עברית
Purim
What Is Purim Katan? Meaning, Customs, and Spiritual Lessons of the “Small Purim”
The halachic practices and deeper teachings behind Purim Katan in a leap year, including its connection to unity, inner joy, and preparing the heart for the full celebration of Purim
- Naama Green
- |Updated
(Photo: Shutterstock)Purim Katan is observed in a leap year, when the Jewish calendar includes two months of Adar. In such a year, the main Purim celebration takes place in the second Adar, while the dates of the first Adar carry a lighter element of joy. Purim is set in Adar II to place one redemption next to another, linking the redemption of Purim with the redemption from Egypt.
Although the full mitzvot of Purim are not observed in Adar I, several halachic practices still apply on Purim Katan.
Laws and Customs of Purim Katan
On Purim Katan, Tachanun and the Psalm “Ya’ancha Hashem Beyom Tzarah” are not recited. However, the “Al HaNissim” prayer is not added to the Amidah (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 697; Mishnah Berurah there).
It is forbidden to deliver eulogies or to fast on the 14th and 15th of Adar I (Shulchan Aruch and Rema).
It is proper to observe a small measure of feasting and joy: on the 14th for unwalled cities and on the 15th for Jerusalem. Some great halachic authorities even held festive meals on Purim Katan. While this is considered a beautiful custom, it is not an obligation. The Rema writes that although some say one must increase joy and feasting, the common custom is simply to add a small festive element, fulfilling stricter opinions, as it says: “A good-hearted person celebrates constantly.”
There is no requirement to send mishloach manot or give gifts to the poor on Purim Katan.
Work is permitted on Purim Katan.
The “Al HaNissim” addition is not recited since the Megillah is not read. If someone mistakenly says it, they do not repeat the prayer, because it still reflects the spirit of the day. Some authorities suggest adding a short supplication at the end of Birkat HaMazon mentioning the miracles “in those days at this time.”
The Spiritual Meaning of Purim Katan
Rabbi Tzadok HaKohen of Lublin explains that although the revealed miracle is celebrated in Adar II, the inner root of the mitzvot belongs to Adar I as well, since both months share the name “Adar.” According to his teaching, Purim Katan is a time for an inner form of spiritual work. The eradication of Amalek is not only historical but also emotional and internal, representing the struggle against negativity within the heart of every person.
For this reason, Purim Katan becomes a day of inner joy, a quiet celebration within the heart, a time to refine one’s inner world and transform spiritual imbalance into clarity and goodness.
Rabbi Tzadok further emphasizes that the mitzvah of sending gifts on Purim exists to unite the Jewish people as one heart and one soul. Even though the formal practice belongs to Adar II, Purim Katan invites us to strengthen unity and remember that we are all children of God. Through this inner unity, he writes in Pri Tzadik, we can merit the verse “For the Jews there was light — this is Torah,” echoing the unity at Mount Sinai when the Jewish people stood “as one person with one heart.”
