Simchat Yom Tov
The Torah[1] requires one to be "besimcha", to be happy, on Yom Tov and to ensure that the members of one's household are in a joyous mood, as well.[2] In order to achieve this it is recommended that one purchase jewelry or clothes for one's wife and candies for one's children.[3] It is especially important to be charitable before the holidays to ensure that the needs of the poor are taken care of, as well.[4] One should not be stingy with one's Yom Tov purchases.[5] Indeed, we are taught that on Rosh Hashana, one’s financial income is decided for the entire year with the exception of Shabbat and Yom Tov expenses, for which one is ultimately reimbursed.[6]
Before the Yom Tov meals, one is required to make kiddush just as is done on Shabbat. However, the requirement to do so on Yom Tov is rabbinic in nature rather than from the Torah as is the case on Shabbat.[7] Similarly, one is also required to begin the Yom Tov meals by reciting the hamotzi blessing upon two whole loaves of bread.[8] Nevertheless, there is no requirement to hold a seudat shlishit on Yom Tov, nor a melave malka at its conclusion.[9] Some individuals make an effort to hold a seudat shlishit on Yom Tov in deference to a minority view which teaches that one should do so on Yom Tov as well.[10]
One should make an effort to eat meat and drink wine at the Yom Tov meals in fulfillment of the dictum that "there is no joy, except with meat and wine".[11] However, most contemporary authorities argue that since the destruction of the Beit Hamikdash, meat does not arouse the same level of joy that it once did.[12] As such, the obligation to hold a meal with foods of "joy" may be discharged with serving wine or grape juice at the Yom Tov meals.[13] Those who prefer chicken or turkey would be entitled to use those foods for the "joy" requirement as well.[14] A fish dish is also said to reflect the joyous nature of an event.[15] One should prepare even more foods for the Yom Tov meals than one does for the weekly Shabbat meals.[16]
We are taught that the clothes worn on the holidays should actually be nicer than those reserved for Shabbat![17] The reason for this is that a feature of the Yamim Tovim is the obligation for one to be “besimcha”, a principle which is not truly relevant with regards to Shabbat observance.[18] We are taught that one of the ways of arousing feelings of happiness is by wearing exceptionally lavish clothing.[19]
Oddly enough, the custom of having a separate set of clothing for Yom Tov is not too widespread. Nevertheless, it is interesting to note that many people instinctively purchase new shoes for the holidays. According to some authorities, making sure to at least have new shoes for Yom Tov satisfies the requirement to have separate Yom Tov clothing. Additionally, having one's regular clothes cleaned especially for the holiday is considered as making them "new" for this purpose, as well.[20]
It is a mitzva to get a haircut in honor of Yom Tov as well as to take a shower.[21] It is also meritorious to immerse in a mikva Erev Yom Tov.[22] One should be sure to set aside time on Yom Tov for Torah study.[23] One should also endeavor to visit one's rabbi and teachers sometime over the course of Yom Tov.[24]
[1] Devarim 16:14
[2] O.C. 529:2
[3] O.C. 529:2
[4] O.C. 529:2
[5] O.C. 529:1
[6] Beitza 16a, Kaf Hachaim O.C. 529:3
[7] Mishna Berura 271:102
[8] O.C. 529:1
[9] O.C. 529:1
[10] Rambam Shabbat 30:9
[11] Pesachim 109a, Rambam Yom Tov 6:18
[12] Kaf Hachaim O.C. 529:28
[13] Biur Halacha 529 s.v. Keitzad, Kaf Hachaim 529:22
[14] Yad Ephraim Y.D. 1, Shevet Halevi 1:18
[15] Magen Avraham 533:8, Shevet Halevi 1:18
[16] Kaf Hachaim 529:23
[17] O.C. 529:1
[18] Rambam Yom Tov 6:17-18. One will recall that the primary theme of Shabbat is "oneg", pleasure, which is distinct from "simcha", happiness. There are, however, a number of authorities who rule that there is an obligation to be "besimcha" on Shabbat as well, though the halacha does not follow this view.
[19] Mishna Berura 529:12
[20] Elef Hamagen 529:41
[21] Kaf Hachaim O.C. 529:12
[22] Kaf Hachaim O.C. 529:32,33
[23] O.C. 529:1
[24] Shaarei Teshuva 529:2