Q&A: Working on Chol HaMoed
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Working on Chol HaMoed
Question
Hello Rabbi
I’m a cashier at Max Stock. A young man before army service. I asked not to be scheduled on Chol HaMoed, and the manager tried, and next week I won’t be working, but this coming Friday she said she wasn’t able to move things around. What is the halakhic ruling? Does the Rabbi have any particular suggestion? Thank you.
Answer
I don’t think there is a problem. First, food stores are for the needs of the festival. And if the store is permitted to be open, then obviously it is also permitted to work there. Second, this is a case of financial loss.
Discussion on Answer
Ah, sorry. I thought it was a supermarket. If so (that there isn’t shopping there for festival needs), then only the second leniency applies, but it is sufficient.
Thank you, Rabbi! Max Stock isn’t a food store, but people do buy lots of craft items, kitchen utensils, containers, and all kinds of stock merchandise, plastics, etc. Would it still be okay?