Q) Please could you provide a general outline of the halachot of chol hamoed?
A) Performing Melacha on Chol Hamo’ed:
One must be careful to refrain from Melacha that is forbidden on Chol Hamo’ed since some authorities are of the opinion that its prohibition is D’orayta. Moreover, Chazal liken desecrating Chol Hamo’ed to idol worship.
However, not all Melacha is forbidden on Chol Hamo’ed. The following Melachot are permitted:
o Simple tasks that do not require proficiency (e.g., driving a car or switching on a light).
o Melacha that is done in an unusual manner (shinui).
o Melacha that is necessary for food preparation.
o Melacha that is necessary for Chol Hamo’ed.
o Melacha in order to prevent a loss (loss of capital, not profit).
Cutting Hair, Make-Up
• It is a Mitzvah to take a haircut and shave (for those who customarily do so) before Yom Tov.
• It is forbidden to take a haircut and shave during Chol Hamo’ed, even if one did so before Yom Tov. This prohibition applies even to one who usually shaves daily.
• A woman may arrange her hair and put on make-up. Hair removal is also permitted however she may not take a haircut.
• Sefardim may cut nails (both fingernails and toenails) on Chol Hamo’ed. However, Ashkenazim must refrain from doing so unless they were cut them before Yom Tov in which case one is permitted to cut them again during Chol Hamo’ed.
• It is permissible to trim one’s moustache during Chol Hamo’ed.
Washing, Ironing and Mending Clothing
• It is forbidden to wash any item of clothing, even if it is needed for Chol Hamo’ed.
• However, if it was absolutely impossible to wash the clothing before Yom Tov one may wash them on Chol Hamo’ed. Therefore, children’s clothes that become soiled quickly may be washed providing that there are no previously washed clothes available.
• It is permissible to iron clothes that one needs for the Chag.
• Similarly, if a piece of clothing is torn and one needs to wear it during the Chag, one may mend it in a simple manner. However it is forbidden make a professional repair.
Buying and Selling
• It is forbidden to sell in a store on Chol Hamo’ed since refraining from doing so is not considered a monetary loss rather a prevention of profit. However, if a one-off opportunity arises presenting a substantial profit, one is permitted to sell surreptitiously and on condition that he will you some of the profit to spend more on Yom Tov than originally planned.
• Buying clothes, furniture or household utensils on Chol Hamo’ed is forbidden unless they are needed for Chag.
• One would be permitted to buy sale items that will not be available after Chag.
Writing
• It is forbidden to write on Chol Hamo’ed, however there are three general exceptions;
o To prevent loss.
o For public needs.
o For needs of the Chag.
Writing down Chiddushei Torah, halachic responsa or even preparing notes for a Torah shiur is considered preventing a loss and is therefore permitted – since if they are not written down they may be forgotten.