There is a mitzva to rejoice on a festival. In this regard, the talmudic Sages said that the recommended way to treat a festival is to “divide it: Half for God, and half for yourselves” (Beitza 15b). In other words, there must be a balance between activities “for God,” such as prayer and Torah study, and activities “for yourselves,” such as enjoying festive meals.

One expresses delight in the festival, among other ways, by eating the obligatory two meals, one in the evening and the other during the day. One is obligated to eat bread at these meals, as in the Shabbat meals. But for the festival meals it is a mitzva to increase one’s consumption of meat and other fine dishes, and to drink wine, even more than on Shabbat. All this is done in order to increase the joy of the festival.

On a festival, unlike on Shabbat, there is no obligation to eat a third meal in the afternoon.

Despite the emphasis on joy on festivals, one must not forget that it is a holy day. It is therefore appropriate to dedicate a large part of one’s time to prayer and Torah study, more than on weekdays.

In Grace after Meals, as well as in the blessing known as “Me’ein Shalosh” (which is recited after eating grain-based foods or fruits that are included in the seven species of produce mentioned in connection with the Land of Israel), one adds a reference to the festival. In Grace after Meals this is done by reciting a passage known as Ya’aleh VeYavo, which includes a reference to the specific festival being observed.

Further reading: For more on festivals, see A Concise Guide to Mahshava, p. 53.