Chol Hamoed

Most holidays in Western society last for a single day, which is often extended into the weekend. And, while most people are aware that Chanukah is celebrated for eight days, many people are surprised to learn that both Sukkot and Passover are also week-long holidays. The Torah explicitly states (in Leviticus 23) that these two holidays shall be observed for seven days. (Note: The holiday[s] following Sukkot–Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah, are independent of Sukkot.)

The first two days of Sukkot and Passover (but, only the first day in Israel) and the last two days of Passover (only the seventh in Israel) and the Shemini Atzeret/Simchat Torah festival that immediately follows Sukkot (observed as one day in Israel, two days elsewhere) are observed as Yamim Tovim, festival days. Yamim Tovim are observed in the same manner as Shabbat, except that cooking is permitted (using a pre-existing flame) as is carrying in public areas. The remaining in-between days are known as Chol Hamoed, the intermediary days of the festival.

During Chol Hamoed, it is customary to continue the holiday spirit and avoid unnecessary weekday work. Mundane chores, such as laundry, are postponed. If possible, people do not work and avoid shopping except for essentials for the holiday. In synagogue, the Torah is read and Hallel (festive Psalms of praise) and Mussaf (the additional service) are recited.

On Sukkot, the requirements to dwell in the sukkah and the mitzvah of the four species continue throughout Chol Hamoed. On Chol Hamoed of Passover, the prohibition against eating chametz (leaven) remains in effect, but eating matzah is not required.

During Chol Hamoed, people offer special greetings to each other by saying either “Gut Moed,” which is Yiddish for have a “Good Festival,” or “Moadim l’Simcha,” which is Hebrew for “Holidays for Happiness,” or “Chag Sameach,” which is Hebrew for “Happy Holiday.”