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Chol HaMoed are the intermediate days of the [[holidays]] [[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]].
Chol HaMoed are the intermediate days of the [[holidays]] [[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==
# 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, Magan 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, Magan 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 clothes that a little better than weekday clothes. 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 clothes a little better than weekday clothes. Nimukei Orach Chaim 530:3 and Chaye Adam 106:1 hold it’s an obligation to wear [[Shabbat]] clothes, but one doesn’t need to wear Yom Tov clothes which are a little better than [[Shabbat]] clothes. Mishna Brurah 530:1 writes that the Maharil's practice was to wear [[Shabbat]] clothes on Chol HaMoed. </ref>
# As part of Kavod, one should wear clothes that a little better than weekday clothes. 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 clothes a little better than weekday clothes. Nimukei Orach Chaim 530:3 and Chaye Adam 106:1 hold it’s an obligation to wear [[Shabbat]] clothes, but one doesn’t need to wear [[Yom Tov]] clothes which are a little better than [[Shabbat]] clothes. 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. 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>
# 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>
==Simcha==
==Simcha==
# There’s a requirement of Simcha on Chol Hamoed just like there is on Yom Tov. <ref>Rambam Hilchot Yom Tov 6:17. This is quoted as halacha by  S”A HaRav 529:6-7 and Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 502). </ref>
# There’s a requirement of Simcha on Chol Hamoed just like there is on [[Yom Tov]]. <ref>Rambam Hilchot [[Yom Tov]] 6:17. This is quoted as halacha by  S”A HaRav 529:6-7 and Yalkut Yosef (Moadim pg 502). </ref>
# One should fulfill simcha of Chol HaMoed with what makes each person happy. Some say that this can be fulfilled with any activity that brings a person enjoyment. However, some have the practice to fulfill simcha as Chazal instituted concerning Yom Tov: men to drink wine, women by wearing new clothing, and children by getting toys or candies. <Ref>  
# One should fulfill simcha of Chol HaMoed with what makes each person happy. Some say that this can be fulfilled with any activity that brings a person enjoyment. However, some have the practice to fulfill simcha as Chazal instituted concerning [[Yom Tov]]: men to drink wine, women by wearing new clothing, and children by getting toys or candies. <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.  
* 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>
* 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>
# 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>
==Special parts of Davening==
==Special parts of Davening==
===Shemonah Esrei===
===Shemonah Esrei===
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# 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. </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. </ref>
===When Melacha is permitted for no reason===
===When Melacha is permitted for no reason===
# 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>
# 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>
# 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>
# 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>
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==The five reasons which permit melacha==
==The five reasons which permit melacha==
# Melacha on Chol HaMoed is forbidden just like Yom Tov, however, there are five major leniencies to permit Melacha on Chol HaMoed which are: 1) Tzorech HaMoed(work done for work a need for the holiday), 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>
# Melacha on Chol HaMoed is forbidden just like [[Yom Tov]], however, there are five major leniencies to permit Melacha on Chol HaMoed which are: 1) Tzorech HaMoed(work done for work a need for the holiday), 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>
===Chart of the five reasons===
===Chart of the five reasons===
<table width="700" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" bordercolor="#000000" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><tr> <td><span class="style5">   </span></td> <td><span class="style5"> Need of the holiday (Tzorech hamoed ) </span></td> <td><span class="style5"> Making Food (Ochel Nefesh) </span></td> <td><span class="style5"> Communal need (Tzarechei Rabbim) </span></td> <td><span class="style5"> Financial loss (Dvar HaAved) </span></td> <td><span class="style5"> A very poor worker (Poel Shein Lo Mah Yochal) </span></td>
<table width="700" border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" bordercolor="#000000" bgcolor="#FFFFFF"><tr> <td><span class="style5">   </span></td> <td><span class="style5"> Need of the holiday (Tzorech hamoed ) </span></td> <td><span class="style5"> Making Food (Ochel Nefesh) </span></td> <td><span class="style5"> Communal need (Tzarechei Rabbim) </span></td> <td><span class="style5"> Financial loss (Dvar HaAved) </span></td> <td><span class="style5"> A very poor worker (Poel Shein Lo Mah Yochal) </span></td>
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# For example, since playing music is considered a simchat hachag, it’s permitted to fix (in an unskilled fashion) an instrument in order to play music for the holiday. <ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 21) </ref>
# For example, since playing music is considered a simchat hachag, it’s permitted to fix (in an unskilled fashion) an instrument in order to play music for the holiday. <ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 21) </ref>


===Preparing from Chol HaMoed to Yom Tov===
===Preparing from Chol HaMoed to [[Yom Tov]]===
# It’s permitted to do work for a Tzorech HaMoed from one day of Chol HaMoed in preparation for the other days of Chol HaMoed or for days of Yom Tov. <ref> Pri Megadim 533 M”Z is in doubt whether one may cook from one day of Chol HaMoed for another. However, Kaf HaChaim 533:6 and Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 18) rule that it is permissible. Additionally, Hagahot Rabbi Akiva Eiger 539:11, Eshel Avraham 330, and Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 18) write that it’s permissible to cook from Chol HaMoed to Yom Tov including Yom Tov Sheni of Galiyot. </ref>
# It’s permitted to do work for a Tzorech HaMoed from one day of Chol HaMoed in preparation for the other days of Chol HaMoed or for days of [[Yom Tov]]. <ref> Pri Megadim 533 M”Z is in doubt whether one may cook from one day of Chol HaMoed for another. However, Kaf HaChaim 533:6 and Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 18) rule that it is permissible. Additionally, Hagahot Rabbi Akiva Eiger 539:11, Eshel Avraham 330, and Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 18) write that it’s permissible to cook from Chol HaMoed to [[Yom Tov]] including [[Yom Tov]] Sheni of Galiyot. </ref>
===Melacha needed in preparation for a Tzorech HaMoed===
===Melacha needed in preparation for a Tzorech HaMoed===
# Just as unskilled work is permitted for a Tzorech HaMoed, so too it’s permitted to do preparatory work that’s nessecary for a Tzorech HaMoed. <Ref>Magan Avraham 545:25 and Mishna Brurah 545:48 say that preparatory work that’s necessary for a Tzorech HaMoed is permissible such as preparing a quill and ink to write things that are permitted to write on Chol HaMoed. </ref>
# Just as unskilled work is permitted for a Tzorech HaMoed, so too it’s permitted to do preparatory work that’s nessecary for a Tzorech HaMoed. <Ref>Magan Avraham 545:25 and Mishna Brurah 545:48 say that preparatory work that’s necessary for a Tzorech HaMoed is permissible such as preparing a quill and ink to write things that are permitted to write on Chol HaMoed. </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).  <Ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 23), Shemirat Shabbat KeHilchata 66:59</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>
# 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>
# One may change the tire of a car if the car is needed for use during the holiday. One may also change the tire for a friend’s car if one isn’t being paid. <ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 15) rules like Sh”t Shevet HaLevi 1:166(3) even though he quotes the Debrinsiner Rav who says that it’s a maaseh uman and involves a tircha.  </ref>
# One may change the tire of a car if the car is needed for use during the holiday. One may also change the tire for a friend’s car if one isn’t being paid. <ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 15) rules like Sh”t Shevet HaLevi 1:166(3) even though he quotes the Debrinsiner Rav who says that it’s a maaseh uman and involves a tircha.  </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 Debrinsiner 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 in name of Rav Shlomo Zalman Aurerbach and Rav Wosner. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 38) writes that (according to all) one can be lenient if the fish will be eaten. </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 Debrinsiner 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 in name of Rav Shlomo Zalman Aurerbach and Rav Wosner. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 38) writes that (according to all) one can be lenient if the fish will be eaten. </ref>
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==Preparation of food==
==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>
# It’s permissible even if the melacha was deliberately pushed off to doing it on Chol HaMoed. <Ref> S”A 533:1 </ref>
# It’s permissible even if the melacha was deliberately pushed off to doing it on Chol HaMoed. <Ref> S”A 533:1 </ref>
# If one has adequate supply of the specific food one shouldn’t cook that food on Chol HaMoed unless the fresher food will be tastier. <Ref> S”A 533:1 writes that if one already has flour one should not ground new flour; however, even if one has bread one may cook new bread since hot bread is tastier. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 37) agrees.</ref>
# If one has adequate supply of the specific food one shouldn’t cook that food on Chol HaMoed unless the fresher food will be tastier. <Ref> S”A 533:1 writes that if one already has flour one should not ground new flour; however, even if one has bread one may cook new bread since hot bread is tastier. Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 37) agrees.</ref>
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===Cooking extra===
===Cooking extra===
# One may not cook on Chol HaMoed in order to have food after the holiday, however it’s permissible to cook generously without calculating precisely and if there’s leftovers, it’s permissible to have them after the holiday. <ref>S”A 533:1 </ref>  
# One may not cook on Chol HaMoed in order to have food after the holiday, however it’s permissible to cook generously without calculating precisely and if there’s leftovers, it’s permissible to have them after the holiday. <ref>S”A 533:1 </ref>  
# If one transgressed and did cook for after the holiday it’s still permissible to eat it. <ref> S”A 527:23 rules this regarding Yom Tov and Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 38) writes that this is true regarding Chol HaMoed as well. </ref>
# If one transgressed and did cook for after the holiday it’s still permissible to eat it. <ref> S”A 527:23 rules this regarding [[Yom Tov]] and Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 38) writes that this is true regarding Chol HaMoed as well. </ref>
===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> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 36) </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>
==Preliminary preparations for food==
==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>Mishna Brurah 540:18 and 537:15, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 39) </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>
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==Taking a haircut==
==Taking a haircut==
# It’s a mitzvah to take a haircut on Erev Yom Tov. <ref>S”A 531:1 </ref>
# It’s a mitzvah to take a haircut on Erev [[Yom Tov]]. <ref>S”A 531:1 </ref>
# It’s forbidden to take a haircut on Chol HaMoed as the rabbis prohibited this so that people wouldn’t prepare properly before the holiday. <ref>S”A 531:2 </ref>
# It’s forbidden to take a haircut on Chol HaMoed as the rabbis prohibited this so that people wouldn’t prepare properly before the holiday. <ref>S”A 531:2 </ref>
# It’s forbidden to take a haircut even if one took one before the holiday. <ref> S”A 531:2 </ref>
# It’s forbidden to take a haircut even if one took one before the holiday. <ref> S”A 531:2 </ref>
# This prohibition applies both to men and women <Ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 26) </ref> but not to children below the age of Bar or Bat Mitzvah if it is causing them discomfort. <ref>Mishna Brurah 531:16 </ref>
# This prohibition applies both to men and women <Ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 26) </ref> but not to children below the age of Bar or Bat Mitzvah if it is causing them discomfort. <ref>Mishna Brurah 531:16 </ref>
# Chazal did not make an exception for someone who was sick and was unable to cut one’s hair before the holiday and forbid him as well. <Ref>S”A 531:3 </ref>
# Chazal did not make an exception for someone who was sick and was unable to cut one’s hair before the holiday and forbid him as well. <Ref>S”A 531:3 </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>  
# 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>  
# Cutting one’s hair for medical reason is permissible. <Ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 29) quoting Mishna Brurah 531:21 </ref>
# Cutting one’s hair for medical reason is permissible. <Ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 29) quoting Mishna Brurah 531:21 </ref>
# It’s permissible to comb or wash one’s hair even though predictably hairs will be pulled out. <Ref>Rama 531:8 </ref>
# It’s permissible to comb or wash one’s hair even though predictably hairs will be pulled out. <Ref>Rama 531:8 </ref>
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# 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>
# 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.
* 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>
* 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>


==Nail cutting==
==Nail cutting==
# 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>
# 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 one cut one's nails on Erev Yom Tov one may cut them on Chol HaMoed. <ref>Mishna Brurah 532:2 </ref>
# If one cut one's nails on Erev [[Yom Tov]] one may cut them on Chol HaMoed. <ref>Mishna Brurah 532:2 </ref>
# It’s permissible to cut one’s nails with one’s hands or teeth. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 532:3 </ref>
# It’s permissible to cut one’s nails with one’s hands or teeth. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 532:3 </ref>
# If one usually cuts one’s nails on Erev [[Shabbat]], it’s permissible to cut them on Chol HaMoed Erev [[Shabbat]]. <Ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 30) quoting Bear Hetiev 532:1 </ref>
# If one usually cuts one’s nails on Erev [[Shabbat]], it’s permissible to cut them on Chol HaMoed Erev [[Shabbat]]. <Ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 30) quoting Bear Hetiev 532:1 </ref>
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# 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>
# 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 did not make an exception for someone who was sick and was unable to do laundry before the holiday and forbid him as well. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 534:2, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 30) </ref>
# Chazal did not make an exception for someone who was sick and was unable to do laundry before the holiday and forbid him as well. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 534:2, Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 30) </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>  
# 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>  
# It’s permissible for a women to launder her support hose, nursing bras, and white underwear if she becomes Niddah on Chol HaMoed if she has insufficient to last for the whole holiday.  <Ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 32-3) </ref>
# It’s permissible for a women to launder her support hose, nursing bras, and white underwear if she becomes Niddah on Chol HaMoed if she has insufficient to last for the whole holiday.  <Ref> Hilchot Chol HaMoed Zichron Shlomo (pg 32-3) </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>
# 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>