Daf Yomi - Moed Katan 13 - Shopping on Chol Hamoed

By Rabbi Doniel Neustadt

Question: When is it permitted to go shopping on Chol ha-Moed?
Discussion: Generally speaking, it is forbidden to go shopping on Chol ha-Moed for items that will not be needed on Chol ha-Moed or the last days of Yom Tov (or the Shabbos following Yom Tov). It is forbidden, for example, to go shopping for clothing, household goods or sefarim which will not be used until after Yom Tov is over.[1]
In addition, l’chatchilah one should stock up on all of his non-food Yom Tov and Chol ha-Moed needs in advance so that he will not need to go shopping on Chol ha-Moed at all. One must, therefore, think ahead and stock up on whatever toiletries, clothing, shoes, household goods and Judaica items one may need during those days.[2] But if for any reason any one of these items is needed for Chol ha-Moed or Yom Tov, it is permitted to purchase it.
Buying fresh foods such as bakery products, fruits and vegetables, dairy products or delicatessen items is permitted on Chol ha-Moed without restriction. One need not stock up and freeze such foods in advance to avoid shopping on Chol ha-Moed. Moreover, even non-perishable food items, staples and beverages may be bought on Chol ha-Moed l’chatchilah, and one need not stock up on them in advance.[3]
Question: Is it ever permitted to go shopping on Chol ha-Moed if the purchases will not be used until Yom Tov is over?
Discussion: Under certain circumstances it is permitted to go shopping on Chol ha-Moed even if the purchases will not be used until Yom Tov is over:
• It is permitted to buy a gift which will be given on Chol ha-Moed, even though the recipient will not use the gift on Chol ha-Moed.[4]
• It is permitted to shop on Chol ha-Moed if the item will not (or may not) be available after Chol ha-Moed.[5]
• It is permitted to shop on Chol ha-Moed if one must be out of town after Chol ha-Moed and will not be able to buy the item elsewhere.[6]
• It is permitted to shop on Chol ha-Moed if the item is on a special sale (such as a clearance or an end-of-season sale) and will cost considerably more after Yom Tov.[7] It is advisable to consult a rav to determine what exactly is considered “considerably more” in this case.[8]
• It is permitted to buy a large quantity of any item (even if only a small amount is needed for Chol ha-Moed) if one can get a better price by buying the larger quantity.[9]

[1] See O.C. 539:1, 12.
[2] Harav S.Z. Auerbach (Shemiras Shabbos k’Hilchasah 67, note 130); Mo’adim u’Zemanim 4:300, s.v. vechol.
[3] See O.C. 533:1.
[4] Chol ha-Moed k’Hilchasah 10, note 147.
[5] O.C. 539:5.
[6] Igros Moshe, O.C. 5:36-3.
[7] Mishnah Berurah 533:16; 539:29, 43.
[8] Shemiras Shabbos k’Hilchasah 67:30.
[9] Igros Moshe, O.C. 5:36-3.