1. Myth: Yom Tov and Shabbat Play by the Same Rules
Shabbat and Yom Tov are both work-free times, so it’s easy to assume that the rules governing them are identical.
Fact: Some Types of Work Are Allowed on Yom Tov
There are 39 categories of work forbidden on Shabbat, but on the festivals, certain activities related to preparing food are allowed—as long as they couldn’t have been done beforehand, or if doing them in advance would leave you with a lower-quality dish.1 That’s why cooking is permitted on Yom Tov, following certain guidelines. Unlike Shabbat, it’s also permissible to carry outdoors.
Read: How to Celebrate Yom Tov
2. Myth: You Can Light a Fire Freely
To cook on Yom Tov, you need a flame. It’s commonly assumed that there’s no restriction on lighting a fire, whether by striking a match or turning on the oven or stove.
Fact: You Need a Pre-Existing Flame
If your gas stove is already on a low flame, you’re allowed to raise it on Yom Tov. Likewise, you may light a match from a candle that’s already burning. But you may not strike a match or ignite a flame from scratch,2 and lowering a flame is also problematic.3
3. Myth: Eruv Tavshilin Lets You Cook as Usual
Cooking on Yom Tov for the next day is generally forbidden. When Yom Tov falls on Friday, and food must be prepared for Shabbat, a procedure called Eruv Tavshilin is performed on the eve of the holiday. It’s often assumed this lets you cook on Friday for Shabbat just as you normally would.
Fact: The Food Needs to Be Ready on Time
Part of the halachic logic behind Eruv Tavshilin is that if guests happened to show up unannounced, you’d be able to serve them the food that very day. Therefore, everything cooked on Friday must be ready early enough for there to be time, in theory, to eat it before sunset.4
4. Myth: The Second Day Is Optional
In the Diaspora, the holidays come in two-day sets (the first two and last two days of Sukkot; the first two and last two days of Passover; the two days of Shavuot). Since the Torah only mentions one day, many assume the second day is an optional extra.
Fact: It's a Must, Except in Israel
In ancient times, the first day of each Hebrew month was determined by the High Court in Jerusalem based on eyewitness sightings of the new moon. Communities far from Jerusalem, unsure exactly when the month had begun, kept two days out of caution. Even after a fixed calendar was established, the Sages instructed all Diaspora communities to keep this tradition going.5 Halachically, the second day carries the same weight and importance as the first.6
Read: Why Do We Still Celebrate Holidays for Two Days in the Diaspora?
5. Myth: Yizkor Is the Most Important Part
For many, the highlight of the holiday services is Yizkor, the prayer recited to honor our departed loved ones and pledge charity in their memory.
Fact: Plenty of Other Parts Matter Just as Much
Yizkor is meaningful, but it’s far from the only important piece. There are special holiday Amidah prayers and Torah readings, along with unique elements like Hallel and the Priestly Blessing. Some holidays bring their own signature moments too, like the shofar on Rosh Hashanah or circling the bimah with the Four Species on Sukkot.
And let’s not forget the Shema, recited twice daily. This simple yet powerful declaration of faith is arguably the most important part of the prayer service all year round!
6. Myth: You Can Drive to Synagogue If It’s Far
Getting to synagogue is a huge part of what makes the holiday feel special. Some may feel that that’s important enough to override the restriction on driving. After all, you’re not driving to work or for leisure, but for something spiritual!
Fact: You Still Cannot
As tough as it may be to accept, driving on the holiday—or on Shabbat, for that matter—is never permitted. If walking to synagogue isn’t an option, it’s better to stay home and pray privately as best you can.
7. Myth: “Yom Tov” Is a Torah Term
The Hebrew word for holiday is Yom Tov. Pretty obvious, right?
Fact: The Torah Actually Calls It “Chag” or “Mo’ed”
Search through all Five Books of Moses, and you won’t find the term “Yom Tov” even once. Instead, the Torah calls these special days “Chag”7 (festival) or “Mo’ed”8 (appointed time).
So where does “Yom Tov” (“good day”) come from? It’s how the Book of Esther describes Purim.9 The Mishnah began applying it to all the holidays, and from there it became standard usage throughout Torah literature. Ironically, from a halachic standpoint, Purim isn’t even considered a Yom Tov at all!
8. Myth: You Can Carry Anything Outdoors
Carrying is a unique exception among the 39 types of work, permitted on Yom Tov even outside the context of food preparation. This has led many to assume you can carry whatever you like outdoors on Yom Tov, even without an eruv (aside from muktzeh items).
Fact: Only Items You Need
This exception is limited to items you’ll have use for on Yom Tov. You may carry your tallit or Siddur to the synagogue, or bring along toys and treats for the kids. But you may not carry something you have no use for that day. For example, if you have a spare key in your pocket you won’t be needing, remove it before heading outside.10
9. Myth: The Intermediate Days Are Ordinary Weekdays
On Sukkot and Passover, the first and last days of Yom Tov bookend Chol Hamoed, the “intermediate days”—five on Sukkot and four on Passover. Since much of the work restriction is lifted during this time, many assume these days are essentially regular weekdays.
Fact: Some Restrictions Still Apply
While many restrictions are indeed lifted, others remain. For example, while driving a car and using electricity are permitted, going to work, doing laundry, and writing are subject to certain limitations.11
10. Myth: Holidays Are Boring
No TV, no internet, and plenty of restricted activities—Yom Tov is bound to feel long and dull. And since Yom Tov runs twice as long as Shabbat, that’s double the boredom, right?
Fact: It’s Actually a Blast!
There’s so much to do and experience, there’s never a dull moment! From meaningful prayers to festive family meals to one-of-a-kind holiday rituals, there’s always something happening. It’s no wonder that the holidays are the highlight of the year for children and adults alike!
Start a Discussion