Work on Erev Pesach

Question: Am I allowed to go to work on erev Pesach?

Answer: The Mishna (Pesachim 50a) teaches that one may only work in the morning on erev Pesach in places where it is customary to do so. The Yerushalmi (Pesachim 4:1) explains that one should treat the day on which one brings a personal korban as a Yom Tov. As all Jews would bring a korban Pesach on erev Pesach, they would treat the day as a Yom Tov and abstain from work. Tosafos (Pesachim 50a) writes that according to the Yerushalmi it would be forbidden mideoraisa. Rashi (Pesachim 50a), however, writes that chazal instituted this to ensure that one properly disposes of their chametz and prepares for their seder. R’ Ovadia Yosef (Yechave Daas 4:34) argues that even according to Tosafos, it would only be mideoraisa during the times of the Beis Hamikdash.

The Shulchan Aruch (OC 468:2) writes that this applies both to melachos such as sewing, as well as going to work (see Mishna Berura 468:6-7).

The Shulchan Aruch (OC 468:3) writes that one should follow the minhag of one’s community as to whether to abstain from work all day, or only from chatzos (midday). The Rema writes that the practice in his time was to abstain from working in the morning, too. The Mishna Berura (468:1; Biur Halacha 468:1) writes while we no longer offer a korban pesach it is still assur miderabanan to work then (see Ramban, Milchamos Hashem Pesachim 16b).

Nonetheless, the Chayei Adam (2:129:4) writes that many workmen would work in the morning and that was the common practice. Likewise, the Aruch Hashulchan (OC 468:5) writes that nowadays we may be lenient and work until chatzos. R’ Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo, Pesach 8:5) maintained that (even) in Yerushalayim one is allowed to work before chatzos.

In conclusion, one may go to work in the morning on erev Pesach, but one should not do so after chatzos.