Chol HaMoed 101: What’s Allowed and What’s Not

The days between the first and seventh days of Sukkot, and likewise between the first and seventh days of Pesach, are called Chol HaMoed. These special days blend elements of both weekday and holiday. We enjoy festive meals and a lighter schedule, yet certain types of work remain restricted. Below is a clear and practical overview of the primary halachot of Chol HaMoed for those seeking to observe these days properly.

Honoring the Spirit of the Holiday

During Chol HaMoed, it is proper to wear holiday clothing.

It is appropriate to buy holiday gifts for your wife and children, adding joy to the festival.

Tefillin are not worn during Chol HaMoed.

It is a mitzvah to go up to Jerusalem, to visit yeshivot, and to pray at the Kotel, even in our times.

Work on Chol HaMoed

Doing work on Chol HaMoed that is not for the needs of the festival is prohibited by rabbinic law, and some authorities maintain that certain types of work are prohibited by Torah law. Work that serves the needs of the festival is permitted.

Any work considered davar haaved, meaning work that prevents financial loss, is permitted even if it is not directly for the festival’s needs. Examples include public services, postal services, banks, food stores, or situations in which a person fears being fired from a job. The general rule is that wherever there would be a genuine financial loss, it is permitted.

Commerce that is not for the needs of the festival is prohibited, both buying and selling. However, in a case of davar haaved, it is permitted, such as when a price will rise or an item will no longer be available later.

It is forbidden to print books during Chol HaMoed.

Grooming and Personal Care

It is a mitzvah to get a haircut and shave before the holiday begins.

It is forbidden to get a haircut or shave during Chol HaMoed.

Laundry is forbidden during Chol HaMoed, even for the needs of the festival, unless a person truly has no clothing available and needs it for the holiday.

Washing the house is permitted.

It is permitted to shine shoes.

Ironing is permitted.

Writing, Music, and Celebrations

It is permitted to record audio or video and to take photographs.

Playing music is permitted.

Weddings are not held during Chol HaMoed.

Writing in ketav Ashuri, the traditional square Hebrew script used in Torah scrolls and sacred texts, is forbidden during Chol HaMoed. However, the rounded script that is commonly used for everyday writing is permitted.

Chol HaMoed offers a beautiful balance between holiness and daily life. By understanding these halachot, we can preserve the joy of the festival while respecting its sanctity, turning these intermediate days into meaningful and uplifting moments within Sukkot and Pesach.