Mitzvah #25
Sefer Ha’mitzvos Ha’Katzar (The concise book of mitzvos)
By the Chofetz Chaim

This book lists the Torah mitzvos that can be observed today

First Section – the Positive Commandments

25. It is a positive commandment to rest from work on the first day of Passover

As it says in Vayikra (Leviticus) 23:7, “The first day shall be holy.” Work pertaining to preparing food for the soul is allowable for Jews, but not for non-Jews as it says in Shemos (Exodus) 12:16, “Only that which everyone eats, only that may be done by you.” Anyone that does work that is not pertaining to preparing food negates a positive commandment and breaks a negative commandment of not doing work, as it says in Vayikra 23:7, “All work you shall not do.” (see the section of Negative commandments, halacha 147). Transferring a flame and carrying is allowable even if it is not pertaining to preparing food.

By law of the Sages, every Festival is observed for two days outside the land of Israel. In the land of Israel, the Festival is only one day. But Rosh Ha’Shana is two days even in the land of Israel.

This laws applies in all places and at all times, for men and for women.