Spiritual Practices to Unlock the Power of Purim

Following are spiritual practices that are especially powerful for the holiday of Purim

The Fast of Esther

The day of the Fast of Esther is especially suited for having our prayers accepted. Therefore, a person should dedicate time to reciting Tehillim, particularly the psalm “For the Conductor, upon Ayelet HaShachar” (Psalm 22), and afterward pour out their heart before God and present their requests.

The Megillah Reading – Night and Day

During the reading of the Megillah, a great flow of blessing descends upon a person, both spiritually and materially. One can merit blessing in areas such as children, life, health, and livelihood.

In addition, at the time of the reading, God grants atonement for the sins of Israel, even for the most severe transgressions. The author of She’erit Yisrael notes that even the gravest sins are forgiven during the reading.

The mercy that was awakened for Israel at that time is renewed each year during the Megillah reading. This is why, after the reading, we say “Kaddish Titkabel,” since the Megillah itself contains hidden prayers and supplications within its verses. During Kaddish, we ask God to accept our requests with favor.

Purim Night and Day

Studying Torah on the night of Purim and during the day itself is considered a powerful spiritual practice. The Talmud teaches that one who studies Torah during these times — when many people are occupied with other matters, receives the reward of many, and merits a child who will illuminate the world with Torah.

Through Torah study, the power of Amalek is weakened, and the erasure of Amalek brings blessing even to those struggling with infertility.

It is also said: “Whoever studies Torah between the night Megillah and the day Megillah is assured a share in the World to Come,” and “The day of Purim is as great as the day the Torah was given.” For this reason, many communities remain awake on Purim night studying Torah.

The Chida wrote that if Torah were studied properly on Purim, redemption would surely come.

The Morning of Purim

The book Segulot Yisrael writes that it is beneficial to rise early on Purim morning and increase prayer and supplication for every need including children, life, livelihood, and all personal matters, as well as for loved ones. On this day, it is described as “a great time of favor, when all the worlds are filled with joy and goodwill.”

The Pele Yoetz writes that even an individual’s personal prayer on Purim is beloved before God and is accepted.

It is fitting to wake early. Rising promptly and praying in the morning can weaken the power of Amalek. Morning prayer at sunrise is considered a time of healing, associated with the angel Raphael. Our sages also teach that prayers said in the morning are accepted without strict judgment.

Rabbi Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin explained that Purim is a time when salvation can come even beyond the natural order, because on Purim the Jewish people were saved from a decree of death.

Rabbi Yitzchak Isaac of Komarna wrote that on Purim every person can reach elevated spiritual levels, and that prayers ascend freely without obstruction.

Repentance Out of Love

Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev explains that Purim resembles Yom Kippur, a day when God forgives Israel’s sins. Therefore, a person should express regret for the past and accept firm resolutions for the future.

When one hears the Megillah, God bestows purity upon them, making it an ideal time to decide not to return to wrongdoing.

Purim is a special time for repentance. What can be achieved on Yom Kippur through repentance out of awe can be achieved on Purim through repentance out of love. One who returns to God with humility will be accepted and blessed with righteous children and eternal reward.

The Purim Meal

It is written in the Megillah: “The king said to Esther at the wine feast, ‘What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it shall be granted.’”

The King alludes to God Himself. During the festive meal, it is as if God says to Israel: “What is your request?” This is considered a special time of divine favor.

Mishloach Manot

Purim is regarded as a time especially favorable for blessing in children. In the name of the Seer of Lublin, it is said that God Himself fulfills the mitzvah of Mishloach Manot by giving “one man” (children) to “his friend,” meaning Israel.

It is also written that Mishloach Manot and gifts to the poor can remove many illnesses.

The Power of Prayer on Purim

The book Divrei Yechezkel teaches that whatever Israel asks of God on Purim can be accepted. Other sources write that Purim is a time especially suited for salvation through prayer, even in matters of children and family.

Many people have the custom to recite the entire Book of Tehillim early on Purim morning, since it is considered a time of favor similar to Yom Kippur.

Gifts to the Poor

The Shulchan Aruch rules that on Purim we do not scrutinize those who request charity — anyone who extends a hand is given. Because we follow this principle, God likewise forgives and pardons each person’s sins when they sincerely seek forgiveness.

Giving charity opens the gates of mercy. However, one should not give charity merely so that others will pray on their behalf; rather, the intention should be to fulfill the mitzvah sincerely, and God will assist.

It is taught that one who distributes money to charity receives strength to heal the body and soul. Rabbi Zev Wolf HaLevi, in Or HaMeir, explains that charity has an especially powerful spiritual root, particularly on this day, and that charity protects from harm and even saves from death.

He adds a symbolic teaching: within the Hebrew word “matanot” (gifts) lies the word “tenu” (“give”), placed between the letters that form “met” (“dead”), hinting that when a person gives of themselves, they break the pattern of death and are granted protection.