Chol
HaMoed, (Hebrew: חול
המועד)
a Hebrew phrase meaning "weekdays
[of] the festival" (literal translation:
"profane (non-holy) [of] the occasion"),
refers to the intermediate days of Passover
and Sukkot. During Chol HaMoed the usual
restrictions that apply to the Biblical
Jewish holidays are relaxed, but not
entirely eliminated. For example, work
that would normally be prohibited on
the festival would be allowed to prevent
financial loss or if the results of
the work are needed for the festival
itself. Work for public need is also
allowed.[1] Many tasks such as laundry
washing, hair cutting and shaving are
to be avoided except in some circumstances.
Hallel and Mussaf prayers must be said
on these days, as on Yom Tov, although
on Chol Hamoed of Passover, an abridged
form of Hallel is recited. The tachanun
prayer is also omitted.
Passover is a seven-day festival (eight
in the Diaspora), of which days second
through sixth - third through sixth
in the Diaspora - are Chol HaMoed. Sukkot
is a seven-day festival, of which days
second through seventh (third through
seventh in the Diaspora) are Chol HaMoed.
On Chol HaMoed there are four aliyot
at the Torah reading in synagogue, as
opposed to the standard three of weekdays,
pointing to the festive nature of Chol
HaMoed. |
