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Chol HaMoed: Difference between revisions
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#There’s a requirement of Kavod and Oneg on Chol HaMoed. This includes having special food, drinks, and clothing, 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. </ref> | #There’s a requirement of Kavod and Oneg on Chol HaMoed. This includes having special food, drinks, and clothing, 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. </ref> | ||
#As part of Kavod, one should wear | #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/<nowiki> 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 </nowiki>[[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. </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>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. 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> | #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. 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> | ||
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===Tircha without Melacha=== | ===Tircha without Melacha=== | ||
#A strenuous activity (one that involves exertion) is forbidden even if it doesn’t involve any Melacha.<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> | ||
===Degradation of the | ===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> | ||
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! !!General Holiday Needs!!Making Food!!Communal Need!!Financial Loss!!A Very Poor Worker | ! !!General Holiday Needs!!Making Food!!Communal Need!!Financial Loss!!A Very Poor Worker | ||
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|Professional Labor||Forbidden <ref>Mishna Brurah 530:1, Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 11) </ref>||Permitted <ref>Mishna Brurah 530:1, Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </ref>||Permitted (under certain conditions) <ref>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), Mishna Brurah 530:1, Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </ref>||Permitted (under certain conditions)<ref>Tosfot Harosh Moed Katan 4b quoting Raavad, 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 ( | 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> | ||
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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>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </ref>||Permitted <ref>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), Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 47) </ref>||Forbidden <ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 52) </ref>||- | ||
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|Work Delayed for the Holiday||Forbidden <ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 61) </ref>||Permitted <ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </ref>||Permitted <ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 47) </ref>||Forbidden <ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 61) </ref>||- | |Work Delayed for the Holiday||Forbidden<ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 61) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 47) </ref>||Forbidden <ref>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> | ||
|- | |- | ||
|Working in Public||Professional - forbidden; Non-professional - permitted <ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 23); Shulchan Aruch 540 and 541 give examples of tzorech hamoed and never mention that it needs to be in private. Ramban Chidushim Moed Katan s.v. ulinyan writes that we don't find the concept of doing the melacha in private on chol hamoed except for a professional | |Working in Public||Professional - forbidden; Non-professional - permitted<ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 23); Shulchan Aruch OC 533:5 writes clearly that melacha for a need of the holiday when done by a professional needs to be in private. Also, Shulchan Aruch OC 540 and 541 give examples of tzorech hamoed that's a melacha of a hedyot and never mention that it needs to be in private. However, Ramban (Chidushim Moed Katan s.v. ulinyan) writes that we don't find the concept of doing the melacha in private on chol hamoed except for a professional working the same way he works all year, but non-professional work for the need of the holiday may be done in public. </ref>||Forbidden for uman<ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 37) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 47) </ref>||Forbidden <ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 52). However, Ramban (Piskei Chol Hamoed s.v. v'l'inyan) writes that working in private is only necessary if there's a concern for a loss, but if it is certain that there's going to be a loss it is permitted to work in public. Also, even if there's a concern for a loss if there's no way to do it in private, it may be done in public. </ref>||Forbidden<ref>Mishna Brurah 534:18</ref> | ||
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|Preparing for after the Holiday||Forbidden | |Preparing for after the Holiday||Forbidden<ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 18) </ref>||Forbidden<ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 37) </ref>||Permitted<ref>Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 47) </ref>||-||- | ||
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#One may do unskilled work on Chol HaMoed for a holiday need. However, skilled work is forbidden even for a need of the holiday.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 540:1, Mishna Brurah 540:1, Biur HaGra 530:1 </ref> | #One may do unskilled work on Chol HaMoed for a holiday need. However, skilled work is forbidden even for a need of the holiday.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 540:1, Mishna Brurah 540:1, Biur HaGra 530:1 </ref> | ||
#Tzorech HaMoed is only permitted if the work | #Tzorech HaMoed is only permitted if the work doesn't entail excessive 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 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. </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> | #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> | ||
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#According to some authorities, it’s never considered a Shinui if a skilled person sews with a sewing machine while others are lenient if one makes a Shinui. | #According to some authorities, it’s never considered a Shinui if a skilled person sews with a sewing machine while others are lenient if one makes a Shinui. | ||
==Preparation of | ==Preparation of Food== | ||
#It’s permissible to do melachot in order to prepare food for the holiday (from one day of Chol HaMoed to another day of Chol HaMoed or from Chol HaMoed to [[Yom Tov]]).<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 37) </ref> | #It’s permissible to do melachot in order to prepare food for the holiday (from one day of Chol HaMoed to another day of Chol HaMoed or from Chol HaMoed to [[Yom Tov]]).<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 37) </ref> | ||
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#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> | ||
==Preliminary | ==Preliminary Preparations for Food== | ||
#Preliminary preparations such as sharpening a knife or repairing a stove in order to make food for [[Yom Tov]] is permissible if one wasn’t able to fix in before [[Yom Tov]].<ref>S”A 540:7-8, Mishna Brurah 540:27 </ref> | #Preliminary preparations such as sharpening a knife or repairing a stove in order to make food for [[Yom Tov]] is permissible if one wasn’t able to fix in before [[Yom Tov]].<ref>S”A 540:7-8, Mishna Brurah 540:27 </ref> | ||
#It’s permissible to do preparations even in a skilled fashion and even if it involves excessive effort.<ref>Mishna Brurah 540:18 and 537:15, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 39) </ref> | #It’s permissible to do preparations even in a skilled fashion and even if it involves excessive effort.<ref>Ramban (Likkutim on Chol Hamoed s.v. vchen bmachshirin), Mishna Brurah 540:18 and 537:15, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 39). Ramban holds that machshirei ochel nefesh are permitted just like ochel nefesh, even with professional work. However, Raavad (cited by Tosfot Harosh 10a) and Ritva (Moed Katan 10a s.v. darash and 11a s.v. oharei) argue that professional work, such as fixing a mill, is forbidden for machshirei ochel nefesh. Ramban permits that example even though it is professional work. </ref> | ||
#However it’s forbidden to intentionally postpone preliminary preparations from before the holiday until Chol HaMoed and if one did so, one may not work on it on Chol HaMoed.<ref>Mishna Brurah 540:27, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 40) </ref> | #However it’s forbidden to intentionally postpone preliminary preparations from before the holiday until Chol HaMoed and if one did so, one may not work on it on Chol HaMoed.<ref>Mishna Brurah 540:27, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 40) </ref> | ||
#One may only do work that would cause an improvement to the food itself which is true of a knife or stove, however, one may not fix a can-opener or a table as these do not enhance the food but rather these can only be fixed with unskilled work.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 40) </ref> | #One may only do work that would cause an improvement to the food itself which is true of a knife or stove, however, one may not fix a can-opener or a table as these do not enhance the food but rather these can only be fixed with unskilled work.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 40) </ref> | ||
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#A person who is already sick can go to the doctor for treatment because a treating the sickness is a physical need.<ref>S”A 532:2 writes that it is permitted to treat a sick patient on Chol HaMoed. Mishna Brurah 532:5 adds that even melachot can be performed in order to heal a person on Chol HaMoed. </ref> | #A person who is already sick can go to the doctor for treatment because a treating the sickness is a physical need.<ref>S”A 532:2 writes that it is permitted to treat a sick patient on Chol HaMoed. Mishna Brurah 532:5 adds that even melachot can be performed in order to heal a person on Chol HaMoed. </ref> | ||
#It’s permissible to treat a person’s health from illness or preventing a decline in health. However, many forbid doing work for a small ache or pain.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 45) </ref> | #It’s permissible to treat a person’s health from illness or preventing a decline in health. However, many forbid doing work for a small ache or pain.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 45) </ref> | ||
#It’s permissible to take [[medications]] on Chol haMoed.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 45) </ref> | #It’s permissible to take [[medications]] on Chol haMoed.<ref>Rif (Moed Katan 4a), Rambam (Hilchot Yom Tov 8:15), Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 45) </ref> | ||
#Some permit a regular medical checkup, whereas others advise avoiding it on Chol HaMoed.<ref>[http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/733780/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Hilchos_Chol_Hamoed Rav Hershel Schachter min 29-30] holds that it’s permissible to schedule a doctor’s appointment even lechatchila and even if you planned to go on Chol HaMoed. Similarly, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 46) quotes Rav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg and Rav Elyashiv concur and explain that just like it is permitted to do Ochel Nefesh on Chol HaMoed even if it is planned for then, it is similarly permitted to go for a checkup even if it is scheduled for Chol HaMoed. He assumes that a checkup is considered in the category of medical attention. | #Some permit a regular medical checkup, whereas others advise avoiding it on Chol HaMoed.<ref>[http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/733780/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Hilchos_Chol_Hamoed Rav Hershel Schachter min 29-30] holds that it’s permissible to schedule a doctor’s appointment even lechatchila and even if you planned to go on Chol HaMoed. Similarly, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 46) quotes Rav Chaim Pinchas Scheinberg and Rav Elyashiv concur and explain that just like it is permitted to do Ochel Nefesh on Chol HaMoed even if it is planned for then, it is similarly permitted to go for a checkup even if it is scheduled for Chol HaMoed. He assumes that a checkup is considered in the category of medical attention. | ||
Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 46) quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein saying that one should not have a routine checkup if it does not involve a Melacha such as drawing blood. Igrot Moshe 3:78 writes that the leniency of doing melacha for physical need on Chol HaMoed only applies if a person is in pain or is afraid that not going to the doctor will make the condition worse. However, a healthy person shouldn’t make a dentist appointment on Chol HaMoed since it involves melachot and can be done afterwards. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 62) follows the opinion of Rav Moshe and extends it to any routine medical checkup. Furthermore, Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg. 46) quotes Rav Moshe as saying that in order not to degrade the sanctity of the holiday one shouldn’t go for a checkup even if no melacha is involved. </ref> | Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 46) quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein saying that one should not have a routine checkup if it does not involve a Melacha such as drawing blood. Igrot Moshe 3:78 writes that the leniency of doing melacha for physical need on Chol HaMoed only applies if a person is in pain or is afraid that not going to the doctor will make the condition worse. However, a healthy person shouldn’t make a dentist appointment on Chol HaMoed since it involves melachot and can be done afterwards. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 62) follows the opinion of Rav Moshe and extends it to any routine medical checkup. Furthermore, Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg. 46) quotes Rav Moshe as saying that in order not to degrade the sanctity of the holiday one shouldn’t go for a checkup even if no melacha is involved. </ref> | ||
==Communal Needs== | |||
# It is permitted to do communal needs on Chol Hamoed even if there were planned for Chol Hamoed and even if they involve are professional labor or excessive effort. The work is permitted even in public.<Ref>Moed Katan 2a, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 544:1-2, Mishna Brurah 544:1. The reason that it is permitted even if it is planned for chol hamoed is because otherwise the communal need will not be taken care of as everyone can push it off.</ref> | |||
# Professional labor is only permitted for communal needs under two conditions: 1) the community will benefit from it on Chol Hamoed itself,<ref>Mishna Brurah 544:1</ref> and 2) the community will benefit directly from the labor in a physical way, such as fixing the roads or water sources and not building a shul.<ref>Rashba 4:326, 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> | |||
==Hiring Workers== | ==Hiring Workers== | ||
#It is prohibited to hire workers to do melacha on Chol HaMoed. This prohibition applies even if the action one is hiring another to do would be permitted if one was doing this activity for oneself or for another free of charge.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 542:1. Mishna Brurah 542:2 explains that the prohibition is uvda dichol. The Mishna Brurah notes that some poskim permit one to pay a worker to do work if 1) the person cannot perform the work himself, 2) the workers will not do the work unless they are paid, and 3) it is litzorech hamoed. The same idea is found in Ritva 12a s,v. hay. Shulchan Aruch is based on Moed Katan 12a according to Rabbenu Gershom and Rashi. However, Ran (Chiddushim m"k 12a s.v. rav) quotes two opinions about this question. One opinion permits paying a worker for work that is permitted as a tzorech hamoed. </ref> However, if one does not give the worker a set salary and pays him with food that he eats with the owner, then paying a worker on Chol HaMoed would be allowed.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 542:1 </ref> | |||
#It is prohibited to hire workers to do melacha on Chol HaMoed. This prohibition applies even if the action one is hiring another to do would be permitted if one was doing this activity for oneself or for another free of charge.<ref> | #If the work is a pressing need to the point that it would cause a substantial loss if not performed (davar ha’aveid), then it would be permitted to hire a worker to perform the work, even if the work is not necessary for the holiday (litzorech hamoed) and involves skilled labor (maaseh uman). In such a case one may even pay the worker.<ref>Rama 542:1 and Mishna Brurah 542:5. The Biur Halacha explains that is preferable for one to hire a non-Jew in this situation. Mishna Brurah 540:2 states that if it would only be a minor loss, one may only do non-skilled labor (maaseh hedyot) to prevent the loss.</ref> | ||
#If the work is a pressing need to the point that it would cause a substantial loss if not performed (davar ha’aveid), then it would be permitted to hire a worker to perform the work, even if the work is not necessary for the holiday (litzorech hamoed) and involves skilled labor (maaseh uman). In such a case one may even pay the worker.<ref>Rama 542:1 and | #One may hire a worker who has nothing to eat in order that he will be able to sustain himself.<ref>Shulchan Aruch 542:2. The Mishna Brurah there cites the Magen Avraham as saying that if the poor person has bread and water, then it is prohibited to employ him. Magen Avraham 534:7 writes that ideally one should only employ such a person in a private setting because other people may not know that this poor person has a special exemption to do melacha on Chol HaMoed.</ref> | ||
#One may hire a worker who has nothing to eat in order that he will be able to sustain himself. | #Someone who has no food at all, or one who has food but does not have his needs for the holiday (tzorchei hamoed), is considered someone who has no food and is allowed to work on Chol HaMoed.<ref>Mishna Brurah 542:7. See the Magen Avraham cited by the Mishna Brurah who holds more stringently and says that if one has bread and water, one may not work on Chol HaMoed. </ref> | ||
#Someone who has no food at all, or one who has food but does not have his needs for the holiday (tzorchei hamoed), is considered someone who has no food and is allowed to work on Chol HaMoed.<ref> | |||
#If one stipulates with a non-Jew that the non-Jew should do work for him after Chol HaMoed, but the non-Jew starts the work immediately during Chol HaMoed, one need not stop the non-Jew because he instructed the non-Jew that he should perform the work after the moed.<ref>Rama 543:3 as explained by M.B 543:11</ref> | #If one stipulates with a non-Jew that the non-Jew should do work for him after Chol HaMoed, but the non-Jew starts the work immediately during Chol HaMoed, one need not stop the non-Jew because he instructed the non-Jew that he should perform the work after the moed.<ref>Rama 543:3 as explained by M.B 543:11</ref> | ||
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# 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 clean 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 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 clean 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 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> | ||
===Adding to the Load=== | ===Adding to the Load=== | ||
# If someone is running a load of permitted clothing such as children clothing | # 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> | ||
===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> | ||
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===Children's Clothing=== | ===Children's Clothing=== | ||
#If a child’s clothing are insufficient because they are soiled frequently it’s permissible to launder them on Chol HaMoed.<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. </ref> If one is | #If a child’s clothing are insufficient because they are soiled frequently it’s permissible to launder them on Chol HaMoed.<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. </ref> | ||
#If one is running a load of children's clothing which are necessary one may fill up the load of children’s clothing even those which aren't as necessary. However, one may not add adult's clothing.<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 32)</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 citing Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo quoting Rav Moshe Feinstein</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 citing Hilchot Chol Hamoed Zichron Shlomo quoting Rav Moshe Feinstein</ref> | ||
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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 this purpose to alter the way in which one writes.<ref>M.B 545:5</ref> | 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 this purpose to alter the way in which one writes.<ref>M.B 545:5</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). | #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 ‘a loss of money’ it’s permissible to write down a Torah thought (חידוש), take notes in a vocational course, write homework for school, or to write a bank deposit (if one fears losing the money).<ref>Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 76-77) </ref> | #Because of ‘a loss of money’ it’s permissible to write down a Torah thought (חידוש),<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 445:9, Mishna Brurah 445:47</ref> take notes in a vocational course, write homework for school, or to write a bank deposit (if one fears losing the money).<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> | ||
