| Halakhic texts relating to this article | |
|---|---|
| Mishneh Torah: | Hilkhot Shevitat Yom Tov 6:22–24, 7, and 8. |
| Shulchan Aruch: | Orach Chaim 530–548. The original and a user-contributed partial translation are available online. |
| Other rabbinic codes: | Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 104[usurped], 105[usurped], and 106[usurped]. |
Chol HaMoed (Hebrew: חול המועד), a Hebrew phrase meaning "mundane of the festival", refers to the intermediate days of Passover and Sukkot. As the name implies, these days mix features of chol (mundane) and moed (festival).[1]
On Passover, Chol HaMoed consists of the second day through to the sixth day of the holiday (the third through to the sixth in the Diaspora). On Sukkot, Chol HaMoed consists of the second day through to the seventh day (the third through to the seventh in the Diaspora).[1][2]
The special mitzvahs for the entire holiday are observed during the Chol HaMoed. During Chol HaMoed Sukkot, the commandments of dwelling in a Sukkah, taking the Lulav, and reciting Hallel apply, and during Chol HaMoed Pesach, there is a prohibition on Chametz.[2]
Although it has a unique name, Hoshanah Rabbah, the seventh day of Sukkot, is part of Chol HaMoed. This day is only on Sukkot, not on Passover. Prayer services that day combine some usual practices of Chol HaMoed with practices of both Yom Tov and the High Holy Days.[1]