Purim Laws Explained: A Practical Step by Step Halacha Guide

Following are important Purim laws, based on the rulings of the Rishon LeTzion, Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef.

Megillah Reading

When Is the Megillah Read?

The Megillah is read at night and again during the day.

Are Women Obligated to Hear the Megillah?

Everyone is obligated to hear the Megillah, including men, women, and converts. Women who cannot come to synagogue, or who cannot hear properly because of noise during the reading, must hear it from someone knowledgeable in the proper reading. The Sages taught that women are obligated because they too were part of the miracle.

Bringing Small Children to the Synagogue

Children should be trained to hear the Megillah. However, very young children who are not yet of educational age should not be brought, since they disturb those who are obligated to listen. Synagogue officials should ensure that excessive noise from graggers or toy guns does not interfere with hearing the Megillah properly.

If the Reader Misses a Word

One must be very precise and not skip even one word, since many authorities hold that missing a single word invalidates the obligation. If noise interrupts, the reader should wait until it stops and repeat the word so everyone can hear.

Reading From a Printed Megillah

Someone holding a non-kosher Megillah should not read along aloud with the reader, but rather listen quietly and fulfill the obligation through hearing.

If You Missed Words During the Reading

Ideally, each person should hold a kosher Megillah to read any missed words. If that is not possible, one may use a printed text to follow along.

Purim Customs

Dressing Up

It is absolutely forbidden for a man to wear women’s clothing or for a woman to wear men’s clothing, even on Purim. It is also proper to avoid this for children.

Using Tithes for Matanot LaEvyonim or Machatzit HaShekel

Money set aside as maaser should not be used to fulfill the basic obligation of matanot laevyonim or the donation for machatzit hashekel. However, any additional giving beyond the minimum obligation may be taken from maaser funds.

Half a Shekel

Where Should the Money Go?

The money should be given to Torah institutions and yeshivot that raise Torah scholars.

How Much Should Be Given?

The amount should equal the value of three silver dirhams, approximately nine grams of pure silver, according to the current yearly price. Someone in financial difficulty may give a half shekel coin.

Who Should Give?

Anyone over twenty years old should give, and some say even from bar mitzvah age and above. Women should also give, and it is proper to give for young children as well.

Matanot LaEvyonim

How Many Gifts Are Required?

Each person must give at least one gift to each of two poor individuals.

How Much Should Be Given?

Halachically, even a small coin fulfills the obligation, but one who fears Heaven should give generously, ideally the value of a meal. Increasing gifts to the poor is considered greater than increasing one’s own festive meal or mishloach manot.

The Purim Meal

What Should Be Eaten?

There is a mitzvah to increase joy through a festive meal. One meal is sufficient, and ideally it should include bread. One should eat meat according to one’s ability, preferably beef if possible, though poultry is acceptable if necessary.

Additions in Birkat Hamazon

Al HaNissim is recited in Birkat Hamazon. If it was forgotten, one does not repeat the blessing but may add a supplication in the HaRachaman section.

When Is the Meal Held?

The main Purim meal must be during the day. A meal held only at night does not fulfill the obligation, though one should still celebrate at night.

Mishloach Manot

What Must Be Included?

Two different types of food must be sent to one person.

When Are They Given?

Mishloach manot are given during the day, not at night.

Must the Food Be Ready to Eat?

Some say the food must be ready to eat, while others even allow uncooked meat. The main opinion permits foods such as canned meat or sardines.

Can Wine Count?

Yes. Sending meat together with a bottle of wine fulfills the obligation, since a drink also counts as one portion.

Different Types of Food

The portions must be two distinct types. Different cuts of meat may count if they differ in taste or preparation.

Giving to Parents or Teachers

A son may send to his father, a teacher to a student, and vice versa, and they fulfill the obligation.

Between Men and Women

It is preferable that men send to men and women to women, to avoid halachic concerns.

Married Women and Children

A married woman does not fulfill her obligation through her husband’s gifts alone. Sons from age thirteen and daughters from age twelve must send their own mishloach manot, and younger children should be educated to do so.

Purim Prayers

Clothing on Purim Night

One should come to synagogue wearing festive clothing.

Ma’ariv on Purim Night

Before Ma’ariv, the psalm “Al Ayelet HaShachar” is recited. Al HaNissim is added in the Amidah even before hearing the Megillah. After the Amidah, half Kaddish is said, and the order of Kedushah is recited after the Megillah reading.

Vidui and certain supplications are omitted because Purim is a time of joy.

Shacharit on Purim Day

Al HaNissim is added in the Amidah. Tachanun is not said. The Torah reading is “Vayavo Amalek.” Afterward, Ashrei is recited, but certain verses mentioning distress are skipped.

The Megillah is read again with its blessings, except Shehecheyanu which was already recited at night. After the reading, specific declarations such as “Arur Haman, Baruch Mordechai” are said, followed by Kedushah and the remaining parts of the service.