By Rabbi Yair Hoffman

It is the time when most Yeshiva students are back home, and the invariable question comes up � does one have to wash for Chol HaMoed?� And if there is no obligation � is there an inyan to do so?

The Shulchan Aruch (OC 188:7) writes that if one forgot to insert Yaaleh v�Yavo � we do not make him go back and re-recite it.� It is like Rosh Chodesh, since you are not obligated in eating bread on Rosh Chodesh.

However, the Vilna Gaon (sub-paragraph 15) cites a view that Chol HaMoed is like Yom Tov and one is obligated in washing for bread.� This is indicated in the wording of the Gemorah in Sukkah 27a where Rabbi Eliezer says that one must eat 14 meals in the Sukkah.� It further states in Sukkah 42b that Hallel and Simcha apply for 8 days.� It also states in Toras Kohanim , �Honor it with food and drink.�� However, the Vilna Gaon does add that it is not muchrach � clearly indicated.

Rabbi Akiva Eiger in his responsa writes that there is no obligation. The Mogain Avrohom (OC 530:1) writes that even though the Shulchan Aruch (188) indicates that there is no obligation � ideally, lechatchila one should wash on bread.� The Mishna Brurah (530:1) also rules that ideally it is a Mitzvah to wash.

In the Mishna Brurah�s Shaar HaTziyun he writes that the Mitzvah, lechatchilah, is to wash once at night and once in the day like Yom Tov – and not to just rely on two meals in the day.

CONCLUSION

It is not an obligation, however, there is an inyan to wash.

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