May one polish his shoes?[1]

Some Poskim[2] rule it is permitted to polish shoes during Chol Hamoed.[3] Other Poskim[4] rule it is forbidden to polish shoes during Chol Hamoed.[5] Some of these Poskim[6] however permit doing so through a gentile. Practically, many are accustomed to avoid doing so.[7] According to all, it is permitted to clean the shoes using a brush.[8]

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[1] See Chol Hamoed Kehilchasa 5/46; Piskeiy Teshuvos 541/4 footnote 16; Shemiras Hamoed Kehilchaso 14/24

[2] Milameid Lehoil 1/113-10; Yagel Yaakov 25; Chelek Halevi 181; Zeh Hashulchan 2/534; Pekudas Elazar 534; Shearim Hametzuyanim Behalacha 104/14; Shivilei David 534 permits only if another pair of shoes is not available; Rav Moshe Feinstein in Zichron Shlomo 4; Shevet Halevi 6/244 printed in Sefer Pnei Baruch Ohel Channah 3; Rav Elyashiv in Mivakshei Torah 106; Even Yisrael 5; Yabia Omer 1/32; SSH”K 66/48; Chol Hamoed Kehilchasa 5/46

[3] The reason: Polishing is not considered laundering and is a Maaseh Hedyot and is hence permitted to be done for the need of the Moed. [ibid]

[4] Kitzur Shlah Inyanei Asiyas Matzah; Shevilei David 534/1; Levushei Mordechai Telisai 10; Beis Shearim Hakdama; Yalkut Hagershoni 553; Chazon Ish, brought in Orchos Rabbeinu 2/122; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 541/4 footnote 16; Poskim in Shemiras Hamoed Kehilchaso ibid footnote 85

[5] The reason: As it is included in the laundering prohibition. [Shevilei David ibid]

[6] Yalkut Hagershoni 553; Yagel Yaakov ibid rules that although it is permitted to be done it is best to do so through a gentile.

[7] Chelek Halevi ibid; Yagel Yaakov ibid; Betzel Hachochmah 5/95; Beir Moshe 7/63; Tzitz Eliezer 8/15-14

[8] Shevet Halevi 6/244 printed in Sefer Pnei Baruch Ohel Channah 3; Chol Hamoed Kehilchasa 5/45