The Halachot of Chol HaMoed

The intermediary days, between the first day of Yom Tov, and the last, are called “Chol HaMoed”.

These are festive days, but do not carry the restrictions of a “Yom Tov”, while still being holy, and unlike a regular weekday.

All the types of “melacha” that are prohibited on Yom Tov, are prohibited on “Chol HaMoed” rabbinically, except for in the situations outlined below.

Many are accustomed to wearing their holiday clothing and having two festive meals each day (even though kiddush is not recited)

Chol HaMoed is a holy time, which our Sages tell us should be devoted to Torah study. We are therefore required to refrain from all work that will distract us from this. This would include all types of business not connected directly to the needs of the holiday, even if not involving the performance of a “melacha” unless they are for the performance of a “mitzvah”.

There are five types of “melacha” that are allowed during these days

1.       “Needs of the holiday”.

Any work which will enhance our enjoyment of the holiday provided that it is simple and not of a professional nature. This would include driving, family outings, light housework, and fixing things around the house. While a haircut and shaving are prohibited, even though these are needs of the holiday, many are lenient in the case of a man who shaves regularly. A woman may style her hair, manicure her nails, wear make-up, and remove any bodily hair. Clothes may be washed and ironed where required for the holiday, including towels and sheets.

While a professional scribe may not write unless there are special circumstances, our handwriting, which is not professional, is generally permitted, and so too is typing on a computer and sending messages on WhatsApp.

2.       Avoiding a loss.

This includes all that is required to prevent a financial loss. One should not however delay a job till “Chol HaMoed” even if it would then fall into this category. Avoiding a loss would include taking advantage of a special offer on a purchase, selling merchandise to a buyer who will not wait till after the holiday, and even working one’s regular job so as not to use up all your holiday days. It is important to note that there is a difference between preventing a loss, which is allowed, and making a profit which is not necessarily permitted. So going to work so that your boss does not fire you is permissible while doing so to get paid would only be allowed if the worker cannot afford to not be paid.

3.       A worker who cannot afford not to work, can work as normal

4.       Preparation of food.

 All work involved in the preparation of food for the holiday is permitted, including buying, prepping, and cooking.

5.       Work involved in providing the community with its needs is permitted.

This would allow the owner of a supermarket to open during these days, and so too the owner of an amusement park. It would also permit the community to hire professional workers to carry out urgent repairs in the synagogue or neighborhood, and hiring a scribe to fix a Sefer Torah.

The above is a general guide, and there are many different customs amongst different communities. Your community Rabbi should be consulted as to any special customs.