Author Rabbi Yaakov Goldstein

How many meals is one to have per day? One is not obligated to eat any specific amount of meals on Chol Hamoed, so long as he does not fast.[1] [Nevertheless, initially it is a Mitzvah for one to have a meal with bread.[2] One is to eat bread twice […]

The Mitzvah of Simcha:[1] It is a Biblical positive command and obligation for one to rejoice and be of happy spirit throughout all days of Yom Tov, including Chol Hamoed, with exception to Rosh Hashanah.[2] This obligation applies to oneself, his wife, his children and his entire household [even non […]

Getting married:[1] It is forbidden to get married during Chol Hamoed. [1] Michaber 546:1; Admur 639:10 Bookmark

Medical treatment:[1] All medical treatments are permitted during Chol Hamoed. [1] Michaber 531:2; Rif and Rosh Moed Katan; Tosefta Moed Katan Bookmark

Is one to have a Seudas Havrah on Chol Hamoed after the body was buried? Yes.[1] However one does not serve the mourners the accustomed foods of mourning for this meal, such as eggs or lentils, and rather regular foods, such as coffee and cake/Matzah, are to be served.[2] Some[3] […]

Eulogy: Eulogies are forbidden to be given during Chol Hamoed, and hence one does not eulogize the Niftar.[1] One may not even recite words of praise for the Niftar, as doing so can lead to eulogizing him.[2] However one may say words of Torah to arouse the public.[3] Some Poskim[4] […]

May one pay bills during Chol Hamoed? Some Poskim[1] rule one may not do so. Others[2] rule it is permitted. Certainly one may do so to prevent a loss. [1] Debitziner Rav brought in Chol Hamoed Kehilchasa 10 footnote 82 [2] Chol Hamoed Kehilchasa 10:25 Bookmark

May one make a cash deposit on Chol Hamoed?[1] It is forbidden to do so due to the business prohibition. If however, one fears the money being stolen or needs to cover checks that have already been written out, then it is permitted. [1] Chol Hamoed Kehilchasa 10:25 Bookmark

May one cash a check on Chol Hamoed?[1] One may not cash a check on Chol Hamoed unless he is unsure whether there will be money in the account of the check after Yom Tov. [Likewise, if one needs the money for holiday needs or to cover payments that are […]

Is it better to take a Jewish or gentile taxi driver during Chol Hamoed?[1] It is better to take a gentile taxi driver, as in general a Jewish driver is not allowed to work during Chol Hamoed. [1] Beir Moshe 7:9 Bookmark

May one hire a worker during Chol Hamoed to work for him after the Moed?[1] Yes. [1] Kiztur 104:18 Bookmark

May one lend money to a gentile on Chol Hamoed?[1] One may make an interest loan to a gentile customer on Chol Hamoed if the gentile is a previous customer. If the gentile is a new customer, then although it is permitted to give him an interest loan nevertheless he […]

Question: [Monday, 17th Tishreiy 5780] May I purchase jewelry on Chol Hamoed?   Answer: Yes, if needed for Simchas Yom Tov [i.e. will be worn on Yom Tov].   Sources: Michaber 539:11 regarding clothing and the same applies to jewelry; Piskeiy Teshuvos 539:5 and 7 Bookmark

May one buy clothing which are needed for the festival during Chol Hamoed?[1] It is permitted to sell clothing during Chol Hamoed if they are needed for the Moed or for Yom Tov, even if they are needed for Yom Tov Sheini. [1] 539:11 Bookmark

May one buy things for the Moed in a Jewish owned store that is open without following the Halachic regulations?[1] Seemingly it is forbidden to do so.[2] _______________________________ [1] Piskeiy Teshuvos 539 footnote 7 and 39 [2] As by doing so one is helping a Jew transgress Bookmark

May one buy toys for children, and presents for people during Chol Hamoed? Some Poskim[1] write it is permitted to buy presents for children during Chol Hamoed due to the Mitzvah of Simchas Yom Tov. This applies even if the item is not required for Chol Hamoed.[2] [1] Chol Hamoed […]

May one purchase items on sale during Chol Hamoed?[1] Yes. If the sale is limited to the days of Chol Hameod, it is permitted to purchase the sale item during Chol Hamoed. [1] Michaber 539:5 regarding ships and caravans; SSH”K 67:30; Piskeiy Teshuvos 539:3 Bookmark

May one buy or sell on Chol Hamoed? It is forbidden to buy or sell on Chol Hamoed. If, however one has an opportunity to bring in a large income through the sale, he may do so in private. In such a case one is to spend more money than […]

May one take money out of the bank on Chol Hamoed?[1] Yes, if necessary for the Moed. This applies even if a receipt will be printed as a result. [1] Shemiras Hamoed Kehilchaso p. 120 Bookmark

May one attach a Mezuzah to a door on Chol Hamoed?[1] Yes.[2] [1] See [2] The reason: It is permitted to do so as it is the need of Mitzvah and is a Maaseh Hedyot. Bookmark

May a gentile continue renovations in one’s home during Chol Hamoed?[1] No. One must protest the gentile from doing so. [1] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 543:3 Bookmark

Building:[1] It is forbidden to build anything during Chol Hamoed. This applies even if it is for the need of the Moed.[2] Meleches Hedyot:[3] It is permitted to perform amateur building jobs on Chol Hamoed if it is being done for the sake of the Moed. _________________________________________________ [1] 540:1 [2] […]

Making and tying Tzitzis on Chol Hamoed:[1] It is permitted for one to weave Tzitzis strings [and tie the Tzitzis] onto one’s garment [i.e. Tallis Gadol or Tallis Katan] on Chol Hamoed. [This may be done even without an irregularity.[2] However, one may not weave the strings using a sewing […]

May one sew clothing on Chol Hamoed? A button fell off my Kapata, may I sew it on Chol Hamoed?   Answer: Yes you may sew it on Chol Hamoed with a Shinuiy if you are embarrassed to walk out wearing the Kapata without the button, and you have no […]

May one clean a stain from his clothing?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule it is forbidden to clean individual stains from a clothing, even though one will not launder the entire clothing in the process.[3] Other Poskim[4] rule it is permitted to clean an individual stain and one may even use laundry […]

Laundry for children? It is permitted to launder clothing of children that are commonly soiled.[1] [1] Kitzur 104:13 Bookmark

May one wash floor rags on Chol Hamoed? Yes.[1] One may do so if there are no other rags available. [1] As they become dirty constantly, and hence falls under the allowance of the Michaber in 534:1 Bookmark

Towels:[1] One may wash towels during Chol Hamoed. [However, this only applies if one is accustomed to switch the towels often[2] and one does not have any more towels available.[3]] [1] Michaber 534:1 [2] M”B 534:4 [3] See Rama ibid Bookmark

May one cut his nails on Erev Shabbos Chol Hamoed, or Erev the last day of Yom Tov? If one cut his nails on Erev Yom Tov:[1] One who cut his nails on Erev Yom Tov [or in close proximity to Erev Yom Tov to the point there was nothing […]

May a Gentile cut one’s hair during the Moed?[1] No. [1] See Admur 468:4 regarding Erev Pesach Bookmark

If one began a haircut before Chol Hamoed, may he complete the haircut on Chol Hamoed?[1] Yes. [1] Kapei Ahron 51 [Aharon Halevi Epstein 1933]; Chol Hamoed Kihilchaso 3:6 [p.122]; Piskeiy Teshuvos 531:2; See P”M 531 A”A 12 Bookmark

May a married woman cut her hair if it is too long and is not able to be properly covered?[1] Yes.   [1] Hagahos Mahrsham 531 Bookmark

May a man cut bodily hair on Chol Hamoed? Yes.[1] However some Poskim[2] are stringent on this matter. [1] Michaber 546:5 regarding women shaving; Implication of M”A 531:12 [Shhaar Hatziyon 531:15]; Chol Hamoed Kehilchasa 3:5 [2] Pischeiy Olam brought in Kaf Hachaim 531:4; See Chol Hamoed Kehilchaso ibid who argues […]

Is it permitted for a woman to shave parts of her body on Chol Hamoed?[1] Yes. It is permitted for a woman to shave her body hair, such as the hair of the armpits and Ervah, on Chol Hamoed.[2] _____________________________________________________ [1] 546:5 [2] The reason: As the head hair was […]

May one trim his mustache on Chol Hamoed?[1] It is permitted for any man to shave his mustache on Chol Hamoed.[2] It is permitted to do so even in public.[3] [One may cut the mustache either with a scissor or with a razor.[4] One may cut the mustache even if […]

May a child get a haircut during Chol Hamoed?[1] It is permitted for a child to get a haircut on Chol Hamoed [if he is pained by his hair].[2] This applies even if the child was born before the festival [and could have gotten a haircut beforehand].[3] It is permitted […]

The prohibition to cut hair during the Moed:[1] It is forbidden to cut one’s hair during the Moed.[2] This applies even if one cut his hair prior to the Moed.[3] This applies even if one is doing so in order to beautify himself for the sake of the Moed.[4] [1] […]

Brushing hair:[1] It is permitted to comb and brush the hair during the Moed even though hair will be removed as a result. Doing so does not transgress sthe haircutting prohibition. [1] Rama 531:8; Mordechai Moed Katan Bookmark

May one use cake and cookie molds to make pictures and designs on bakery goods?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule it is forbidden to do so. However from other Poskim[3] it is evident that it is permitted. [1] Chol Hamoed Kehilchaso 6:89 [p. 223] [2] Elya Raba 460:6 in name of Amrakel […]

May children do arts and crafts, such as cut, band, glue things on Chol Hamoed?[1] Yes. [1] Piskeiy Teshuvos 541:1 Bookmark

Question: [19th Tishreiy, 5781] May I write a list of reminders on Chol Hamoed, such as a purchase list and the like?   Answer: Yes, you may do so if the list is needed for the Moed such as by a purchase list to get things from the store for […]

May one write a shopping list on Chol Hamoed?[1] Yes. [1] SSH”K 66:11 Bookmark

May one sign a check on Chol Hamoed?[1] If the matter is needed for the Moed then it is permitted. [1] SSH”K 66:11; Piskeiy Teshuvos 545:14 Bookmark

Is it permitted to sign with a stamp on Chol Hamoed? Some opinions[1] rule that this is forbidden [Maaseh Uman]. Others hold[2] that it is permitted [Masseh Hedyot]. Seemingly when done for a Chol Hamoed need one may be lenient, as according to all when Maaseh Uman is done for […]

Is it permitted to take pictures? Film Cameras: It is forbidden to take pictures at random during Chol Hamoed. However, a rare shot that one will not be able to take after the Moed, like by a family gathering, etc may be taken.[1] However there are opinions[2]  which allow it […]

May one type on Chol Hamoed?[1] Some Poskim[2] rule it is permitted to do so without restriction.[3] Others[4] however rule it may only be done for Holiday needs.[5] Others[6] rule it is completely forbidden with exception to those cases of which even skilled work [Maaseh Uman] is permitted.[7] According to […]

May one write a loan document on Chol Hamoed?[1] If one is unable to borrow the money after the Holiday, and is unable to borrow without writing a loan document, then it is permitted for him to do Picso even if he does not need the money for use during […]

Letter to friend: It is permitted to write a friendly letter to an acquaintance on Chol Hamoed.[1] Nevertheless, one is to write the first line slightly slanted.[2] ____________________________________ [1] Bach; Taz; Elya Raba; M”B 545:35; See Michaber 545:5 regarding Sheilas Shalom and Prakmatya; M”B 545:4 and 30 Other Opinions: Some […]

Kesuba: It is permitted to write a Kesuba on Chol Hamoed, however there are opinions that are stringent.[1] Practically one is to write it in regular script.[2] __________________________________________________ [1] Rama 545:5 [2] M”B 545:29 Bookmark

Accounting:[1] It is permitted to write an accounting form that describes one’s financial situation, income and expenditure.[2] _____________________________________________ [1] Michaber 545:4 [2] The reason: As this is considered a Davar Haved. [M”B 545:18] Bookmark

Divrei Torah:[1] If one heard a [Torah] novelty, it is permitted to write it down in order so he does not forget it.[2] [The same applies if one came up on his own with a Torah novelty, that it is permitted to write it on Chol Hamoed in order so […]

Writing on Chol Hamoed[1] It is forbidden to write [or draw pictures or designs[2]] on Chol Hamoed.[3] However, the Poskim differentiate regarding the type of script that is forbidden to be written, its purposes that it may be written for, and the form of writing it. Professional script: It is […]

Walking past the Techum:[1] It is always permitted to walk or travel past the Techum during chol Hamoed. [1] Kitzur 104:19 Bookmark

Tearing:[1] It is permitted to tear any item for the need of the Holiday. It is forbidden to tear without need for the Holiday unless all the following conditions are met: One’s intent is to destroy the item.[2] And The item is not attached to the ground, And The item […]

May one rip grass and the like from the ground for no reason?[1] No. [1] Beir Moshe 7:11 Bookmark

Uprooting items from the ground:[1] It is forbidden to uproot items from the ground[2] unless there is a need to do so for the Holiday, such as to eat a fruit or vegetable that is attached to the ground. ________________ [1] Kitzur 104:9 [2] See Michaber 547:12 in name of […]

May one spill water over grass or over a plant on Chol Hamoed, such as when washing hands or emptying his cup? It is permitted for one to spill water over grass or over plants on Chol Hamoed if he is no intent to water the plant by doing so, […]

May one plant on Chol Hamoed?[1] No.[2] Is dispute if Davar Haveid.[3] ___________________________ [1] See Chol Hamoed Kehilchasa chapter 11; See Shemiras Hamoed Kehilchaso chapter 7 [2] Kitzur SHU”A 8; Shemiras Hamoed Kehilchaso p. 182; Piskeiy Teshuvos 638:4; See Michaber 638:9; Moed Katan 11b [3] See Piskeiy Teshuvos 638:4 Bookmark

May I go horseback riding on Chol Hamoed & may I take training classes for horseback riding on Chol Hamoed as part of the course that I am taking of which one of the training days falls on Chol Hamoed? Yes. It is permitted to go horseback riding on Chol […]

Driving:[1] Driving on Chol Hamoed: It is permitted to drive on Chol Hamoed whether it is for the need of the Moed or simply for the sake of a trip or outing.[2] [If however it is not for the need of the Moed and is not for the sake of […]

May one cook or bake food for after the Moed?[1] It is forbidden to cook or bake food during Chol Hamoed for the sake of eating after the Moed.   May one cook or bake food on Chol Hameod for the sake of Shabbos which falls after the last day […]

May one turn on and off a light for no reason? Yes. However, some rule it is forbidden. Bookmark

On Chol Hamoed may one speak about doing Melacha after the Moed? Yes.[1] [1] This is permitted according to all as it does not involve any effort and is merely Rabbinically forbidden. Bookmark

📋 Melachos on Chol Hamoed – Permitted vs. Forbidden   ✅ General Rule of Thumb: Amateur/simple work (Maaseh Hedyot) → Often permitted if for Moed, mitzvah, or to prevent loss. Professional work (Maaseh Uman) → Generally forbidden, unless for food prep, public bodily needs, or preventing loss.   Melacha Status […]

    Maaseh Uman Maaseh Hedyot In Public Through another Jew for money Mikaven Milachto For after the Moed No Tircha Permitted[1] Permitted[2]           Need of food for the Holiday   Forbidden   Permitted   Forbidden, unless can’t find gentile Permitted   Case of loss Permitted […]

Amira Lenachri on Chol Hamoed – Doing Melacha through a gentile:[1] Any Melacha which is forbidden to be performed during Chol Hamoed by a Jew remains forbidden to be performed through asking a Gentile. The need of a Mitzvah and the Moed:[2] It is permitted to ask a gentile to […]

Performing Melacha on Chol Hamoed that does not involve effort and is not time consuming:[1] All Melacha [even Biblical in nature[2]] which is not time consuming, and hence involves no effort to perform, is permitted to be performed during Chol Hamoed without restriction. [See footnote for background and other opinions[3]] […]

Mikvaein Melachto Lamoed It is forbidden to schedule to do this Melacha during the Moed, and one must initially do so before the Moed. If one intentionally scheduled to do so during the Moed he may not do so even in a case of Davar Haveid. Bookmark

Tzarchei Rabim:[1] It is permitted to perform Melacha on Chol Hamoed for the sake of the public.[2] This however only applies to needs of the public that relate to the bodily needs of a person, while other public needs are forbidden to be performed during the Moed.[3] [Public matters that […]

The sake of a Mitzvah:[1] It is forbidden to perform professional work [Maaseh Uman] even for the sake of a Mitzvah. [It is however permitted to perform any amateur work [Maaseh Hedyot] for the sake of a Mitzvah.[3]] _____________________________________ [1] Rama 544:1; Rivash 226; Taz 544:1; See Shemiras Hamoed Kehilchaso […]

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 […]

Is the prohibition against performing Melacha on Chol Hamoed Biblical or Rabbinical? It is disputed amongst Poskim whether the prohibition of doing Melacha on Chol Hamoed is of Biblical or Rabbinical origin. Some Poskim[1] rule it is Biblically forbidden. Other Poskim[2] rule it is Rabbinically forbidden. Practically, Admur rules it […]

Medical treatment: All medical treatments are permitted during Chol Hamoed. Bookmark

Killing animals and creatures May one go fishing on Chol Hamoed? Commercial fishing and fishing for food purposes: It is permitted to go fishing during Chol Hamoed if one’s intent in doing so is to eat the fish during the Moed. There is no limit as to how many fish […]

Mourning: Eulogy: Eulogies are forbidden to be given during Chol Hamoed, and hence one does not eulogize the Niftar. One may not even recite words of praise for the Niftar, as doing so can lead to eulogizing him. However, one may say words of Torah to arouse the public. Some […]

Working and Business Collecting debts: It is permitted to collect money of a loan during Chol Hamoed. This applies whether the borrower is a Jew or gentile. [This applies even if one is able to collect the loan also after the Moed.] It is, however, forbidden to collect merchandise in […]

Building: It is forbidden to build anything during Chol Hamoed. This applies even if it is for the need of the Moed. Meleches Hedyot: It is permitted to perform amateur building jobs on Chol Hamoed if it is being done for the sake of the Moed. May a gentile continue […]

Laundry: The prohibition: It is forbidden to launder clothing during the Moed. This applies even if one is doing so for the sake of wearing the clothing during the Moed. The cases of exception: The Sages permitted one to launder clothing during the Moed under certain circumstances. These circumstances of […]

Cutting nails during Chol Hamoed?: One may not cut his nails with a knife or scissor [or nail cutter] during Chol Hamoed. This applies to both the hand and toenails. For the sake of a Mitzvah: It is permitted to cut nails in their regular way [even with scissors] for […]

Haircut and Shaving: Erev Yom Tov: It is a Mitzvah to get a haircut on Erev Yom Tov. The prohibition to cut hair during the Moed: It is forbidden to cut one’s hair during the Moed. This applies even if one cut his hair prior to the Moed. This applies […]