Q&A from the Bais HaVaad Halacha Hotline

Pass Over?

April 10, 2025

Q My supplier is conducting a sale during Chol Hamo’ed Pesach. Must I forgo the buying opportunity? And if a client places a large order during Chol Hamo’ed, may I fulfill it?

A One of the prohibitions of Chol Hamo’ed is engaging in business activities, including buying, selling, settling accounts (O.C. 539:1), and even organizing inventory (Sheivet Halevi 6:67). The reason for this prohibition is that involvement in business distracts one’s focus from the simcha and ruchniyus of Yom Tov (Aruch Hashulchan 539:2).

But there are exceptions:

• If a customer orders merchandise that you might lose money on if it’s not sold now (e.g., it’s getting old), you may sell it to prevent loss (O.C. ibid. 4).
• If there’s no risk of losing the principal but you receive a profitable order, you may sell the merchandise if part of the profit is used for Yom Tov or Chol Hamo’ed needs, like extra food, provided that you wouldn’t have purchased those extras without that profit (ibid.).
• If a very lucrative deal becomes available during Chol Hamo’ed, you may take advantage of it, provided the transaction is done privately (Rama ibid. 1). In this case, some of the profits should still be earmarked for Pesach use, though it is acceptable even if you can afford to buy those items without the profit (Sha’ar Hatziyun ibid. 6). What is considered “very lucrative” varies based on income; it should provide a significant financial boost.
• If an opportunity arises during Chol Hamo’ed that is unlikely to come again soon, you may buy or sell without having to earmark the profits for Pesach use (ibid. 5).