- 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 forbidden to write on Chol Hamoed[4] in a professional[5] script [Maaseh Uman], such as the scribal letters of the Torah[6], unless it is needed for the sake of the festival and is a need of the public[7], or is a Davar Haved[8] [a matter that will incur loss].
- Regular script:
Some Poskim[9] rule that it is only forbidden to write in a professional script, known as Maaseh Uman, which is the scribal lettering used for writing a Sefer Torah, Mezuzah and Tefillin [i.e. Ksav Ashuris]. It is however, permitted to write in a commonly known script [i.e. Maaseh Hedyot] on Chol Hamoed [so long as it has a need for the Moed[10]]. However, other Poskim[11] imply that even amateur writing is forbidden to be done during the Moed, as all script was considered by the Sages to be professional. Practically, we rule like the former opinion.[12] 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.[13]
Writing with a Shinuiy/Irregularity: It is permitted to write regular script [Maaseh Hedyot] on Chol Hamoed[14] so long as it has a need for the Moed.[15] Nevertheless, it is to be written in a slightly different way than usual [Shinuiy], such as to make the first line slanted.[16] It is permitted to write in regular script even without a Shinuiy in a case that involves loss.[17] Likewise it is permitted to write regular script for the need of the public even if it does not have a need for the Moed[18], and even without a Shinuiy.[19] In all cases it is forbidden to write even regular script if it does not have a need for the Moed, [and is not a case of loss, or a public need, or the need of a Mitzvah].[20]
- Definition of professional script versus regular script:
Professional script is defined as the Hebrew scribal font written in a Torah scroll and other parchment.[21] Rashi font script of the Hebrew letters is customarily viewed as regular script [Maaseh Hedyot].[22] The script of all other languages are viewed as Maaseh Hedyot.[23] Nevertheless it is proper not to write any of the above fonts in a careful and meticulous manner, hence beautifying the letters, as doing so can perhaps consider it Maaseh Uman.[24]
| Topic | Type of Script | Permitted on Chol Hamoed? | Conditions | Examples | Notes |
| Writing/Drawing | Any | Forbidden | Poskim differentiate by script type, purpose, form | Writing, drawing pictures, designs | |
| Professional Script (Maaseh Uman) | Scribal letters of Torah | Forbidden | Except for festival/public need or Davar Haved | Sefer Torah, Mezuzah, Tefillin (Ksav Ashuris) | |
| Regular Script (Maaseh Hedyot) | Common script, Rashi font, other languages | Permitted | Must have a need for the Moed | Rashi font, other languages script | Some Poskim forbid, but main ruling permits |
| Regular Script with Shinuiy | Common script | Permitted | Should be written with an irregularity (e.g. slanted line) | First line slanted | Widespread custom to write with Shinuiy |
| Regular Script without Shinuiy | Common script | Permitted | In case of loss (Davar Haved) or public need | Even if not for Moed need | |
| Beautified Writing | Any script | Not proper | Should not be careful/meticulous to avoid Maaseh Uman | Kaf Hachaim 545:60 |
| Summary: Writing or drawing on Chol Hamoed is generally forbidden, except for specific needs like preventing loss, public benefit, or mitzvah purposes. Regular script (Maaseh Hedyot) may be used for festival needs, ideally with a minor change (Shinuiy), while professional script (Maaseh Uman), such as Torah scribal letters, is mostly prohibited.
Is the writing of numbers considered Maaseh Uman or Maaseh Hedyot?[25] It is a considered Maaseh Hedyot.
Is the drawing of pictures considered Maaseh Uman or Maaseh Hedyot?[26] An amateur drawing that can be drawn by all people is considered Maaseh Hedyot, and hence may be done for the need of the Moed. A professional picture or painting is considered a Maaseh Uman.
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[1] See Shulchan Aruch 545; SSH”K; Chol Hamoed Kehilchasa chapter 6; See Shemiras Hamoed Kehilchaso chapter 8
[2] See Admur 340:10 “One who makes marks and designs on a document and the like, in the way that the artists design, is liable to an offshoot of the writing prohibition. The same applies for one who erases it.” See also Admur 519:6; M”A 340:6; Rambam Shabbos 11:17; Degul Merivava 340; Tehila Ledavid 340:3
[3] Michaber 545:1
[4] Michaber 545:1
[5] See M”B 545:4
[6] M”B 545:4
[7] Michaber 545:2; Rama 545:1 “For the need of the public some prohibit if it is not for the need of the Moed”
[8] Michaber 545:2-5; M”B 545:18-20
[9] Beis Yosef 545:5 based on Rif, Rambam, Rosh, Ravad, and Ramban who all permit writing letters and Cheshbonos “Practically, the Halacha is…that one may write letters [in regular writing” even without an irregularity”; Bach 545 “It is obvious that the Sages only prohibited the Ashuris scribal writing during the Moed and not any other form of writing that we do today”; Rabbeinu Tam; Agudah; Rabbeinu Yerucham Tolkdos Adam Vechavah Nesiv Daled 5 in name of Rabbeinu Tam; Orchos Chaim Chol Hamoed 7; Taz; Kneses Hagedola 545:1; Olas Shabbos 545:1; Elya Raba 545:5; M”B 545:35; See Michaber 545:5 regarding Sheilas Shalom and Prakmatya; M”B 545:4 and 30; See M”B 545:4; Rama ibid regarding writing for a public need that is not for the need of the Moed writes “The custom is to be lenient regarding our script of writing which is not Maaseh Uman”
Other Opinions: Some Poskim rule that the custom is not to write on Chol Hamoed even in regular script [even if it involves a need for the Moed, if it is not a case of loss or the need of the public] [Rama 545:5] unless one writes all the lines in a slant. [M”A 545:21; M”B 545:34]
[10] Implication of Bach ibid that only if it is for the need of the public may it be written for after the Moed; M”B 545:30; Chol Hamoed Kehilchasa 6:8 footnote 19; Piskeiy Teshuvos 545:1
[11] Implication of Terumos Hadeshen 85, brought in Bach ibid and Beis Yosef 545, who forbids writing even for the sake of the public, even in a regular script; See Kaf Hachaim 545:11
[12] M”B 545:30; Chol Hamoed Kehilchasa 6:8 footnote 19; Piskeiy Teshuvos 545:1
[13] Bach 545; Kneses Hagedola 545:1; Olas Shabbos 545:1; Elya Raba 545:5; Rama ibid regarding writing for a public need that is not for the need of the Moed; See Kaf Hachaim ibid
A place without a custom: In all areas without a set custom, those who are lenient to write regular script without any irregularity , have not lost out. [Darkei Moshe 545:4; Elya Raba ibid; Kaf Hachaim ibid]
[14] 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 Poskim rule that the custom is not to write on Chol Hamoed even in regular script [even if it involves a need for the Moed, if it is not a case of loss or the need of the public] [Rama 545:5] unless one writes all the lines in a slant. [M”A 545:21; M”B 545:34]
[15] M”B 545:30; Chol Hamoed Kehilchasa 6:8 footnote 19; Piskeiy Teshuvos 545:1
[16] M”B 545:35 in name of Peri Megadim
[17] M”B 545:35 as is evident from Michaber 545:2-5 and 545:7 even regarding Maaseh Uman
[18] Rama 545:1
[19] M”B 545:5
[20] M”B 545:30; Michaber 541:5 regarding sewing a garment Maaseh Hedyot that it must be for the need of the Moed.
[21] Some Poskim rule that only when written in an actual Sefer Torah and the like does this font receive the status of Maaseh Uman. Others however hold that even when this font is written on paper it receives the status of Maaseh Uman. [M”B 545:4]
[22] 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 Poskim rule that the custom is not to write on Chol Hamoed even in regular script [even if it involves a need for the Moed, if it is not a case of loss or the need of the public] [Rama 545:5] unless one writes all the lines in a slant. [M”A 545:21; M”B 545:34]
[23] M”B 545:35; Mor Uketzia brought in Biur Halacha 545 “Afilu”; Kaf Hachaim 545:60; Piskeiy Teshuvos 545:13; [Vetzaruch Iyun Gadol on Chol Hamoed Kehilchasa 6:footnote 12 that understands the M”B to hold to be stringent by all script of other languages. This understanding is incorrect as is clearly evident form the wording of the M”B ibid]
[24] Bach 545; Mor Uketzia brought in Biur Halacha 545 “Afilu”; Kaf Hachaim 545:11
[25] Mor Uketzia 545; Piskeiy Teshuvos 545:13
[26] Chol Hamoed Kehilchasa 6:84; Piskeiy Teshuvos 545:13
