Purchasing Jewelry and clothing for one’s wife and daughters before Yom Tov

Purchasing Jewelry and clothing for one’s wife and daughters before Yom Tov:[1]

It is a Biblical positive command and obligation for one to rejoice and be of happy spirit on Yom Tov.[2] This applies throughout all the seven days of Pesach, the eight days of Sukkos [i.e. including Chol Hamoed], and the holiday of Atzeres [i.e. Shavuos], with exception to Rosh Hashana.[3] This obligation of joy and gladness of heart applies to oneself, his wife, his children and his entire household [even non-relatives[4]].[5] The head of the household is responsible for rejoicing his household during this time.[6] This is accomplished in the following way: One is to buy the women of his household [i.e. his wife and adult female children and other adult female household members[7]] jewelry or clothing in accordance to his affordability.[8] ]If one cannot afford to purchase clothing or jewelry then he is to purchase them new shoes in order to fulfill this Mitzvah.[9]]

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[1] Admur 529:6-7; Michaber 529:2; Pesachim 109a

[2] Admur 529:6; 242:1 regarding eating on Yom Tov that it is Biblical due to the Mitzvah of Simcha; Rambam Yom Tov 6:17

The source: As the verse [Devarim 16:14] states “Vesamachta Bechagecha Ata Ubincha Ubitecha etc.” [Admur ibid]

[3] Admur 529:6

[4] Implication of Admur ibid

[5] Admur 529:6; Michaber ibid

[6] Implication of Admur 529:7 and Michaber ibid “Keitzad Misamcham” that it is his responsibility to do so

[7] So is implied from Admur ibid as otherwise Admur omits how the other women of one’s household are to be rejoiced.

[8] Admur ibid; Michaber ibid; Pesachim ibid

[9] Drashos Maharil Yom Tov; Beir Heiytiv 529:4; Elya Raba 529:6; Biur Halacha 529:2

[10] Shagas Aryeh 65-69; Shareiy Teshuvah 529:4; Rambam Chagiga 1:1; See Nitei Gavriel 53:3; Rambam Chagiga 1:1 that women are obligated in Simcha and Ravaad ibid who argues that they are not.

[11] Hasagas Haraavad on Rambam ibid