The following is a quick review of the primary aspects of the Purim holiday:
SHABBAT ZACHOR: On the Shabbat preceding Purim, the weekly maftir is replaced with a special reading from Devarim (Deuteronomy 25:17-19) detailing the commandment to remember the evil perpetrated Amalek upon our exodus from Egypt. According to many, hearing this reading is a biblical obligation and fulfillment of the command to remember Amalek; as such, it is read with exact precision and important for all to be in attendance for its reading. There will be a second reading of Zachor immediately following davening on that Shabbat morning.
TAANIT ESTHER/THE FAST OF ESTHER: Taanit Esther (the Fast of Esther) commemorating the prayers and fasts of the Persian Jews during Haman's evil decree is observed on the day before Purim, Thursday (3/13). The fast begins at dawn (at 5:43 am) and ends at nightfall (at 7:23 PM) -- though one should wait until after hearing the Megillah to eat. Special additional prayers and Torah reading is said at Shacharit and Mincha. In general, the custom is to be more lenient regarding fasting on Tannit Esther. If you have questions as to whether you should fast, please reach out to Rabbi Brander or Yoetzet Halakha Ruthie Braffman Shulman.
MACHATZIT HASHEKEL/HALF SHEKEL: In commemoration of the half shekel donated annually to the Temple at this time of year, it is customary for every Jew to contribute 3 half dollar coins on Purim eve or morning. One places at least $1.50 in the designated basket in order to ‘purchase’ the set of three half dollar coins, lifts up the coins to demonstrate ownership over them, and then deposits them back into the basket as a gift. The funds collected will also go to those in need. Baskets with coins will be out both on Taanit Esther and Purim.
MEGILLAH READING: On Thursday night and Friday morning, both men and women are equally obligated to hear the entire Megillat Esther read live directly from a scroll. If one misses hearing even a single word, s/he has not fulfilled their obligation. It is for this reason that we will have both early and late readings of the Megillah both at night and in the morning -- ensuring that every member of our community will have access to a minyan at which they can fulfill their obligation. If you or someone you know cannot make it to one of our readings, please be in touch so we can make an alternative arrangement.
While the mitzvah is to hear each and every word read from the megillah scroll, if during a reading one misses a word, one should quickly read from their printed text and catch up to where the reader is.
When we answer amen to the reader’s recitation of the Shehechiyanu blessing before megillah in the morning, we should have in mind that this blessing also covers the other mitzvot of the day, as listed below.
MISHLOACH MANOT/PURIM GIFTS: Every person has an obligation to send at least one Mishloach Manot (Purim gift) to another Jew on Purim. Minimally, this package must contain two distinct prepared foods, one cooked or baked. Even though many participate in organizational Mishloach Manot projects to share gifts on Purim, one CANNOT fulfill one's mitzvah that way. In order to fulfill one's actual mitzvah, one should still send at least one homemade Mishloach Manot package on Purim as the mitzvah is “ish le-re’ehu” one individual to another.
MATANOT LE-EVYONIM/PRESENTS FOR THE POOR: To lift the spirits of those in need and enable them to rejoice on Purim, every Jew is obligated to give a monetary gift to two individuals in need on Purim day. These monetary gifts must be delivered on Purim day, and can be delivered through an agent. The gifts should be given in sufficient time for the poor to utilize them during Purim – and for their Purim meals (if they choose). Proper observance of Purim would require the spending of at least as much on this mitzvah as on any of its other mitzvot of the day. Rabbi Brander is happy to collect money on your behalf and distribute it locally and in Israel on Purim day. Money may be deposited in the designated baskets, donated online or given directly to Rabbi Brander. Please make sure checks include Purim in the memo. Funds must be received by 2:30 PM Purim afternoon to ensure dispersal on Purim.
PURIM SEUDAH/FESTIVE PURIM MEAL: A festive meal should be enjoyed by every person. Joyous Purim songs and words of Torah should be shared. When making plans for your Purim Seudah, please have in mind those who may not otherwise have an invitation. The mitzvah of hosting guests is best fulfilled not by inviting close friends but by welcoming those that may otherwise feel neglected. Please give particular consideration to those who may be alone.
Typically, the meal must begin on Purim day before sunset and should be preceded by Mincha. However, this year, Purim falls on a Friday, presenting a fascinating halachic discussion about when to hold the Purim Seudah while also properly preparing for Shabbat. There are two primary customs regarding the timing of the meal.
One approach is to have the Purim meal in the morning, ensuring that one will be hungry for the Friday night Shabbat meal. This is based on the idea that a Purim meal should be a significant event, but not at the expense of the honor of Shabbat. By eating earlier in the day (finishing by 3:58 PM), one can fully celebrate Purim while arriving at the Shabbat table with an appetite, as emphasized by many halachic authorities and is the requirement on other Fridays of the year. The second approach is to begin the Purim meal later in the day and allow it to flow into Shabbat, breaking for candle lighting and Kiddush. While intriguing, this custom, known as Poreis Mapa U’Mekadesh, suffers from few halakhic and practical complexities. As such, it is recommended to use the first option this year to fulfill this special Purim mitzvah (as recommended by the Rama, Maharil and Rav Hershel Schachter).
AVEILIM/MOURNERS: People in their time of mourning should still go to Shul to hear Megillah. A mourner does not customarily receive Mishloach Manot (though his/her family may) though is still obligated to send a single Mishloach Manot to another Jew. Mourners should participate in a small, private Purim seudah, rather than a large assembly with excessive levity.
Mon, March 10 2025
10 Adar 5785
