Talking Talmud

Chapter 3. Who can shave and take a haircut on Chol HaMoed? Who can do laundry? And what items can be laundered? Plus, oddly, a newborn who can have a haircut on Chol HaMoed. Also, the positive commandment of celebrating the holiday as a community, and how it can override an individual's obligation in mourning, for example. Which begins to open up the conversation about mourning in the context of Chol HaMoed too.

A Canaanite slave and the value for such a person to be a member of a Jewish household. Plus, 3 mishnayot. So, no large purchasing land or large animals, etc., unless it's for the needs of the holiday, for yourself, or to provide the most basic of income to the seller. And other activities that are prohibited, but context will determine whether there's room to permit them. Also, emmer wheat.

The atmosphere of Chol HaMoed, and what can be done by whom... Sometimes, even that which is technically permissable isn't advisable, especially depending on who you are. Also, one who is in the process of making wine, when interrupted... either one should continue over Chol HaMoed, or one should pause the process, both approaches being concerned about "davar ha-aved." Plus, one can harvest to protect the fruit from thieves or to protect flax from getting wrecked - as long as it wasn't planned for Chol HaMoed specifically.

Constructing a layman's railing, or plaster the oven, and other such labors at the amateur level, even if a professional might also do them, where the professional work is not acceptable on Chol HaMoed, but the homegrown version is permitted. Plus, the noisy construction that took place in Jerusalem until Yochanan the High Priest curtailed it. Note also the connection to "davar ha-aved" - to preventing significant financial loss - and what is permitted when. Also, chapter 2! One who is interrupted from an ongoing process of labor (here, specifically, turning over olives for olive oil), whether because of the death of a close relative or an accident or false reports by one's workers.... That task can be continued on Chol HaMoed. Consider the connection being made here between the mourning period and Chol HaMoed, and also how the halakhot differ with regard to each period of time

Can one build or refurbish a millstone on Chol Hamoed? How does intention play a role on Chol Hamoed?

The daf discusses how Bnei Yisroel were allowed do eat and celebrate during the dedication of the Beit HaMikdash. Why does a Bat Kol come to reassure the people that they were correct to eat on Yom Kippur. What does this daf tell us about sin, repentance, and the purpose of the Beit HaMikdash

3 mishnayot: Burial over Chol HaMoed, with a real difference of approach as to what it means to bury over the holiday. Also, digging a crypt or building a grave over Chol HaMoed in advance of a death is not allowed, but adjusting one that already has been prepared is acceptable. Plus, a laundry pond. Also, the issues pertaining to getting married over Chol HaMoed - a series of explanations why it's not allowed.

We finally leave agricultural law and now discuss tzaraat. Can a Kohen examine tzaraat on Chol Hamoed and why is this an issue when examining a mezorah is not a melachah

In an agricultural society, the farm makes sense as the focus of Chol HaMoed activity... Including uprooting kilayim - but did they really do that? Isn't that already done in Adar? Of course, the Gemara resolves it, but raises the question why the kilayim were specifically relevant to Chol HaMoed... On the side of cheap labor. But then how much do you have to uproot to rid yourself of kilayim? Plus, 2 mishnayot - one on watering trees and plants, according to the Chol HaMoed schedule. And one on trapping moles and mice that populate one's field, even on Chol HaMoed. [With apologies for my sneezing - the mic is sometimes a little too sensitive! - AG]

More on cisterns... And their role in serving the public need for water as compared to an individual's need. So can a cistern really be dug on Chol HaMoed or not? Which leaves us with the "Anatomy of the Psak" on this. Also, the marking of graves, and the need to be careful with regard to tumah and taharah. Different parts of the body were specifically marked, for this practical halakhic consideration. Plus, Beit HaPras, the field strewn with bones.