Moed Katan 14 - January 26, 24 Shvat

Today’s daf is sponsored by Sondria Atkin in loving memory of her grandmother, Rochel bat Harry on her 39th yahrzeit. 

Who is permitted to shave or launder during chol hamoed? Why it is forbidden to shave on chol hamoed? Rabbi Zeira asked: If due to circumstances beyond his’s control, he was not able to shave before the holiday, would he be permitted to shave on chol hamoed – should we say it wasn’t his fault or should we worry that others may not know that it wasn’t his fault and may learn from there that one could shave on chol hamoed? Abaye says, how can we distinguish between different people – if some cannot shave, then all cannot shave. Rav Ashi had a different version of Rabbi Zeira’s question and the answer that was given. The Mishna permits one who was abroad to shave on chol hamoed. The Mishna does not agree with Rabbi Yehuda who says one who was abroad did not leave with permission and therefore cannot shave. Rava limits the debate between the rabbis and Rabbi Yehuda to a case where one left to make a profit. A question is raised on Rava from a braita and is resolved. Shmuel taught that a child born on the holiday can get his hair cut on the holiday if it is needed. An inference is made and a question is raised against the inference. Rav Ashi resolves the issue. A different version of Shmuel’s statement and the ensuing discussion is brought. Mourning practices do not take place on the holiday whether or not they began before the holiday or after. Are excommunication laws practiced on the holiday? Rav Yosef brings a source to derive an answer but Abaye has a retort. Abaye brings our Mishna to answer the question, but Rava rejects his proof. Does a leper have to keep all the laws of distancing on the holiday? Abaye tries to prove it from our Mishna, but the proof is rejected. Rava brings his own source to find an answer.