Q&A: Tefillin on Hol HaMoed
Originally published:
This is an English translation (via GPT-5.4). Read the original Hebrew version.
Tefillin on Hol HaMoed
Question
Hello Rabbi. I wanted to know your view about putting on tefillin on Hol HaMoed—do you put them on? And what are the reasons for that? Briefly, at any rate.
Answer
I do not put them on. That is the custom in the Land of Israel. See an overview here:
https://www.yeshiva.org.il/ask/96411
and from the sources, also here:
https://www.machonso.org/hamaayan/?gilayon=25&id=926
Discussion on Answer
Sometimes yes. There are no clear rules for defining the parameters of customs, and that itself is a product of custom. Here, the custom in a certain sense interprets the Jewish law.
Does custom have the authority to nullify a Torah-level commandment?