May I print papers on Chol Hamoed?

Question: [Monday, 17th Tishreiy 5780]

May I print papers on Chol Hamoed?

 

Answer:

No, unless the papers are needed for the sake of Chag are needed for the public or is a great need, or is being done to prevent monetary loss.

The reason: It is disputed amongst Poskim as to whether we follow the end result or actual entailed effort regarding the definition of Maaseh Uman, and accordingly, whether using a printer on Chol Hamoed is considered Maaseh Uman is under this debate. Thus, initially it should only be done in cases that Maaseh Uman is permitted, such as Tzarchei Rabim, or Davar Haveid. Nonetheless, in a time of great need, seemingly one may be lenient as according to Admur Melacha on Chol Hamoed is a mere Rabbinical prohibition, and hence one can rule Safek Derabanon Lihakel in a case of great need.

Sources: See Elya Raba 460:6 in name of Amrakel; Ashel Avraham Butchach 545; Rav Moshe Feinstein in Sefer Chol Hamoed English 30; Rav SZ”A in SSH”K 66 footnote 209; Beir Moshe 7:41; Kinyan Torah 2:97; Chol Hamoed Kihilchaso 6:89 and 95; Piskeiy Teshuvos 545:2

May one print flyers of Simchas Beis Hashoeiva that are needed for the Moed?[1]

Yes.[2]

[1] Piskeiy Teshuvos 545:7; See Chol Hamoed Kehilchaso 6:95; SSH”K 67 footnote 184

[2] The reason: As it is considered Tzarchei Rabim as well as Tzarchei Miztvah.

May one print flyers of a Levaya that is taking place during the Moed?[1]

Yes.[2]

[1] Piskeiy Teshuvos 545:7; SSH”K 67 footnote 184

[2] The reason: As it is considered Tzarchei Miztvah.

May one print invitations or words of Torah that are needed for the Moed?[1]

Yes.[2]

 

[1] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 545:7; See Chol Hamoed Kehilchaso 6:95; SSH”K 67 footnote 184

[2] The reason: As it is considered Tzarchei Rabim as well as Tzarchei Miztvah.

May one print Sefarim on Chol Hamoed?[1]

No.[2]

[1] Birkei Yosef 537; Mor Uketzia 545; Chol Hamoed Kehilchaso 6:92 [p. 226]

[2] The reason: As doing so is considered a complete Melacha as well as a belittling act for Chol Hamoed. [Mor Uketzia ibid]

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