Positive Mitzvah 166;
Negative Mitzvah 327;
Positive Mitzvah 167;
Negative Mitzvot 328, 199

We are commanded to regard the first day of Sukkot as a holy day. We must rest and stop all weekday activity (see Negative Mitzvah 327).

We are commanded not to do work on the first day of Sukkot.

Outside of Eretz Yisrael, this Negative Mitzvah applies to the second day, as well, which is still Yom-Tov.

We are commanded to regard the eighth day of Sukkot as a sacred day. We must rest and stop all weekday activity (see Negative Mitzvah 328).

We are commanded not to do work on the eighth day of Sukkot.

This is the holiday of Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.

Outside of Eretz Yisrael, these are two separate holidays and we may not work on either of them.

Introduction to Mitzvot 197 - 201

The Prohibitions against "Chametz"

The holiday of Pesach marks the Exodus of the Jewish People from Egypt and the birth of our nation.

The Torah speaks about Pesach many times and gives us many Mitzvot which must be followed during Pesach.

One of the most important Mitzvot of Pesach is not to eat or own any "chametz" - leavened dough.

"Chametz" symbolizes something which has risen high; someone who is proud and haughty.

The Egyptians were a conceited and proud people who worshipped idols.

They refused to accept HaShem, the only One G-d.

Indeed, Pharaoh, the king of Egypt asked, "Who is G-d and why should I listen to Him?"

HaShem answered Pharaoh's question by taking the Jews out of Egypt, splitting the Red Sea, and drowning the mighty Egyptian army.

On Pesach, when we remove all our "chametz" we confirm our acceptance and belief in HaShem, the One and only G-d.

The following Mitzvot caution us not to eat or own "chametz" on Pesach.

We are forbidden to eat any Chametz after noontime on the fourteenth day of Nissan.

This is the time when the sacrifice for Passover is brought in the Beit HaMikdash. It is forbidden to offer the Paschal Sacrifice while still eating or owning Chametz.