Chol Hamoed Sukkot

Laws of Chol Hamoed 

A: The days from after the first day of Sukkot until Shemini Atzeret are “Chol Hamoed.”
B: The days of Chol Hamoed are called in the Torah “Mikra’ei Kodesh.” It is forbidden to fast on them and forbidden to work or engage in commerce on them.
(Exchanging currency and trading securities are also problematic during Chol Hamoed...)
C: It is forbidden on Chol Hamoed to tell a non-Jew to perform work for a Jew that the Jew himself is forbidden to perform on Chol Hamoed.
D: It is permitted on Chol Hamoed to repair an oven, refrigerator, elevator, air conditioner (when the weather is especially difficult), and eyeglasses needed for use during Chol Hamoed, even through a professional.
E: It is permitted to repair a flat tire or another breakdown in a vehicle that broke down during Chol Hamoed when the repair is needed for travel during Chol Hamoed.
F: One may not deliberately leave routine vehicle maintenance to be done during Chol Hamoed.
G: It is permitted to tie strings of tzitzit during Chol Hamoed, even if there is already one kosher tzitzit garment.

In the Following Cases, Work Is Permitted on Chol Hamoed — After Asking a Rabbi

• An employee who would be fired if he took vacation during these days. (Rav Ovadia Yosef)
• Work needed by the public (bus drivers, government and municipal offices, taxis, postal services, etc.).
• Work and commerce needed for the holiday itself. (Food stores, etc.)
• Commerce intended to prevent a financial loss of capital.

Personal Grooming

A: It is forbidden to get a haircut, shave, or do laundry on Chol Hamoed, and one should wear festive clothing.
B: Women are also forbidden to cut the hair of the head during Chol Hamoed. (Chazon Ovadia, Yom Tov, p. 211)
C: Married women are permitted to remove hair from other areas of the body.
D: Ashkenazim do not cut their nails during Chol Hamoed, except for women for the purpose of immersion in a mikveh.
E: It is permitted to apply makeup during Chol Hamoed.
F: It is permitted to undergo medical treatments and medical examinations during Chol Hamoed.
G: During Chol Hamoed Sukkot, the custom is to hold a “Simchat Beit Hashoevah” with songs and dancing in memory of the joy that took place in the Beit Hamikdash during these days.