if I am not obligated to don tefillin, my doing so should not be considered as fulfilling any obligation; and that the blessing not be recited. The Rama writes that the Ashkenazic custom is to wear [[Tefillin]] with a Bracha which is to be made in an undertone. See further: [http://www.koltorah.org/ravj/tefillinONmoed.htm Rabbi Jachter on koltorah.org].</ref>Someone who doesn’t have a minhag should not wear [[Tefillin]] on Chol haMoed. <Ref>Sh”t Teshuvot VeHanhagot 2:332 </ref>

# Some authorities hold that if some people in the Shul wear [[Tefillin]] and others don’t there’s a violation of Lo Titgodidu (don’t cause factions in observance of Torah) and so they advise that one should either find a shul that has your minhag or pray in different locations in the same shul. <Ref> Kitzur S"A 10:25 writes that there is an issue of Lo titgodedu for some people in the shul to wear [[Tefillin]] on chol hamoed and others not to wear Tefillin. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (in the hebrew section pg 39-40) has a letter from Rav Moshe Feinstein, dated Kislev 5737, stating clearly that one should follow the minhag of the Shul and if the minhag is to wear [[Tefillin]] one should also. However, Rav Moshe Feinstein in Sh”t Igrot Moshe O”C 5:24 (pg 79 D”H Al Kol Panim) dated Kislev 5743, writes that in crowded shuls where there’s many who wear [[Tefillin]] and many who don’t there’s no issue of Lo Tasu Agudot since it’s clear that there’s two different minhagim. However, Rav Moshe adds that preferably someone who is praying in a shul that wears [[Tefillin]] should also wear Tefillin. Sh”t Teshuvot VeHanhagot 2:332 holds that there’s no real issue of Lo Titgodedu but preferably one should be concerned for those who hold that it’s an issue. [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/766048/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Shiur_#30_-_Yevamos_-_עשו_ב'ש_כדבריהם,_לא_תתגודדו Rabbi Schachter on yutorah.org (min 36-7)] ruled that it is an issue for some people in one minyan to wear [[Tefillin]] and others not to wear Tefillin, however, two minyanim in one shul may not be an issue.</ref>