Constructing a layman’s railing, or plaster the oven, and other such labors at the amateur level, even if a professional might also do them, where the professional work is not acceptable on Chol HaMoed, but the homegrown version is permitted. Plus, the noisy construction that took place in Jerusalem until Yochanan the High Priest curtailed it. Note also the connection to “davar ha-aved” – to preventing significant financial loss – and what is permitted when. Also, chapter 2! One who is interrupted from an ongoing process of labor (here, specifically, turning over olives for olive oil), whether because of the death of a close relative or an accident or false reports by one’s workers…. That task can be continued on Chol HaMoed. Consider the connection being made here between the mourning period and Chol HaMoed, and also how the halakhot differ with regard to each period of time
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