Laws of Purim

Machatzis HaShekel – half Shekel

There is a custom to give 3 half-coins to charity during the month of Adar. This custom is not connected to Purim, but it became widespread to do it at Mincha of Taanis Ester.

One can obtain 3 half-dollars from the bank.

Usually synagogues (like Heritage) will have 3 half-dollars. In this case a person buys these 3 half-coins by putting his money (dollar-and-a-half or more) into the tzedaka box and then lifting the 3 half-coins.

The custom is for a man to give each of 3 half-coins on behalf of himself and all his sons (and for pregnant wife, in case she will give birth to a boy).

These money are used to help poor people. Maaser money cannot be used.

Taanis Ester – the Fast of Ester

Technically this fast is not connected to Ester. It is done in memory of the ware that Jews fought on the 13th of Adar.

This year fast starts on Thursday, March 13 at 4:22 AM and ends 6:35 PM.

Healthy men and women are obligated to fast.
Pregnant or nursing don’t fast.
If one has a headache, feels weak or sick, one should not continue fasting.

Mitzvos of Purim:

1. Reading Megilas Ester at night and during the day
2. Mishloach manos – giving food to one another
3. Matonos le’evyonim – giving money to poor
4. Having a festive meal and to drink

1. Reading Megilas Ester

Men and women are obligated to hear the Megila.

Megila is read first time on Purim, SATURDAY NIGHT. Second time Megila is read in the morning of Purim day. Person should not eat or drink until after hearing the Megila.

We listen to 3 brochos before the Megila and 1 brocha after the reading.

We listen the Megila while following it from our own book. We should be very careful to hear every word of the Megila (even if we don’t understand Hebrew). It is praiseworthy to purchase a handwritten scroll.

If one misses some words, he or she should read them from the book and catch up with the reader.

It is a custom to eradicate the memory of Haman by making noise when we hear his name during the Megila reading.

2. Mishloach manos

Men and women are obligated in this mitzvah.

A person has to send 2 types of food (or drink) to at least one person. One should try to send Mishloach Manos to many friends since this increases friendship among us.

Food should be of the type that is ready to be eaten right away without any cooking etc. It should be two types of food, or two types of drink, or food and drink.

Technically there is no minimum size of food or drink, but it should look presentable.
One cannot fulfill this obligation with maaser money. If one sends Mishloach manos to more then one person, he can do it with maaser money.

Husband and wife can send one joint gift. Men send to men and women to women.

Mishloach Manos should not be sent anonymous.

If nobody is at home one should not leave the package at the door, since the person might not get it until after Purim and the mitzvah will not be fulfilled.

Mishloach Manos should be sent and delivered on the day of Purim (during the daytime), not before.

3. Matonos Le’evyonim

Men and women are obligated in this mitzvah.

One must give one food gift or equivalent money amount ($10) to at least 2 people. It should be done on the day of Purim.

One may give a check to the organization (Heritage or Chicago Chesed Fund) since the equivalent amount of cash will be delivered on the day of Purim to the poor. In this case, a check may be given even before Purim.

A husband can give the double amount: one for himself and one on behalf of his wife.

Maaser money cannot be used.

On Purim one must be extra generous and give to anybody who might be poor.

4. Having a festive meal and drinking

Men, women and children should have a festive fleishig meal on Purim day. It is a mitzvah to get drunk with wine. Some authorities permit other alcoholic beverages. Men are allowed to get drunk only if they will not start behaving inappropriately. Women do not have to get drunk.

It is a custom to dress up in different costumes on Purim.
There is also a custom to make a Purim shpiel, a funny play depicting a Purim story.

HAPPY PURIM!