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Hol HaMo‘ed - Intermediate Days of a Holiday

We say that these days, also, are designated as holidays and holy convocations, since they come under the statement, "These are the holidays of YHWH, holy convocations" (Wayyiqra’ 23:4), which forms the preamble to all the holidays. They are also comprised in the statement, "These are the holidays of YHWH which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations" (Wayyiqra’ 23:37).

We are forbidden on these days to engage in gainful occupations, commerce, and trades, except on the extend that we are compelled to, in order to provide for our livelihood, and to prevent danger to life. This applies, for example, to the irrigation of fields and gardens. Likewise, we may prepare medications and do bloodletting and other things required in the treatment of diseases. We may also bury the dead and do all things necessary for human safety. We may press fruit which would otherwise dry out, gather fruits which might spoil and sell and receive payment for them. We may store our crops in storehouses and remove flax from the vats in which it is soaking when there is danger of its rotting. We may remove wool from the dyeing vats before the becomes damaged. In general we may do everything that is urgent and cannot be neglected when failure to do so may cause harm. We may not engage in other worldly endeavors, this includes contracting or consummating a marriage, unless it be the case of remarrying a divorced wife.