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Chol HaMoed: Difference between revisions

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The Ramban (Moed Katan 2a s.v. od ani) and Rashba (cited by Maggid Mishna Yom Tov 7:1) arbitrate between these two positions and consider melacha on Chol HaMoed from the Torah’s perspective to be dependent solely on whether the melacha is necessary for the holiday. If it is necessary for the holiday, 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 />
The Ramban (Moed Katan 2a s.v. od ani) and Rashba (cited by Maggid Mishna Yom Tov 7:1) arbitrate between these two positions and consider melacha on Chol HaMoed from the Torah’s perspective to be dependent solely on whether the melacha is necessary for the holiday. If it is necessary for the holiday, 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 />
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. </ref>  
The Sefer HaChinuch (n. 323) explains that the determination of which melachot are biblically forbidden is left in the hands of the rabbis. </ref> According to Sephardim, the halacha is that work on Chol HaMoed is a Rabbinic prohibition. <ref> 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. </ref>
According to Sephardim, the halacha is that work on Chol HaMoed is a Rabbinic prohibition. <ref> 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. </ref>
===Tircha without Melacha===
===Tircha without Melacha===
# A strenuous activity (one that involves exertion) is forbidden even if it doesn’t involve any Melacha. <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. </ref>  
# A strenuous activity (one that involves exertion) is forbidden even if it doesn’t involve any Melacha. <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. </ref>