The central idea behind a day of Mo'ed, Festival, is that of interrupting our active life to contemplate the truths at the foundation of existence, and to gather strength for the activities of life.

The prohibition of Melacha, activity that Jewish law considers to be a form of work, applies on the first and last two days of the Festival, (the first and last day in Israel) while the intermediate days of the festival have specific laws which allow more forms of work to be performed.

The prohibition of Melacha requires that the transformation and improvement of the material world must stop. However, in a case where further preparation is required for the festival itself, in order for the festival to become a time of Simcha, happiness, certain activities are permitted.

Activity which directly produces "natural enjoyment" for celebration of the festival, Yom Tov, is permitted. Natural, usual and general gratification of the senses are covered by the term "consumed by the soul" because gratification of senses should be elevated and sanctified by Yom Tov, but must be done in a way that conforms with ideas of the Festival. Therefore, "Ochel Nefesh" (the Biblical term "consumed by the soul"), refers almost exclusively to sense of taste. No work is permitted just to gratify smell, sight, hearing etc., as this is either just a refinement or artificial gratification.

Therefore, prohibition of work does not apply to:candles

The preparation of food that could not be done on the previous day.

The preparation of food, whose quality is improved by preparation on Yom Tov.

All food preparation that results in use of food for that day only.

The prohibition does not apply to slaughtering, breading, baking, roasting, cooking, grinding spices (that would otherwise lose flavor), kindling and burning, carrying, extinguishing if indispensable in preparation of food. Other Forbidden Activities - the rest of the 39 Melachot of Shabbat: e.g., plowing, sowing, trapping, building and fashioning utensils, making cheese and butter.

Rabbinic Prohibitions

Things similar to Melacha, activity defined as "work" in Jewish law, - e.g., sharpening knives, producing fire.

Things that might lead to Melacha - e.g., feeding animals not yet caught. Yom Tov Sheni - Second day of Yom Tov in the Diaspora.
Where observed, it is the same as the first day. Tourists in Israel and Israelis in the Diaspora observe this second day.

General Laws of the Festival

Laws of Eruv Tavshilin
When Yom Tov falls on a Thursday and Friday, or on a Friday in Israel, baked and boiled food is put away on the eve of Yom Tov and a declaration is made, which sets a condition which allows one to cook for Shabbat on Yom Tov. This is not a prayer, and it is therefore preferable to say it in a language with which you are familiar. The food with which the declaration is made, known as Eruv Tavshilin, is eaten on Shabbat.

Hallel, praise of G-d for miracles, is recited throughout the seven/eight days of Passover.

Kiddush is recited to sanctify the Festival with words, as it is on Shabbat, although the text of the Kiddush itself makes reference to the festival of Passover specifically. It is said, however, on only the first two and last two days of the Festival, on which Melacha (work) is prohibited - the first and last day in Israel.

After Yom Tov, Havdalah is recited, without spices and without a candle.


Chol Hamo'ed - Intermediate Days of Festival

(a) The Torah commandment to make a Mo'ed is defined by the Rabbis of the Mishna and Talmud.

(b) All Melacha/labor is forbidden except for:

That which will cause loss.
Things which are necessary for the Mo'ed (and could not have been done beforehand).
Unskilled labor which involves little effort (e.g., turning on a light, driving a car). The main purpose of the Mo'ed is to absorb the lessons of the Festival without the distractions of mundane affairs. Therefore, it is correct to study more Torah than usual during the Mo'ed.

It is appropriate to eat meat and drink wine during every day of the Mo'ed.