עברית
Holidays
Is It Permissible to Iron During Chol HaMoed?
Question
Hello, I would like to know if it is permitted for those of Eastern communities to wash, iron, and buy new clothes during Chol HaMoed? Or should one prepare beforehand? Thank you
Answer
Greetings,
1. It is prohibited to wash clothes during Chol HaMoed, even for the purpose of the festival. The reason for this prohibition is that the Sages decreed that one should not wash their garments before the holiday and enter the holiday in tattered clothes (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim, Siman 544, Sif 1, and Mishna Berura there).
However, there are exceptions where it is permitted to wash during Chol HaMoed - see Kitzur Shulchan Aruch, Yalkut Yosef (Siman 544).
2. It is permissible to iron clothes during Chol HaMoed - if it is done for the purpose of the festival (see Chazon Ovadia, Yom Tov, page 195, and Or Letzion, Part 3, Chapter 24, Section 4).
3. It is permissible to buy new clothes during Chol HaMoed - for the purpose of the festival (see Chazon Ovadia there, page 196).
Happy holiday,
Hillel Meirs
Hillel Meirs
