#23: Chol Hamoed (Part 2)
- Chol Hamoed is a time for rejoicing. For this reason, one should try to have festive meals each day on Chol Hamoed (see Mishnah Berurah 530:1). Having matzah at these meals is also encouraged, though not obligatory (ibid.). In addition, Chazal designated Chol Hamoed as a time for Torah study. Therefore, one should try to devote some time each day to studying Torah with one’s children or family (Talmud Yerushalmi, Moed Katan 2:3; Peninei Halachah, Moadim 10:6).
- Some poskim recommend wearing Shabbat clothes on Chol Hamoed (Maharil, cited in Mishnah Berurah 530:1). Most recommend wearing nicer clothes than usual, but they need not be as festive as Shabbat clothes (Sha’ar Hatziun 530:4; Aruch Hashulchan 530:4). All agree that one may not wash clothes on Chol Hamoed except for cases of extreme need, which should be discussed with one’s rabbinic authority (Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 534:1).
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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.
