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As mentioned, all melakha is prohibited on Shabbat. On Yom Tov, melakha necessary to prepare food at home for holiday consumption is permitted (section 12 above). Some types of melakha are permitted on Ĥol Ha-mo’ed, as we shall see.
Since eating good food on Ĥol Ha-mo’ed is part of the mitzva to rejoice on the festival, it is permitted to do whatever is necessary to prepare the food, not only at home, but even in the fields or factories. Therefore, it is permissible to pick fruits and use machines to package them, to slaughter animals or poultry, to produce food in factories, to transport food to markets and stores, to sell it, and to write receipts for the sale. It is also permissible to hire workers to do all of this.
Just as it is permitted to do any melakha necessary to prepare food, so too it is permitted to do any melakha necessary to care for the body. For example, if a window breaks on a cold day, it may be fixed to prevent cold air from blowing into the house. Medical treatment to relieve pain is certainly a bodily need, and is thus permissible. Caring for the body includes all cosmetic treatments, such as removing body hair. The one exception is a haircut, which the Sages forbade on Ĥol Ha-mo’ed, to encourage people to take care of it before the festival. For the same reason, the Sages forbade doing laundry on Ĥol Ha-mo’ed, so that people would accomplish that before the festival. Jewelry and clothing are not considered bodily needs but ordinary holiday needs. Therefore, they may be fixed only if the repair can be done easily (without needing concentration or expertise) and free of charge.
Melakha on Ĥol Ha-mo’ed may be done for a mitzva necessity. Communal requirements are considered mitzva necessities. Therefore, sanitation workers may collect garbage which would otherwise pile up. If streetlights have gone out, electricians may fix them on Ĥol Ha-mo’ed. If a sewer is blocked, creating a public nuisance, it may be fixed even though it requires a professional and the work is difficult and demanding.
Buying and selling is forbidden on Ĥol Ha-mo’ed. This includes clothing, furniture, and other consumer items. Only food and other items necessary for the holiday may be bought during Ĥol Ha-mo’ed.
Short trips are permitted on Ĥol Ha-mo’ed, as anything people enjoy and isn’t too much trouble is considered a festival-related need. To meet such a need, it is permitted to drive a car or use public transportation. Furthermore, in Israel, drivers for public transportation systems may work on Ĥol Ha-mo’ed since they are meeting a communal need.
