Essential Purim Customs and Prayers for Joy, Salvation, and Blessings

Purim is a holiday that can be full of distractions, but it is an exceptionally holy day that offers us opportunity for great blessing. Following are a list of segulot (spiritual practices) for this special day.

Before Going to Hear the Megillah:
Spread a beautiful cloth on the table and light two candles, in honor of Mordechai the Jew and Queen Esther. When you return home, you should find a lit candle, a set table, and a made bed, as written by the Chida.

Tradition of Seeds on the Table:
Some place bowls of seeds on the table in memory of Esther, who, due to dietary restrictions, did not eat the royal food abundant in King Achashverosh's palace, instead eating mainly seeds and nuts.

Maintaining a Positive Atmosphere at Home:
The Chida warns that Purim is a sensitive day for joy. Arguments or quarrels in the house on Purim are a sign of discord. Please avoid fighting. Keep the house full of good spirits!

Dress for the Occasion:
Wear festive clothing. Purim is an extremely high holiday. Dress for redemption and salvation.

The role of clothing in the Megillah story is essential. The moments that lead to salvation are supported by appropriate attire. Even before the decree was overturned, when Haman paraded Mordechai, people could already see and rejoice. Esther wore royal clothes when she approached the king, and her attire foreshadowed salvation.

Reading the Megillah:
The key to opening the flow of abundance, writes Rabbi Yosef Karo, is in the blessing before the reading: "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, who has sanctified us with His commandments and commanded us to read the Megillah." By saying "reading the Megillah," you are calling for a huge revelation in your life. The moment you answer "Amen," a great discovery about your life and struggles will begin to unfold. A huge "gift" from God is on its way to you.

The Relevance of the Megillah:
The Megillah is not just a historical text, but is relevant to our lives today! Rabbi Ziskind explains that we don’t just read the Megillah — we pray it. When you recite “Haman,” think of your biggest troubles. When he rises to power, feel the weight of your own burdens. When he is hanged, rejoice in the turn of events. The hanging of Haman’s ten sons represents the hanging of our flaws: judgment, poverty, and scarcity.

Prayers for Fertility and Marriage:
Immediately after the Megillah reading, the Shelah HaKadosh writes that one should pray for fruitful children. Purim is a time of fertility. Pray for a righteous partner as well, as the story of Esther is all about matchmaking, from Vashti and Achashverosh to the beautiful relationship of Mordechai and Esther.

Midnight Prayers on Purim Night:
Pray and ask for whatever your heart desires, especially at midnight on Purim night, which is the highest point of the night.

The Difference Between "Gifts" and "Portions":
The term "gift" emphasizes the giver, whereas "portion" emphasizes the receiver. The focus of "portion" is on the personal connection and love in giving, rather than just the act of giving.

Giving Gifts to the Poor on Purim:
You must give charity to at least two poor people on Purim (usually done before reading the Megillah in the morning). The gift should be at least the value of a quick meal (Rav Ovadia Yosef specified the value of a double portion of falafel).

Making Your Gift Personal:
In your gift-giving, invest your love. A gift is more than just food — it’s the effort, the thoughtfulness, the packaging, and the message. For someone special, create a unique and meaningful gift from the heart.

A Proven Remedy for Shalom Bayit (Peace in the Home):
A gift from a wife to her husband, or from a woman to another woman, has a special power to bring peace to the home. A small gift with a personal note can lift the spirits of the family.

The Great Opportunity for Prayer: The Purim Feast
The Purim feast is one of the highest spiritual moments of the year. According to Rabbi Shimshon David Pincus, the Purim meal is the pinnacle moment, offering a time for prayer and connection.

Just like Queen Esther’s feast where her requests were granted, this is a time to pray for what you desire. Don’t miss this opportunity for prayer — everything you ask for now has great potential to be fulfilled.