Chol HaMoed: Difference between revisions
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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> | ||
