Laws & Customs of Purim

The practice to hear Parashat Zachor (which are the last three Pesukim in Parashat Ki Teitzei in Sefer Devarim) traditionally takes place on the Shabbat preceding Purim.  This year, it will be read on erev Purim (Shabbat, March 23rd)  If you are able to attend tefillah and hear the Torah reading at that time you should do so. If you are not able to attend you have the following options:

 

a) If you have access to a Sefer Torah you should read Zachor from the Torah, but without brachot. 

b) If you don’t have access to a Sefer Torah, you should read Zachor from a Chumash. In this case, during the coming summer, when Parashat Ki -Teitzei is read, you should have in mind that you are fulfilling the mitzvah of Zachor with that Torah reading.

c) One can have in mind the obligation to remember Amalek when listening to the Torah reading from Exodus on Purim morning.

Purim is generally preceded immediately by Taanit Esther, the Fast of Esther on the 13th of Adar.  Since the 13th of Adar is Shabbat this year, the fast is pushed back to 11th of Adar (Thursday, March 21st). The fast begins at daybreak – 5:39 am this year, and ends at nightfall – 7:42 pm this year. This fast commemorates the preparation the Jews undertook before standing up for their lives on the 14th of Adar. It is a minor fast, so while there is a strong custom for pregnant women and nursing mothers to fast, if they begin to feel sick or know they cannot fast, they should eat, as should anyone who begins to feel unwell on this day.

It is customary in the month of Adar to give a half-shekel as a remembrance of the head-tax in Temple times which was collected to support communal offerings beginning in Nisan. It is customary to collect Mahatzit Hashekel on Erev Purim prior to Mincha, but some have the practice to give it on Purim morning.  There will be a basket at shul with a bundle of half dollars.  To fulfill the mitzvah, please lift the bundle to acquire it, and then give it to the shul by placing it in the basket. Traditionally, one puts some tzedakah in the basket as well. Those unable to attend shul in person can participate in this custom from home. Set aside three half-dollars to charity while saying “Zecher l’machazit ha-shekel – to remember the mitzvah of giving half a shekel.” You may also appoint someone to be your shaliach to perform this custom.

 All Jewish adults are obligated to read Megillat Esther after nightfall at night and in the daytime, after sunrise.  This obligation can be fulfilled by hearing the Megillah read by another. Three berakhot (blessings) are made over this reading – al mikra megillah (on reading the Megillah), sheasah nisim (Who performed miracles...), and Sheheheyanu (Who kept us alive...). During the day, the Sheheheyanu applies to the other mitzvot of the day as well. One blessing is recited after the Megillah is read as well, thanking God for fighting our fights on our behalf.

This mitzvah was part of the very first celebrations of Purim as described in the Megillah (9:22), and has been interpreted over the ages to refer to giving a minimum amount of money to at least two people, who can then use it for their Purim food or other needs. The distribution of funds should be done on Purim Day. The Rambam, cited by later authorities, stressed that one should spend more money on this mitzvah than on the subsequent two, Mishloach Manot and Seudah (Rambam Megillah 2:17).  To participate, you may bring a donation to shul or you may donate here. You may make a donation at any point before 12:00 pm, knowing that all donations given through the shul will be distributed on Purim day to the needy in the Chicago area and Israel. 

This mitzvah was also part of the very first celebrations of Purim as described in the Megillah (9:22), and entails a celebratory meal. The meal should be eaten in the daytime specifically, and should begin with enough time to eat the bulk of the meal before sundown – 7:08pm this year. The meal, like any festive Jewish meal, should include words of Torah in the spirit of Purim.

 

Some people particularly drink wine to become intoxicated on this day. While the nature of this practice and its scope is the subject of significant debate, what is clear is that one who drinks should do so responsibly.  This year, as the war continues in Israel and over 100 hostages remain in Gaza, it would be appropriate to find a way to enjoy and fulfill the mitzvot of Purim with an ongoing awareness and focus on Ahavat Yisrael and supporting our brothers and sisters in Israel.