Today’s ushpizin are Yaakov Avinu and the Alter Rebbe.
Shacharis
Tefillin are not worn on Chol Hamoed. Insert Yaaleh Viyavo during Shemoneh Esrei. See below, “Hosafos,” for the laws that apply if you forgot to say Yaaleh Viyavo. After Shemoneh Esrei, say the whole Hallel, along with the na’anuim. Hallel is followed by Hoshanos. Today, the paragraph of Om ani chomah is said. Hoshanos is followed by Kaddish Shalem, Shir Shel Yom, L’david Hashem ori and krias hatorah.
Krias Hatorah
One Sefer Torah is removed from the aron kodesh, from which four aliyos are read. For Kohen, Uvayom hasheini is read; for Levi, Uvayom hashlishi is read; for the third aliyah, Uvayom harevi’i is read; and for the fourth aliyah, Uvayom hasheini and Uvayom hashlishi are read. This is followed by Chatzi Kaddish, hagbah and gelilah. Continue with Ashrei, U’va Letzion and Musaf.
Musaf
Say the Musaf for Shalosh Regalim, inserting the additions for Sukkos where indicated. Where appropriate, replace the words Yom Tov with the word yom. Insert the paragraphs Uvayom Hasheini... Uvayom hashlishi. Say the Sheish Zechiros after davening.
Chol Hamoed Meals
Regarding dipping bread/challah into honey during Chol Hamoed, the Rebbe uses the expression meiheichi teisi (meaning there is no particular reason to do so).
Today’s ushpizin are Yitzchak Avinu and the Mezritcher Maggid. After nightfall, women and girls light candles from an existing flame, saying the berachos of Lehadlik Ner Shel Yom Tov and Shehecheyanu. A man lighting candles should not make the berachah of Shehecheyanu when lighting, as he will say this berachah later when making Kiddush.
At Kiddush tonight, first say Shehecheyanu and then Leisheiv Basukkah. From today and onward, do not say Shehecheyanu when shaking the lulav. Shacharis, Hallel and Musaf are the same as yesterday. For Hoshanos, the paragraph Even shisiyah is said. Krias hatorah is the same as yesterday. The haftorah, however, is different (I Melachim 8:2–21).
Motzoei Yom Tov
When davening Maariv, insert Atah Chonantanu and Yaaleh Viyavo. See below, “Hosafos,” for the laws that apply if you forgot to say Yaaleh Viyavo. Make havdalah in the sukkah, without besamim and a candle. After the berachah of Hamavdil, add the berachah of Leisheiv Basukkah.
Chol Hamoed
Simchas beis hasho’eivah. The Rebbe strongly encouraged rejoicing on Sukkos with singing and dancing, extending the simchah even to the streets. During Chol Hamoed, this is accompanied by musical instruments. “Dance until the street itself dances along!” (Toras Menachem 5745 vol. 1, pp. 245; 282–283)
Free time on Chol Hamoed should be used to learn more Torah, and to influence others to do the same. Over the course of Chol Hamoed, replace (some or all of) the hadassim and aravos, as necessary. An aravah is possul if most of its leaves have fallen off. If only some of its leaves have fallen off, although it is kosher, it should be replaced if easily possible.
