You intentionally delayed repairing your fence so you'd have time during Chol HaMoed. Can you repair it?
H4: A sharp rule. The loss-prevention permission exists for genuine emergencies. If you deliberately pushed work into Chol HaMoed, it's forbidden — and the Rambam adds: you derive no benefit from it.
Question 2
A skilled tailor needs to sew during Chol HaMoed. How must he sew?
H5: Professionals must downgrade to amateur quality. An ordinary person may work normally. But a craftsman's normal work is too "weekday" — the imperfection IS the message.
Question 3
Why are haircuts forbidden during Chol HaMoed?
H17: Behavioral engineering by the Sages. The ban ensures people enter the festival already groomed. Remove the option → people prepare properly. The labor itself isn't the issue.
Question 4
Can you write a Torah scroll during Chol HaMoed?
H13: Even Torah scrolls, tefillin, and mezuzot. Professional writing is forbidden regardless of its sacred purpose. Social notes and budget calculations (casual writing) are permitted.
Question 5
Community road repairs during Chol HaMoed — permitted or forbidden?
H10: Public needs (roads, mikvaot, water systems) may be addressed publicly during Chol HaMoed. The community exemption recognizes that the whole people benefits.