Yom Tov and Shabbat

There are differences in the observance of Yom Tov, as compared with Shabbat and Yom Kippur.
The Torah lists different penalties for the violation of these sacred days. Shabbat is the most strict for one who does a Melacha, act of labor, on Shabbat, receives a death penalty by stoning.
Yom Kippur carries with it the penalty of Karet, for either eating or doing a Melacha on this day. Karet is very severe as it is a punishment administered in Heaven. One could die young, or even lose his share in the next world. Repentance is always available to atone for this sin.
The violation of Yom Tov is punishable by lashes by the court. This is not meant to minimize the importance of these days, but perhaps is meant to put us in a more relaxed and joyous manner.
All of the thirty nine Melachot of Shabbat are applicable on Yom Tov except for carrying from one domain to the other, slaughtering, baking and cooking, and kneading the dough in preparation for cooking.
The Torah refers to cooking as אוכל נפש, or food for the soul. Refrigeration was a problem in Talmudic times and when Yom Tov was observed for two days, and in ran into Shabbat, it was difficult to keep food fresh. This was the explanation as to why these Melachot were permitted. Nevertheless, the day was not meant to be spent working too hard. This is why we have the term, מלישה ואילך, “from kneading the dough and onward,” is permitted on Yom Tov.
It is also an obligation to treat the intermediate days of Chol Hamoed with great respect. We are to refrain from working on these days. There is a big difference between Israel and Chutz L’aretz. In Israel, places of business are closed, which is not the case outside of Israel.
For this reason, in Israel Tefillin is not worn during Chol Hamoed. The question is whether a person makes these days more Chol, or profane. If he does, he needs Tefillin. If he makes the days more like Moed, a festival, then Tefillin are not worn.
We should take great care to honor the sanctity of Yom Tov as well as Chol Hamoed.