Rav Eliezer Papo (1770-1828), whose Yahrtzeit occurs on the sixth day of Sukkot, discusses in his work Pele Yoetz the importance of Hol Ha’mo’ed (listen to audio recording for precise citation). He cites the comment of Hazal that whoever disgraces the "Mo’adot" – referring to Hol Ha’mo’ed – forfeits his share in the world to come. Rav Papo laments the fact that many people are unaware of the severity of certain Misvot – such as the celebration of Hol Ha’mo’ed – and thus unwittingly lose their share in the next world. People mistakenly assume that since Hol Ha’mo’ed is not Yom Tob, all activities are permissible, without restriction, and they do not even consult with a Rabbi to learn what is permissible and what is forbidden. They then end up spending the day either tending to their professions, as though it were an ordinary weekday, or wasting time, like playing cards. As a result, many people do not even eat, or eat very little, on Hol Ha’mo’ed, whereas Halacha requires eating and drinking more festively on Hol Ha’mo’ed than he does on ordinary weekdays. The Pele Yoetz urges all people who are "concerned for their souls" to study from books or from a Rabbi the laws of Hol Ha’mo’ed, so they know which activities are forbidden, and to eat and drink more festively on Hol Ha’mo’ed, to ensure that they do not forfeit their share in the eternal life.
The Pele Yoetz also cites in this context the Sages’ comment that "the holidays were given to Israel only so they would involve themselves in Torah." People who do not spend time learning Torah excuse their neglect of Torah learning by claiming that they are preoccupied with making a living. Hol Ha’mo’ed, when we have free time, determines the validity or fallacy of this excuse. If a person fails to spend time studying Torah during Hol Ha’mo’ed, then this demonstrates that he neglects Torah not due to other pressures, but simply out of laziness or indifference. Therefore, the Pele Yoetz writes, he will be punished even for the time he spent working, since he has shown that he would not have learned Torah even if he did not have work responsibilities. Conversely, if a person spends his free time during Hol Ha’mo’ed – and at other opportunities – studying Torah, then he shows that he would truly like to spend all his time learning, but is unable to do so because of the need to earn a living. He will then receive reward even for the time he spends working, as he sincerely wishes to utilize that time for Torah study. In this vein, the Pele Yoetz explains the verse in Tehillim (75:3), "I shall take a ‘Mo’ed’; I shall judge righteously." This means that Hol Ha’mo’ed determines how a person is judged for the time he does not study Torah, as it shows whether or not the person would spend his time learning if he did not have to work.
More generally, the Pele Yoetz adds, a God-fearing person will ensure to set aside regular time for Torah learning, as he otherwise denigrates the Torah. One who fails to learn Torah is called "Nazuf" – rejected by the Almighty. This is especially important on Hol Ha’mo’ed, which is a time of judgment. On Pesah the world is judged with regard to the quantity of its grain, and on Sukkot it is judged with regard to rainfall. The culmination of this judgment occurs on Hoshana Rabba, the final day of Sukkot. Therefore, throughout Hol Ha’mo’ed, and certainly on Hoshana Rabba, we must ensure to perform as many Misvot as possible, especially Torah study, in our effort to secure a favorable judgment.
The Pele Yoetz concludes by writing, "This [discussion] suffices for one who has a heart…"
