chol hamoed
We are currently in the midst of a very interesting week. Not only are the Giants on a two-game winning streak, and not only are the baseball playoffs beginning, but the entire week is also Chol Hamoed Sukkot, or the "Intermediate Days" of Sukkot. The name "Chol Hamoed" implies that these days are more sacred than regular weekdays, but not quite as holy as full festival days.
Sukkot features five Intermediate Days. The fifth of these days is given a special name, Hoshana Rabba. During Chol Hamoed, there are no prohibitions on work, use of electricity, etc. No weddings take place, however, and we do not mourn for the dead. During Chol Hamoed, morning services are extended to include complete Hallel (the service of Praise), Torah reading (every day, not simply Monday and Thursday, as during a normal week), and Musaf (additional service). There is disagreement as to whether or not Tefillin should be worn during Chol Hamoed. The Ashkenazic (Eastern European) custom is to wear Tefillin because work is permitted. The Sephardic (Spanish) custom is not to wear Tefillin because the Intermediate Days retain some of the special characteristics of the full festival days, during which Tefillin are not worn.
On Chol Hamoed Sukkot, we are still obligated to eat in the Sukkah and recite the blessings over the lulav and etrog as on the first two days.
Have a good week, and remember that it is still Z’man Simchateynu, so be happy.
This page was originally created by John Davis and Michael Kay, and can be found at http://www.people.cornell.edu/pages/jdd16/guide/.
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