What’s Actually Prohibited on Chol HaMo’ed?

Four categories that sort out when ‘professional’ work is fine and when only a layman’s version is.

Q. What’s Actually Prohibited on Chol HaMo’ed?

Although not a regular holiday, one should wear nice clothes and eat special foods on Chol HaMo’ed. Additionally, many things aren’t allowed, unless it’s either: 1. “Davar ha’aved”, where one might lose out if he doesn’t do it now (for example, you’re allowed to write a phone number you might forget, fix a car that’s stuck where it might get stolen, photograph a family get-together, record a class, deposit a check that might “bounce” if you wait. In this category, even “professional” actions are allowed); 2. Holiday eating/body needs (you’re allowed to put on make-up, sharpen a knife or even fix an air-conditioner- even “professional” actions are allowed. Although regarding haircuts and laundry, there are special specific rabbinical prohibitions, so as to assure that people remember to do so before the holiday); 3. Holiday needs aside from eating/body needs (you’re allowed to drive or write a friend – even for pleasure, but in this category, only “layman” actions are allowed, but not “professional” one’s, like fixing a car, unless done with a recognizable “shinui”-change); 4. Communal needs (you’re allowed to work in a bank, fix a kibbutz car or public sewage- even where “professional” actions are necessary). In general one isn’t allowed to work unless it falls into one of the above categories, but sometimes, if one will be fired, it’s considered “losing out” so it may be allowed. We’ve summarized the basics so that you’ll have some idea when it’s necessary to ask your rabbi on specifics.