Rejoicing on the Festivals

There are four components to the mitzva of rejoicing.

1. The Torah refers to the festivals (and to Shabbat) as “sacred convocations,” which translates into a mitzva to sanctify them with festive meals and celebratory clothes. The Torah also commands us to rejoice on the festivals, so meals and clothes should be even nicer than those of Shabbat.
2. We should do something extra which will permeate the entire festival with joy. This traditionally involves having wine or other alcoholic beverages with the meals (for men), wearing newly bought clothing or jewelry (for women), and having fruit and candy (for children).
3. There is a mitzva to sing, dance, or go on outings, for those who enjoy these activities, as long as they do not detract from the half-day we should dedicate to Torah study.
4. Throughout the festival, there is a mitzva to be in a good mood and to avoid whatever causes anguish. It is therefore forbidden to mourn, eulogize, or fast (section 11 below).

Two meals should be eaten each day of the festival, one at night, and one by day. On Shabbat, in contrast, three meals are required, because of the special nature of Shabbat. While only two meals are required on Yom Tov, they should be more elaborate than those of Shabbat. Eating meat is a mitzva for anyone who enjoys it. Both men and women should drink wine. (However, avoid drinking too much. Getting drunk is not about happiness. Rather it encourages stupidity, lechery, and escapism. We are commanded to rejoice in a way that engages with life and imbues it with meaning and holiness through mitzvot.) Those who do not enjoy drinking wine or eating meat should buy the food and drink they do enjoy before the festival.