Introduction
Chol Hamoed occupies a unique place in the Jewish calendar. On the one hand, it is not Yom Tov, and many activities remain permitted. On the other hand, it is not an ordinary weekday. The Sages instituted numerous restrictions on work so that a Jew can devote the days of Chol Hamoed to Torah study, family, joy, and spiritual growth.
The laws of Chol Hamoed are often more complex than those of Yom Tov, as many activities depend on the purpose of the action, the level of skill involved, and whether a loss may occur if the activity is delayed.
The Purpose of Chol Hamoed
The entire purpose of Chol Hamoed is to provide a vacation from ordinary work and business so that one can dedicate time to Torah study and Avodas Hashem.
This obligation applies:
- To men and women
- By day and by night
- Throughout all of Chol Hamoed
For this reason, one should not spend the entire Chol Hamoed engaged in sightseeing, vacations, and recreational activities at the expense of Torah learning.
While family outings are certainly appropriate and often necessary, they should not become the primary focus of the Moed.
Why Are the Laws of Chol Hamoed So Important?
- The Sages taught that one who treats Chol Hamoed lightly does not have a portion in the world to come and it is considered as if he has served idols.
- For this reason, although many of the restrictions of Chol Hamoed are Rabbinic in nature, one must be careful to properly observe them.
The Six Main Categories of Permission
Most Melacha on Chol Hamoed is forbidden unless it falls into one of the following categories:
- Tzorech Hamoed
A need of the festival itself.
It is permitted to perform any amateur work [Maaseh Hedyot] for the sake of the Holiday. It is however forbidden to perform professional work [Maaseh Uman] unless it is food related, or is a public need that relates to the body.
Examples:
- Repairing an item needed during Chol Hamoed
- Purchasing clothing needed for Yom Tov
- Preparing the home for Yom Tov guests
- Ochel Nefesh
Food preparation.
Examples:
- Cooking
- Baking
- Grinding food
- Repairing a kitchen appliance needed for food preparation
- Davar Ha’aved
Preventing financial loss.
Examples:
- Watering plants that may wither
- Protecting merchandise from damage
- Repairing an item that will otherwise cause significant loss
- Maaseh Hedyot
Amateur work.
Simple repairs are often permitted when needed for the Moed.
- Tzarchei Rabim
Public needs.
Examples:
- Repairing roads
- Repairing Mikvaos
- Removing public hazards
- Tzorech Mitzvah
- Mitzvah needs.
- While professional work generally remains forbidden even for a mitzvah, amateur work for a mitzvah is often permitted.
Practical Guide to Common Activities
Cooking and Baking
Permitted
One may cook and bake for:
- Chol Hamoed
- The remaining days of Yom Tov
- Shabbos following Yom Tov
- Certain mitzvah meals
Forbidden
One may not cook or bake solely for after Yom Tov.
Driving
Permitted
One may drive:
- For Chol Hamoed needs
- To visit family
- For a Chol Hamoed outing
- For Simchas Yom Tov
Repairing a Car
Simple repairs may be performed if:
- The vehicle is needed during Chol Hamoed
- The repair is considered amateur work
Example:
- Changing a flat tire
Professional repairs generally remain forbidden.
Gardening
Permitted
Watering plants is permitted when necessary to prevent damage.
Examples:
- Houseplants that may dry out
- Vegetable gardens that may be harmed
- Fruit trees that require watering
Forbidden
Watering solely to improve growth or appearance is forbidden.
Picking Fruits and Vegetables
Permitted when needed for Chol Hamoed or Yom Tov.
Writing
Permitted
One may write:
- Torah notes
- Chiddushei Torah
- Shopping lists
- Accounting records
- Friendly letters
- Mitzvah-related documents
From the letter of the law, this script may be written even without an irregularity/Shinuiy, however, the widespread custom is to write it with a Shinuiy, such as to make the first line slanted.
Torah Learning Exception
One who develops a Torah insight during Chol Hamoed may write it down so it will not be forgotten.
Professional Script
Writing STaM-style script remains forbidden except in limited circumstances.
Computer Typing
Opinions vary.
Practically, typing that serves a Chol Hamoed need is generally treated more leniently than professional writing.
Photography
Digital Photos
Permitted.
Video Calls
Permitted.
Haircuts and Shaving
General Rule
Haircuts are forbidden during Chol Hamoed.
This applies even if one forgot to get a haircut before Yom Tov.
Exceptions
- Children in certain circumstances
- Medical needs
- Mustache trimming
- Certain cases listed by Chazal
Bodily Hair
A woman may remove bodily hair.
Nail Cutting
Generally Forbidden
One may not cut nails with a nail clipper or scissors.
Exceptions
- One who cut nails before Yom Tov
- Preparation for Mikvah
- Mitzvah needs
- Nails causing pain
With Teeth or Hands
Permitted.
Laundry
General Rule
Laundry is forbidden during Chol Hamoed.
Common Exceptions
- Children’s clothing
- Undergarments
- Socks
- Clothing changed daily
- An item that one has no replacement for
Hand Towels
Often permitted when clean replacements are unavailable.
Cleaning Stains
A localized stain may often be cleaned, especially if permanent damage will otherwise occur.
Home Repairs
Permitted
Examples:
- Hanging a picture
- Installing a Mezuzah
- Tightening a screw
- Simple household repairs
Professional Repairs
Generally forbidden unless:
- Preventing significant loss
- Needed for food preparation
- Needed due to pain or discomfort
Examples:
- Repairing an oven
- Repairing an air conditioner during extreme heat
Building and Renovations
Generally Forbidden
Construction and renovations are not allowed.
Even if a non-Jewish contractor is performing the work, one generally must protest continued renovations in his home during Chol Hamoed.
Exception
Simple amateur work needed for Chol Hamoed.
Business and Commerce
Buying and Selling
Ordinary business activity is generally forbidden.
Limited-Time Sales
Permitted.
If the opportunity will disappear after Chol Hamoed, one may purchase the item.
Buying for Yom Tov
Permitted.
Collecting Debts
Permitted.
Business Scheduling
One may not deliberately postpone work until Chol Hamoed.
Fishing
Fishing for Food
Permitted.
Recreational Fishing
There is debate among Poskim.
One should consult his Rav.
Medical Treatment
All medical treatments are permitted during Chol Hamoed.
This includes:
- Doctor visits
- Dental treatment
- Medications
- Medical procedures
Quick Reference Chart
| Activity | Status |
| Cooking for Chol Hamoed | Permitted |
| Cooking for after Yom Tov | Forbidden |
| Driving for outings | Permitted |
| Watering to prevent damage | Permitted |
| Haircuts | Forbidden |
| Mustache trimming | Permitted |
| Laundry | Generally Forbidden |
| Children’s Laundry | Permitted |
| Writing Torah insights | Permitted |
| Digital Photography | Permitted |
| Home Repairs (simple) | Permitted |
| Professional Repairs | Usually Forbidden |
| Building | Forbidden |
| Purchasing Sale Items | Permitted |
| Business Activity | Forbidden |
| Medical Treatment | Permitted |
Source:
For the complete chapter, detailed exceptions, and footnotes, visit shulchanaruchharav.com
📋 Melachos on Chol Hamoed – Color‑Coded Guide
👉 This table gives you a visual halachic map:
- If it’s 🟢, you’re good to go.
- If it’s 🔴, avoid unless you fall into a rare exception.
- If it’s 🟡, check carefully — context matters.
- 🟢 Green = Generally permitted
- 🔴 Red = Forbidden
- 🟡 Yellow = Forbidden, but with important exceptions (e.g., for food prep, mitzvah, preventing loss, or Moed needs)
| Melacha | Status | Notes |
| Borer (Selecting) | 🟢 Permitted | Permitted for food prep or Moed need |
| Building | 🔴 Forbidden | Only amateur/simple work for Moed needs |
| Cooking | 🟢 Permitted | For Moed needs; not for after Moed (except Shabbos/Bris) |
| Dabeir Davar (Work talk) | 🟢 Permitted | May discuss post‑Moed work freely |
| Destroying | 🟡 Exceptions | Only if needed for Moed |
| Electricity (lights, plugs) | 🟢 Permitted | Some require Moed need |
| Fixing items | 🟡 Exceptions | Amateur fixes for Moed; professional only for loss, danger, or food prep |
| Gardening / Uprooting | 🟡 Exceptions | Watering to prevent damage; picking for Moed use |
| Grinding flour | 🟢 Permitted | Even if could have been done earlier |
| Haircutting | 🔴 Forbidden | Exceptions: children, mustache, women’s needs, medical |
| Killing/Injuring creatures | 🟡 Exceptions | Only for Moed food needs |
| Laundering | 🔴 Forbidden | Exceptions: children’s clothes, undergarments, or only one garment |
| Moving homes | 🟡 Exceptions | Only to prevent loss or moving into one’s own home |
| Sewing | 🟡 Exceptions | Amateur sewing for Moed needs; professional forbidden |
| Shearing animals | 🔴 Forbidden | No exceptions |
| Techum (traveling beyond boundary) | 🟢 Permitted | No restrictions |
| Tearing | 🟡 Exceptions | Permitted for Moed needs; otherwise forbidden |
| Trapping | 🟡 Exceptions | Only for Moed food needs |
| Tying/Untying | 🟡 Exceptions | Amateur tying/untangling for Moed needs |
| Using a car (Driving) | 🟢 Permitted | For Moed needs or outings; fixing car only amateur |
| Walking past Techum | 🟢 Permitted | No restrictions |
| Washing clothes (Laundry) | 🔴 Forbidden | Limited exceptions (see above) |
| Writing | 🟡 Exceptions | Professional script forbidden; regular script allowed for Moed, mitzvah, loss, or public need |