#24: Chol Hamoed (Part 3)
- In light of the halachot discussed yesterday and today, one should try to take off work on Chol Hamoed (Sefer Chol Hamoed K’hilchato 9:35; “Sefer Chol Hamoed,” [English] p.62). However, those who will otherwise suffer a significant loss (e.g., one will be fired from one’s job or the company will undergo a major loss) are permitted to work on Chol Hamoed (Ibid.). Poskim disagree as to whether one who may choose to take vacation days from work specifically in the summer if this is important for them or their family, if that means one has to work on Chol Hamoed instead (R. Moshe Feinstein and R. Yaakov Kamenetsky permit in certain cases while others disagree; see “Chol Hamoed,” p.62). One should consult one’s local rabbinic authority concerning any such questions.
- One may engage in activities that will prevent a significant loss, even if they involve forbidden melachah or the work of a professional craftsman (Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 537:1). In addition, health-related activities are permitted (Shulchan Aruch, O.C. 532:2; Mishnah Berurah 532:5). Thus, one may go to the doctor on Chol Hamoed if necessary. However, one should not schedule a routine check-up or dentist appointment on Chol Hamoed simply because one is home then (R. Moshe Feinstein, cited in “Chol Hamoed,” p.46).
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Dedicated by Fran Broder as a zechus for the hostages to be released safely to their families and may everlasting peace come to Eretz Yisrael in the merit of learning Hilchos Shabbos.
