1,063. Rejoicing on Yom Tov

Shvisas Yom Tov 6:17

We are not permitted to fast or to eulogize on the seven (Biblical) days of Pesach, the eight (Biblical) days of Succos or on other festive days. On such days, one is obligated to be happy and in a good mood, along with his children, his wife, the other members of his household and any other dependants he may have, as per Deuteronomy 16:14, “You shall rejoice on your holidays.” “Rejoice” in this context refers to bringing the peace offerings, as we will see in Hilchos Chagigah, but it also includes that a man, his family and the members of his household all rejoice, each one in a way that is appropriate for him.

Shvisas Yom Tov 6:18

Rejoicing in an appropriate way means that children should be given roasted seeds, nuts and candy. Women should be bought nice clothes and jewelry according to one’s means. Men should eat meat and drink wine because there is no happiness without meat and wine. When one eats and drinks for yom tov, he is required to also feed converts, orphans, widows and other needy people. One who locks his courtyard and eats and drinks with his family but excludes the needy is not honoring yom tov, he is merely feeding his appetites. Regarding such a person, Hosea 9:4 says, “Their sacrifices will be like the bread of mourners; all who partake of them will be made impure because their bread was for them alone.” This happiness is actually a disgrace, as seen in Malachi 2:3, “I will spread dung on your faces, the dung of your festive celebrations.”