Men do not fulfill their obligation to rejoice during Pesach unless they drink (a revi’it of) wine each day. Children should be given nuts or other edible treats to draw them into the joy of the festival. There is no absolute obligation to eat matzah during Chol Hamoed, but it is considered a mitzvah for one to do so. It is similarly a mitzvah to eat meat to fulfill the requirement of rejoicing during the festival.
Honor Chol Hamoed with good food, drink, and special clothing, like on every festival. It is therefore appropriate to wear Shabbat or Yom Tov clothing, not conducting yourself as if it were an ordinary weekday. Devote time to the study of Torah. The Talmud Yerushalmi states that the reason for the restriction on activities during Chol Hamoed is to facilitate eating, drinking and rejoicing in honor of the festival and for toiling in the study of Torah.
Rav Yosef Yeshaya Braun, shlita, member of the Badatz of Crown Heights, Day-To-Day Halachic Guide, crownheightsconnect.com
