B"H

Monday, Adar2 11, 5782 / March 14, 2022

We are now in the week of Purim which will be celebrated Wednesday night, March 16 & Thursday, March 17.

The following five mitzvot are associated with Purim:

1) Megilat Esther.  Purim night, (Wednesday night, March 16), and again on Thursday, (March 17), we are obligated to hear the reading of the Megilat Esther, in which the miracle of Purim is recorded.

It is preferable to hear the Megilah reading in Shul, for it is better to have the Megilah read for a greater amount of people, as it brings greater honor to G-d for His performance of the miracle. However, if one cannot participate in the congregational service, one still has the obligation to hear the reading of the Megilah. In that case arrangements should be made for a private reading.

The Megilah should be read from a kosher Megilah-scroll.

2)  Reciting the Al HaNisim.  Al Hanisim is a prayer in which we thank G-d for the miracle of Purim.  We recite it on Purim during the three Amidah prayers, (evening, morning and afternoon) and in the Grace-after-Meals.

3)  Mishloach Manot - sending gifts.  On Purim day (Thursday), we send gifts of ready-to-eat food (not something which needs cooking).  The minimum requirement is to send at least two kinds of foods to at least one person.  However, it is customary to send to more than just one friend.

4)  Matanot LaEvyonim - gifts to the poor.   On Purim day (Thursday), we must give charity to at least two needy people. 

Although one fulfills the mitzvah when giving only to two poor people, our sages say that on Purim it is preferable to give a donation to, "whoever stretches out their hand." Thus, it is customary that on Purim we distribute more charity than usual.

5)  Seudat Purim - Purim meal.  During the day of Purim (Thursday) we eat a sumptuous and festive meal as befitting the celebration of this great miracle.

Purim is the most joyful holiday. As a result, we go a bit over the top in celebrating and expressing our happiness.  During Purim it is a mitzvah to have a L’chayim or two…

Q.  Why is it customary to drink "L'chayim" on Purim?

A.  The Megilah tells us that the miracle of Purim was a result of banquets of wine. In the Megilah we read that Haman's downfall came about at a wine party, when Esther revealed to the king that she was Jewish and that Haman’s decree against the Jewish people would kill her together with her people. Since wine played a major role in the miracle of Purim, we drink a few L’chayims on Purim.

HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY