PURIM HALACHA HOW-TO

There are five mitzvot to perform on Purim.

1) The most famous, of course, is to hear the Megillah twice, once in the evening and once in the morning (preferably while wearing a ridiculous costume).

2) To add Al HaNissim to the Shemonah Esreh and to benching.

3) To send two edible gifts (Mishloach Manot) to at least one friend.

4) To have a festive meal on the Day of Purim.

5) And Matanot L’Evyonim, that is to give monetary gifts to at least two people who are in need.

Just a couple of notes regarding numbers 1 & 5 on this list: To fulfill the mitzvah of reading the Megillah, it is necessary to hear each word as it is read. To facilitate this at the “big show” on Saturday night, we ask that parents do two things:

1) Please keep your children near you rather than allowing them to roam the sanctuary.

2) If you see that your child is making it difficult for others to hear the Megillah, please take him/her to the lobby for a bit. We have an additional reading of the Megillah on Purim night (see schedule) for precisely this reason. Thank you!!

Regarding Matanot L’Evyonim – halacha calls for these monies to be distributed to the poor on Purim day itself. To facilitate this, I have sent again a large portion of the Matanot L’Evyonim contributions you’ve made to Od Yosef Chai, which will distribute these funds in Israel on Purim.

If you sent in a Matanot L’Evyonim contribution with your shul Mishloach Manot form, you’re already covered. If not, you should distribute tzedakah to the poor on Purim day, or (as a last resort) set monies aside on Purim day that you’ll distribute as soon as practical after Purim.

The Minchag of the half shekel

It is customary, prior to (or on) Purim, to remember the “mitzvah of the half-shekel” that was performed at this time of year when

the Temple stood in Jerusalem.

The customary procedure is the following:

First, place (at least) $1.50 in the plate.

Then, lift 3 of the half-dollar coins, symbolically purchasing them.

Finally, return the 3 half-dollar coins to the plate. This final step symbolizes the “giving of the half-shekel”.

Many have the custom of “giving the half-shekel” for each one of the members of their families