בס"ד Laws and Customs: , Taanit / Meshulash For the year 5780 for those in Jerusalem According to Nittei Gavriel, Mishna Berurah and Shulachan Aruch Harav All times listed are for Jerusalem only as per www.myzmanim.com Based on Rabbi Shmuel Lesches's Halachah Sheets,

Reviewed by Rabbi Elimelech Rabinowicz Compiled by Yossi Fraenkel in memory of his grandparents

ר' ראובן בן הרב משה אליעזר הלוי ע"ה וחיה ברכה בת ר' נפתלי משה ע"ה רבינוביץ ר' יוסף בן ר' אורי ע"ה ומלכה בת ר' יצחק צבי הלוי ע"ה פרנקל To subscribe: www.thejweekly.org or [email protected]

 MONTH OF ADAR The Ba’al Koreh should read loudly and clearly,  LAWS OF FASTING and have in mind to be Motzeh everyone Some say it is a big Segula to fast on Erev Rosh One shouldn’t brush one’s teeth nor rinse listening to the Kriah. Similarly, all the listeners Chodesh Adar and to say the whole Tehillim. one’s mouth. [If this will cause great should have in mind to be Yotzei the Kriah and ,When Adar Begins aggravation, there is room to be lenient - משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה to fulfil the Mitzvah of remembering to provided that one leans forward to prevent we increase our joy. We increase our joy eliminate Amalek. throughout the month of Adar, some say to any liquid from flowing down one’s throat; that one uses substances unfit for , - זֵכֶר is first read with a Tzeirei זכר increase the joy throughout Nissan too. The word consumption (e.g. Listerine); and that one .זֶכֶר - and then repeated again with a Segol Some have the custom to hang up a sign of rinses with less than 86 ml.] Some repeat just the word, some repeat the .משנכנס אדר מרבין בשמחה One may take non-chewable pills for medical whilst others תִּמְ חֶ ה אֶ ת זֵכֶר עֲמָלֵ ק TH phrase repeat the whole Passuk. purposes, without water. A Rav should be (ז, באדר)  7 ADAR 7th Adar is the fast day for Tzadikim and most consulted regarding other medicines. say , however some have the custom  TAANIT ESTHER (THURSDAY 25/2/2021) One may shower, bathe and apply ointments not to. Taanit Esther is not one of the four public fasts and creams. [Even one who is strict on other There are those who are particular if possible instituted by the Nevi’im. Therefore, a Chattan fast days may nevertheless be lenient on not to make a wedding on the 7th Adar, due to and Kallah during the week of Sheva Brachot Taanit Esther.] it being the fast day for the Tzadikim as well as need not fast. Pregnant mothers, nursing One may not taste food to determine whether being the Yahrzeit of Moshe Rabeinu. mothers and anyone considerably weakened it requires salt/spices. However, when One should try to learn and do Mitzvot in by illness or advanced age need not fast. [One should not be unduly strict in this regard.] preparing food for a Seudat Mitzvah scheduled memory of Moshe Rabeinu. Mothers who have difficulty fasting while for the night following the fast, one may taste Most Chevra Kadishot have the custom to fast tending to their young children should consult the food, provided that all these conditions are and go to graves of Tzadikim and to ask with a Rav. met: forgiveness from the dead in case they didn't • One expels it without swallowing. handle the person with respect when burying, When a Brit occurs on Taanit Esther, the Baalei • One tastes only an absolute minimum. some also say . Habrit (i.e. the Mohel, the Sandak, and the • One does not taste more than 86 ml in father of the baby) need not fast. However, all In some communities, the Rabbi would give a total throughout the day. other attendees must fast. Therefore, the Dvar Torah in memory of Moshe Rabeinu as Seudah takes place at night, after the fast.  TAANIT ESTHER: well as in memory of other rabbis and During Shacharit, only the Chazzan recites Tzadikim who died during the year. Aside from the exceptions enumerated above, Anenu. Therefore, a non-fasting individual A child who is born on 7th Adar should not be all healthy adults must observe Taanit Esther shouldn’t serve as Chazzan. named Moshe after Moshe Rabeinu. scrupulously. If one inadvertently ate during the fast, one must immediately resume [In the unlikely event that the Chazzan is not  PURIM PREPARATIONS fasting. fasting, or less than three congregants are An inspiring Purim is the product of diligent fasting: Instead of reciting Anenu between Anyone below Bar/Bat Mitzvah need not fast. preparation. In the days prior to Purim, one Goal Yisrael and R’faenu, the Chazzan includes From the age of nine upwards, the custom is to should review the Halachot of Purim. Anenu in the Brachah of Sh’ma Kolenu, and train children to fast for several hours, as per concludes the Brachah regularly; i.e. Shomea  PARSHAT ZACHOR (PARSHAT TERUMAH, 20/2/21) the child’s abilities. [One should not be unduly Tefillah.] It is a Torah obligation for all men and boys strict in this regard.] A Chazzan who forgot to recite Anenu: over the age of Bar Mitzvah to hear Parshat An individual exempt from fasting should eat • if he remembered before reciting Zachor. [One who absolutely cannot attend a in private only, and avoid meat, delicacies or Hashem’s name at the conclusion of the Minyan should read this passage from a Sefer excessive intake. Children old enough to the Brachah of R’faeinu, he recites Aneinu Torah or Chumash, with the Trop (cantillation) understand the concept of a fast should avoid immediately, and then repeats the if he knows it.] delicacies and meat. Brachah of R’faeinu; Although women are ordinarily exempt from • if he already concluded the Brachah of Kriat Hatorah, there is a dispute with regards  EATING PRIOR TO THE FAST R’faenu, he recites Anenu in the Brachah to Parshat Zachor. Therefore, it is ideal for One may eat and drink the entire evening until of Sh’ma Kolenu, and concludes the women to attend Shul. However, a woman dawn (4:58am), provided that either of these Brachah with a double conclusion; i.e. who is unable to easily attend Shul (e.g. she is conditions are met (this does not apply to Ha’one B’eit Tzarah V’shomeah Tefillah; tending to her small children) may instead water which can be drunk anytime up to the • if he already concluded the Brachah of read this passage from the Chumash. beginning of the fast): Sh’ma Kolenu, he recites Anenu as a • One didn’t go to sleep for the night. separate Brachah immediately after the Ordinarily, a Sefer Torah may not be moved to [Dozing off is not regarded as such.] Brachah of Sim Shalom. another location for one time use. • One stipulated (preferably verbally) before One who is not fasting must still recite Selichot Nevertheless, one may be lenient if necessary going to sleep that he would eat upon and . to facilitate the Kriah of Parshat Zachor. waking. In this case, one recites the One who davens without a Minyan omits the Ideally, the Ba’al Koreh should be old enough morning Brachot before eating. Yud-Gimel Midot-Harachamim. to have a beard. [If this is not possible, a Bar Mitzvah boy should serve as Ba’al Koreh only if Some hold that if Tachnun is not recited (e.g. puberty is established.] when a Chattan is present), Selichot is still

~ 2 ~ recited, whereas Avinu Malkeinu is not recited If an individual forgot to recite Anenu in the of a spouse, child or sibling’s passing) may not and some hold that Selichot ends after Viduy. Brachah of Sh’ma Kolenu, he may recite it in serve as Chazzan on Purim, in some the passage Elokai N’tzor, before the second communities (including Chabad) an Avel does  TAANIT ESTHER: KRIAH Yih’yu L’ratzon. If one didn’t remember until act as Chazzan on Purim. The passage of Vayechal is read, provided that he concluded the , he does not repeat The Chazzan recites Titkabel at least three congregants are fasting. it. [A non-fasting individual does not recite immediately after the Amidah. The Megillah is Anenu.] A non-fasting individual must still hear Kriat read immediately afterwards. Hatorah of Vayechal, but is not called up for an The Chazzan recites Anenu between Goal After the Megillah is concluded, V’atah Aliyah. [If he is the only Kohen or Levi, he Yisrael and R’faenu. [see TAANIT ESTHER: Kaddosh is recited, followed by the entire should absent himself.] If he is called up, and SHACHARIT] According to some, if after plag Kaddish but without Titkabel. refusing the Aliyah will cause him discomfort Hamincha, Birchat Kohanim with duchening is or minimize the honor of the Torah, he may done. Chabad do not Duchan, however, the  MEGILLAH READING accept the Aliyah. In any case, he may perform Chazzan does recite Birchat Kohanim towards All men and women over the age of Bar/Bat Hagbah or Gelilah. the end of the Amidah. Mitzvah must hear the Megillah. A non-fasting individual shouldn’t serve as the Tachnun and Avinu Malkeinu are not recited, Children (both boys and girls) should also Ba’al Koreh, unless there is no one else who since it is Erev Purim. attend the Megillah reading and quietly follow can do so.  END OF FAST along according to their ability, unless they are When the congregation recites the verses too young and will create a disturbance. [An The fast concludes according to R' Tukaccinsky aloud, the Ba’al Koreh waits for silence before infant who cries or makes noise should be at 6:01pm, others hold up until 6:11pm. resuming. The one receiving the Aliyah begins taken out of Shul.] these verses with the congregation, but ends  PURIM DRESS (IN JERUSALEM PURIM STARTS ON Ideally, one should attend a Megillah reading with the Ba’al Koreh. THURSDAY NIGHT 25/2/2021 TOGETHER WITH THE REST OF in a Shul where a large crowd has congregated. ISRAEL, IN JERUSALEM, PURIM CONTINUES THRU SUNDAY However, one can hear Megillah anywhere.  CONDUCT ON TAANIT ESTHER NIGHT 28/02/2021) One should learn Torah connected to the topic One should wear clothing throughout At the very least, one should hear the Megillah of the fast. Purim. However there is a custom especially with a Minyan especially as this year we do not for children to wear masks or costumes. One read it on Purim. [This applies even if he will be One should give increased Tzedakah, especially reading the Megillah later for individuals who before davening. It is proper to give the value should ensure that costumes do not contain Shatnez. could not attend a Minyan.] If this is also not of the forgone meals – especially if one is possible, one should still endeavor to hear the exempt from fasting. Cross-dressing is absolutely forbidden throughout the year. Although the Rema and Megillah with as many people as possible. The purpose of fasting is to arouse one to do several other early Achronim rule leniently One does not fulfil the Mitzvah of Megillah Teshuvah. Idling away one’s time, or partaking with regards to Purim, the overwhelming when hearing it with the aid of a microphone, in joyous or entertaining activities, is not in the majority forbid it. This prohibition applies to all or over the phone or radio. spirit of the fast. adults and children who are of the age of A perfectly Kosher Megillah should be used. [If Chinuch. One should be especially careful not to that is unavailable, a Megillah may still be used become angered. Some people encourage children to shy away if disqualified words or altogether missing from dressing as or other wicked  MACHATZIT HASHEKEL words do not occur at its beginning or end, nor people. [When a Purim play requires a child to do they comprise an entire section or the Before , all males over Bar-Mitzvah give act the part of Haman, the Lubavitcher Rebbe majority of the Megillah. Needless to say, the three halves of the local currency. [In Israel, indicated that this role be played without Ba’al Koreh must still recite every single word three half-shekel pieces.] Some hold to do it considerable enthusiasm.] even when using a Megillah with missing after Mincha. words.] One should not use Maaser money for his own  (THURSDAY NIGHT 25/2/2021) Because we hear megillah this year on a day One may assume that his friend consents to his Machatzit Hashekel. Megillah being borrowed for the sake of that is not Purim for us, one must hear performing the Mitzvah, as long as it remains In some communities it is also a custom to give megillah with a Minyan. A woman who cannot Machatzit Hashekel on behalf of their wives hear megillah reading in shul should strive to in the vicinity at all times and it is returned to exactly the same place in the same condition. and daughters, as well as for their sons under hear megillah in a place where there are ten the age of Bar Mitzvah. women. It is preferable that the listener follows along in a proper Megillah and recites the words in a Where possible, boys below Bar Mitzvah One should endeavor to hear the Megillah as barely audible whisper – but only if he is should personally give Machatzit Hashekel. soon as possible. [If circumstances require it to sufficiently familiar with the proper It is preferable that the proceeds go to a Shul be read beforehand, a Rav should be pronunciation of the words. or Beit Midrash, just as the Machatzit Hashekel consulted.] Nevertheless, the Megillah may be of old would be used for the Beit Hamikdash. read the entire night until (4:57am). One who follows along from a Chumash should not recite the words at all, but must rather pay Otherwise, the proceeds are distributed to the One may not perform any activity that may especially close attention to the Ba’al Koreh. poor. distract him prior to reading the Megillah.  TAANIT ESTHER: MINCHA Therefore, one may not eat, drink, nap or The Megillah is unrolled before the first perform work from half-hour prior to Tzeit Brachot are recited. [This also applies to Mincha is longer than usual (due to Kriat (6:10pm) until after hearing the Megillah. everyone else following along with a proper Hatorah and Haftorah); care should be taken [Nevertheless, if one feels ill or weak, one may Megillah.] to conclude before sunset (5:38pm). eat or drink between Maariv and the Megillah It is permissible to touch the parchment of the Ideally, Kriat Hatorah should not begin prior to reading. Even so, one should not eat more Megillah directly, unlike a Sefer Torah. Mincha Gedolah (12:22pm). The Amidah may than a K’beitzah (57 grams) of bread or certainly not begin before then. Mezonot – unless there are health concerns, in The Ba’al Koreh in Shul should be flanked by at which case he should appoint a Shomer least one person on his right and another on After Haftorah, most communities return the (guardian) to remind him to hear the his left. Torah to the Aron Hakodesh before Kaddish Megillah.] and in some communities, the Chazzan slowly An Avel (within 12 months of a parent’s recites Kaddish while the Torah is returned to In many communities an Avel (within 12 passing or within 30 days of a spouse, child or the Aron Hakodesh. months of a parent’s passing or within 30 days sibling’s passing) should not serve as the Ba’al ~ 3 ~ Koreh in Shul, unless this is his regular The final Brachah is recited by the Ba’al Koreh  SHACHARIT (FRIDAY 26/2/2021) function, or there is nobody as fluent as him. only when the Megillah was read with a Ideally, Megillah should be read after sunrise Minyan. [Some would recite this Brachah even Everyone should stand for the Brachot, unless (6:09am). Shacharit should be timed to read when they heard or read the Megillah without it is too difficult. During the actual Megillah the Megillah as soon as possible. In a Minyan.] reading in Shul, the Ba’al Koreh must stand extenuating circumstances, one may read the (and may lean for support if necessary), but At the end of the Megillah reading, some hold Megillah after dawn (4:57am). it should remain unrolled until the conclusion those listening don’t need to stand. Ideally, men should not eat before hearing the Nevertheless, most people do stand. of the Brachah recited afterwards and some Megillah. If this is difficult, or there is any hold it should be rolled before the concluding When the Ba’al Koreh recites the Brachot, he concern that one will be unable to concentrate Brachah. [This also applies to everyone else should have in mind to be Motzeh everyone during davening, one may snack, but should following along with a proper Megillah.] who is listening to the Brachot and the entire not eat a K’beitzah (57 grams) of Mezonot. Megillah. Similarly, everyone in attendance  INTERRUPTION DURING MEGILLAH Nevertheless, one should not be stringent if there are any health concerns. should have in mind to be Yotzeh the Brachot One who misses hearing even a single word is and the entire Megillah, and should not say not Yotzeh the Megillah reading. Therefore, Al Hanissim is not recited in the Amidah, and “Baruch Hu u’Varuch Shmoh”. [If one one should pay absolute attention whilst the Tachnun is not recited. accidently did so, he does not recite the Ba’al Koreh is reading the Megillah. Brachot again.] If one did not hear Parshat Zachor on Shabbat, If one missed hearing a word, the best solution he should have in mind to fulfil his obligation If the Ba’al Koreh already heard the Megillah, is to read from that word onwards, until he through the Kriat Hatorah of Purim. [For this the Brachot are recited by another man who catches up with the Ba’al Koreh. [This is reason, the Ba’al Koreh should intend to be did not yet hear the Megillah, and he is necessary because each word of the Megillah Motzeh anyone who did not hear Parshat Motzeh everyone. If none of the men present must be read/heard in the correct order.] This Zachor on Shabbat.] are able to recite the Brachot, the Ba’al Koreh should be done even when one is following is first read זכר During Kriat Hatorah, the word may recite it for them (or prompt them word along in a Chumash and not a proper Megillah. – then again with a Tzeirei ,זֶכֶר - by word). with a Segol .זֵכֶר One need not recite the words with the Trop if When the Megillah is read for less than a this will detain or prevent him from catching Some repeat just the word, some repeat the minyan of men or for women only, and the up to the Ba’al Koreh. However, one must whilst others תִּמְ חֶ ה אֶ ת זֶ כֶר עֲמָלֵ ק phrase Ba’al Koreh already heard the Megillah, the ensure that all the words are properly repeat the whole Passuk. (the reverse of women recite the Brachot themselves enunciated and vowelized. (standing), however some hold that the last Parshat Zachor). If one missed a word and did not follow the Brachah, Harav Et Riveinu is not said. They Some hold the Sefer Torah is returned to the guidelines above, or he left during the may either recite the Brachot individually, or Aron Hakodesh and some (including Chabad) Megillah reading for even a short time, he have one woman be Motzeh all the others. The hold that the Sefer Torah remains out during must hear the Megillah again. Nevertheless, same applies when reading the Megillah for the Megillah reading, and is returned only he does not need to start again from the children under the age of Bar/Bat Mitzvah. after Kaddish Titkabel, as usual. [The one who beginning, but may instead resume hearing it holds the Sefer Torah remains seated One should not speak from the time of the from the place where he was interrupted. In throughout the Megillah reading and Brachot until after the Megillah reading (and such an instance, one does not repeat the associated Brachot.] the last Brachah) is concluded, because Brachot unless he diverted his attention from unnecessary speech is considered an the Mitzvah of Megillah. If one did not yet give Machatzit Hashekel, he interruption, and also prevents him from should do so before the Megillah reading. hearing every word of the Megillah. As mentioned above, one should not speak during the Megillah reading. If one said When the Brachah of Shehecheyanu is recited, Whenever Haman’s name is mentioned anything unrelated to the Megillah between all should have in mind the other Mitzvot of (according to Chabad only alongside a title), the Brachot and the very start of Megillah, he Purim; i.e. , Matanot one stamps his feet vigorously. Children should needs to recite the Brachot again. If one spoke Lo’evyonim and Seudat Purim, even though we be encouraged in spinning their graggers and after this time – even matters unrelated to the will not perform Mishloach Manot and the stamping out Haman’s name. The Ba’al Koreh Megillah – he does not repeat the Brachot Seudat Purim until Sunday. [Preferably, the should wait for absolute silence before again. Nevertheless, being that he could not Gabbai or Ba’al Koreh should announce this.] resuming. have properly heard the words that the Ba’al One should wear his Tefillin until after the Koreh was reading whilst he was talking or The following Pesukim are read aloud by the Megillah reading (and davening). congregation, followed by the Ba’al Koreh: 2:5, repeating the Brachot, he must follow the 8:15, 8:16, 10:3. guidelines above for one who missed a word.  MATANOT LO’EVYONIM All men and women over Bar/Bat Mitzvah The Ba’al Koreh raises his voice at “Balailah One should not pause unnecessarily whilst should give Matanot Lo’evyonim to at least Hahu” (6:1). reading the Megillah. Nevertheless, if one paused even for an extended period of time, two needy people. Children (of the age of The Baal Koreh reads “Laharog Ul’abed; he may resume from the place where he Chinuch) should also do so. v’Laharog Ul’abed” (8:11) and “V’ish Lo Amad paused. The exception is if he was forced to One should use the local currency, and not use Bifeneyhem; V’ish Lo Omad Lifeneyhem” (9:3). pause due to circumstances beyond his Maaser money. [This does not apply to any The congregation reads the ten sons of Haman control, and the pause was for more time than additional optional Matanot Lo’evyonim that quickly in one breath, from the words it would have taken him to finish reading the one gives.] “Chamesh Meot Ish” until “Aseret” (9:6-10), Megillah. In such a case, one needs to start Matanot Lo’evyonim must go specifically to followed by the Ba’al Koreh. [Despite the reading the Megillah again from the beginning. needy people (or Tzedakah organizations speed, the Ba’al Koreh should ensure that he is  PURIM NIGHT devoted to that purpose), and not to other looking at each word in the Megillah as he The table should be set with a tablecloth and Tzedakah causes. pronounces it.] candles. Even though there is no requirement One need not assess the financial Some give the Megillah a light shake at the to eat a festive meal, one should still rejoice circumstances of a poor person before giving words “Ha’igeret Hazot” (9:26) and “Ha’igeret and eat something special in honor of Purim. him Matanot Lo’evyonim. Rather, “we give to Hapurim Hazot” (9:29). [This also applies to [One should moderate any festivities in order whomever extends a hand.” everyone else following along with a proper that they do not interfere with the morning.] Megillah.] Matanot Lo’evyonim should be delivered during the Friday (and not the night before). ~ 4 ~ If there are no poor people present, one must poskim contend that we give Mishloach Manot Hamotzie. [If he did not have this in mind, physically set aside Matanot Lo’evyonim – a on Sunday.) According to the Chazon Ish, It is a he should not relocate during the meal. verbal pledge is insufficient – and distribute it hidur (stringency) to give one person However, if he already did so, he may at the earliest opportunity. Mishloach Manot on Friday to fulfill the bentch in the place where he concluded minimal requirement of the mitzvah. It is preferable to allocate more of one’s funds eating.] to Matanot Lo’evyonim than to Mishloach It is praiseworthy to give Mishloach Manot to Manot and Seudat Purim. many people. [Technically, one doesn’t need One should share words of Torah at the meal, especially words of Torah that are connected to adhere to the above-mentioned Halachot  PURIM (SHABBAT 27/2/2021) with regards to any additional optional with the Purim story. V’al Hanissim is recited in each Amidah of Mishloach Manot that one sends. It is customary to share a Purim Torah. The Shabbat. Nevertheless, it is commendable to do so.] intention is not to use Torah to make a joke or If one forgot V’al Hanissim at the appropriate When giving Mishloach Manot to one who is mockery, G-d forbid. Rather one should share a Dvar Torah of the sort that brings joy to place in the Amidah, he may still recite it if he not yet observant, one should remind him to did not yet say Hashem’s name at the end of make the appropriate Brachot on each food those who hear it. that Brachah. After that point, he does not item.  WINE AND ALCOHOL recite it. Mishloach Manot may not be sent to an Avel Chazal instituted that one should drink wine If one forgot V’al Hanissim at the appropriate (within 12 months of a parent’s passing or on Purim “until he doesn’t know the difference place in Birchat Hamazon, he may still recite it within 30 days of a spouse, child or sibling’s between Arur Haman and Baruch Mordechai”. if he did not yet say Hashem’s name at the end passing). However, the Mishloach Manot may Many Poskim understand this to mean that of that Brachah. After that point, he should be sent to an Avel’s spouse or child. The Avel one must drink to the point of intoxication. recite it as a Harachamon, as per the Nusach himself is required to send Mishloach Manot, At the same time, the Poskim caution against printed in many Siddurim and Birkonim. but should send simple food items. becoming inebriated when there is even the During Shacharit, we take out two Sifrei Torah. When sending Mishloach Manot in a new slightest chance of negative consequences. We read Parshat Tetzaveh from the first Torah (non-disposable) utensil that requires Tevilat This especially applies to anyone with a and from the second Torah, the reading for Keilim, it should be performed by the recipient medical issue or a weak constitution; to young Purim as Maftir. and not by the sender. This is because Tevilat teenagers; to anyone whose behavior may not Keilim needs to be performed by the end user. completely conform with Halachah when The Haftorah is the same as last week, for inebriated (such as forgetting to make a If the sender already Toveled the utensil, the Parshat Zachor. Brachah properly, bentch or daven Maariv); to recipient must still Tovel the utensil, but anyone who may cause damage or injury to Some hold that the mitzvot of Seudat Purim without a Brachah. The same applies if the himself or others; or to anyone who may cause and Mishloach Manot are observed on recipient doesn’t know whether the sender a Chillul Hashem when inebriated. Anyone in Shabbat. Although this opinion is not generally already Toveled the utensil. Therefore, the this category should discharge their obligation accepted, the custom is to serve an extra side sender should inform the recipient (e.g. with a by drinking only slightly more wine or alcohol course and some extra wine at the Shabbat label) that the item has not yet been Toveled, than usual. meal in honor of Purim and to have guests at in order that the recipient may Tovel it with a the table to fulfill Mishloach Manot. Brachah. [It is also best that the Mishloach It goes without saying that drinking and driving (Alternatively, one shares some of one’s Manot food not directly touch a non-Toveled can be deadly and is a severe violation of Shabbat meal with a neighbor). utensil.] Halachah. It is also dangerous for an intoxicated person to cross the road himself,  PURIM (SUNDAY 28/2/2021)  SEUDAT PURIM and he should therefore be escorted home This is when we fulfill the mitzvot of the One must feast and rejoice on Purim. In fact, safely. seudah and Mishloach Manot, and the general the joy of Purim is even greater than the joy of The Mitzvah of drinking wine or alcohol does simcha of Purim, costumes and all. a regular Chag. Nevertheless, we do not say Al Hanissim in not apply to women and children. either davening or Birchat Hamazon. We also The feast is conducted in the late afternoon. Hence, Mincha is davened earlier than usual, The Lubavitcher Rebbe established a year- do not say Tachanun, nor do we read from the round ban against people under the age of prior to the Seudah. Torah. One should wear Shabbat clothes forty drinking more than four Kelitchlach (shot (unless one chooses to wear a costume). Despite the hustle-and-bustle of Purim, one cups) of alcohol. Some years, the Rebbe made should make a point of learning Torah prior to an exception for Purim. However, on many  MISHLOACH MANOT the Seudah, for a short period of time. Since other occasions, the Rebbe stated explicitly All men and women over Bar/Bat Mitzvah Purim is thirty days before Pesach, one should that this ban extends even to Purim. The should send at least one Mishloach Manot. begin reviewing the laws of Pesach. Rebbe would especially caution the Bochurim Children (of the age of Chinuch) should also do about this, and suggested that they fulfil their so. [The Lubavitcher Rebbes would distribute A fair part of the meal should take place during the daylight hours. At the very least, one obligation by increased involvement in “Yeyna three Mishloach Manot packages – to a Kohen, shel Torah” (the wine of Torah). Levi and Yisrael.] should eat a Kezayis before sunset (5:49pm). The Mishloach Manot should contain at least If circumstances do not allow one to conduct  INTERCITY ISSUES two types of (respectable) ready-to-eat foods his Seudah in the late afternoon, he may eat Due to reasons too detailed to discuss here, and/or beverages other than water. [The this meal anytime during the daylight hours. someone who intends to spend either Thursday or Friday night out-of-town should Lubavitcher Rebbes would include a food item One should feast among family and friends, ask a Rav how these trips impact halachically. as well as a beverage.] because a larger crowd increases the joy. One Also, someone from out of town who intends should also invite guests to the Seudah. Men should send their Mishloach Manot to to be in Jerusalem for one of the megillah men, and women should send their Mishloach The table should be set with a tablecloth. readings should also ask a Rav. Manot to women. Some have the custom of lighting candles.

Some authorities hold that Mishloach Manot The prevalent custom is to wash, and eat meat should be delivered through a Shliach. The and other delicacies. It is also customary to eat Shliach may even be a child. . According to the Chazon Ish and some other If one wishes to begin the Seudah in one place poskim, one should distribute Mishloach and continue it and bentch elsewhere, he must Manot on Friday. (As mentioned above, most have this in mind when reciting the Brachah of