Purim

To register for both the Carnival and the Seudah, click here or the image above.

RSVP to Chanie and Talia Here

To RSVP to go https://evite.me/6Qc4pfkWbv

RSVP here

Purim 5786: Laws and Customs 
Click Here for a Printable Version

Quick Links

Following the lead of Mordechai and Ester, the Rabbis established many of the Mitzvot of Purim in order to improve our relationships, locally and globally, with other people. May we strive to use these precious opportunities to grow the good in our world, in small and significant ways!

Parshat Zachor
The Shabbat preceding Purim is Shabbat Zachor, during which we fulfill our yearly obligation to read the section from the Torah describing Amalek’s war against the Jewish people. This reading is meant to remind us of our perpetual battle against evil and injustice.  Men and women have a biblical obligation to hear the reading of Zachor.  We will do a second reading after musaf for those that need. 

If this reading is not an option, one can have in mind this annual obligation when listening to the Torah reading concerning Amalek on Purim morning or when reading the section of the Torah (parshat Ki Teizei) in the summer months. If none of these are possible, please be in touch with Rabbi Cheses to work out alternative arrangements. 

Ta’anit Esther
The reason for the fast is because in the times of Mordechai and Ester, the Jews gathered on the 13th of Adar to fast and pray, just as Moshe did during the war against Amalek, in order to draw closer to Hashem and become more deserving of a successful battle against their enemies (Ester 9:1). Similarly, in our times, we fast and we pray in order to return to Hashem in hope that this will lead to greater and a more speedy salvation. 

This is a minor fast, lasting from alot ha-shachar (dawn) to tzeit ha-kochavim (nightfall. If anyone is feeling very weak or sick throughout the day or has legitimate medical reasons why fasting is not safe for them, they need not fast.
Liturgical additions include: During Shacharit- Selichot; Avinu Malkeinu; and Torah reading for a public fast. During Mincha- Torah and Haftarah of a public fast day; aneinu and sim shalom during the silent Amidah; birkat kohanim during Chazan’s repetition.

Machtzit HaShekel
It is customary to give 3 half dollar coins to charity to recall the mitzvah of the half-shekel which the Jews used to give at this time of year for the communal sacrifices. The three coins recall the three times the Torah says the word Terumah (donation) in the section regarding the half-shekel coins.

Common practice is to exchange funds for three half dollars but this year we will not be supplying those coins and instead suggest that for those of you who come to shul for Megillah to place about $7 in one of the baskets that will be available. Alternatively, you can place the tzedaka into your tzedaka box at home or donate online by clicking HERE. 
When giving the money, it is customary to say “zecher l’machtzit hashekel” – having in mind to give these half dollars to charity as per the custom.  

Megillah reading
One of the essential mitzvot of Purim is to hear Megilat Esther read from a scroll at night and in the day. Men and women are equally obligated in this mitzvah. It is important to hear every word of the Megillah. If one misses a word, they may read it to themselves from a book and catch up with the public reading.

When answering amen to the Shehechiyanu blessing said over the Megillah in the morning, one should have in mind all the mitzvot of Purim.  

For those who attend a later megillah reading at night it would be permissible to break your fast when the fast ends even though it is before you will have heard megillah. 

Matanot la-Evyonim
One of the mitzvot of Purim is to distribute matanot la-evyonim – gifts to the poor – on Purim day, to ensure that they are able to properly participate in Purim celebrations. They must be distributed to the needy on the day of Purim, and many organizations and sites are set up for this. HERE is an online link to donate through our shul:

I will be collecting on behalf of Yad Chesed which supports local people in need and on behalf of Global Jewish Network, which provides food cards to poor people in Israel. You can write a check made out to “Young Israel of Sharon Tzedakah Fund” and give it to me anytime before noon on Purim day. You can also send me an email with a pledge amount and pay later if needed.  

The minimum that one must contribute to fulfill this mitzvah is enough to buy a meal (approximately $10). It is important to prioritize Matanot la-Evyonim among the Mitzvot of the day.

Mishloach Manot
Every person has an obligation to personally send at least one Mishloach Manot Purim food gift to another Jew on Purim day. Minimally, this package must contain two different types of food that are ready to be eaten (berakha is irrelevant). The goal of mishloach manot is to foster a sense of friendship, and to provide people with food for their festive meal!
(Please note that while the local Mishloach Manot effort organized through Mikvah Mei Ezra accomplishes the spirit of the Mitzva but that it is also suggested to personally give at least one package containing two food items to a friend or neighbor.)

Seudah (Festive Meal)
An important mitzvah of Purim is to have a festive meal. The minimum requirement for the seuda is to have a meal with bread. The Shulchan Aruch (OH 695:2) rules that a person must become besumei on Purim until they reach the point of not knowing the difference between “cursed is Haman” and “blessed is Mordechai,” which is a source for drinking on Purim, especially as connected to the festive meal. The Rema on the spot says that one need not get drunk to fulfill this dictate.  Rather, they should take a nap and while they are sleeping they will not know the difference.  At no point does Judaism demand that we place ourselves at risk.  Alcohol can be very dangerous if consumed in excess.  It is crucial that one be safe at all times.

Mourners
People in their time of mourning should still go to Shul to hear Megillah.  A mourner does not customarily receive Mishloach Manot (though his or her family may), though a mourner is still obligated to send a single Mishloach Manot to another Jew.  Mourners should participate in a small, private Purim seudah, rather than a large assembly with excessive levity.

Al ha-Nissim                                        
Al ha-Nissim is recited during the Amidah and Birkat ha-Mazon. If one forgets during the Amidah or Birkat ha-Mazon, they need not repeat it. 

Wishing everyone a spirited and uplifting Purim,
Rabbi Cheses