Are women obligated or merely encouraged to refrain from melachah on Rosh Chodesh?

Synopsis

The Mechaber describes women's abstention from work as a 'good custom.' The Biur Halacha raises a major unresolved question: is this a binding obligation on all women by virtue of ancestral practice, or merely praiseworthy for those who already follow it? The Aruch HaShulchan and Mishnah Berurah add further nuance about communal practice.

Early Acharonim
Late Acharonim
Lenient
Strict
Lesser cited
Major authority

Discussion

Discussion coming soon.

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