#22: Chol Hamoed (Part 1)

Rabbi Eli Ozarowski

The halachot of Chol Hamoed are quite complex and ideally should be reviewed in more detail and with the guidance of a rabbinic authority. In the next three posts, we will offer a very brief summary of certain general principles that will help explain the ideal attitude toward Chol Hamoed (we hope to elaborate on the halachot of Chol Hamoed at some future date).

  1. Chol Hamoed is, as its name implies, a combination of “chol” (weekday) and “moed” (holiday). The halachot of Chol Hamoed reflect this in-between status. In principle, most of the activities forbidden on Shabbat are forbidden on Chol Hamoed as well (see Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 530:1; Mishnah Berurah 530:1; R.Dovid Zucker and R.Moshe Francis, “Chol Hamoed,” [in English] p.5). However, most normal activities performed for benefit on Chol Hamoed are ultimately permitted. Therefore, one may, for example, cook or drive a car on Chol Hamoed, provided it is related to Chol Hamoed or the last days of Yom Tov (Shulchan Aruch 541:5; Mishnah Berurah 530:1). However, one may not perform melachot that are considered “ma’aseh uman,” (done by a craftsman), meaning that only a skilled worker knows how to do them (Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 541:1). For example, one may not engage in complex carpentry or home repairs for which a professional is usually called (“Chol Hamoed,” p.20).
  2. Many poskim hold that even activities forbidden on Yom Tov that do not take significant effort are permitted on Chol Hamoed (Piskei Teshuvot 530; “Chol Hamoed K’hilchato” 2:9). For example, one may turn on a light on Chol Hamoed for any reason, or tear a piece of paper regardless of the purpose, since these actions do not require significant effort. Writing is also permitted on Chol Hamoed for any Chol Hamoed purpose (including pleasure). It is customary to write at least the first line in an unusual manner (shinui), such as with a slant (Mishnah Berurah 545:35). In addition, one may use a smartphone or computer on Chol Hamoed normally if they are used for purposes related to Chol Hamoed or enjoyable activities (such as writing to a friend to say hello) (Peninei Halachah, Moadim 11:13).

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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.