What's New Rabbi's Article The Four Mitzvot of Purim
Written by Rabbi Norbert Weinberg
The jovial festival of Purim is almost upon us and I want to take this opportunity of providing you with a short update regarding the laws and customs. Should you have any further questions, please feel free to call me. Usually, the Fast of Esther is the day before Purim. Since the festival is on Sunday this year, we move the Fast to the preceding THURSDAY. The Fast begins at 5:03 A.M. and ends at 5:58 P.M. Following is a synopsis of the mitzvot of Purim:
THE FOUR MITZVOT OF PURIM
- To hear the Megillah in the evening and morning of Purim. We will gather in shul on Saturday evening at 6:45 P.M. for Maariv and the Megillah, followed by our Purim party.
- To give MATANOT LA-EVYONIM (Charity to the poor) on the day of Purim. This is a very important Mitzvah to help the needy.
- To give MISHLOACH MANOT (presents of food) to friends and neighbors. These should be composed of at least two ready-to-eat food items. This Mitzvah is intended to promote friendship among our community.
- To eat the PURIM SE-UDAH (banquet) on Purim.
The day after Purim is SHUSHAN PURIM, celebrated in Jerusalem and other cities that had a surrounding wall since the days of Joshua,
We add the prayer of AL HANISSIM on Purim to the Shemonah Esre and Birkat Hamazon.
“CHAG PURIM SAMEACH TO ALL OUR CONGREGANTS AND FRIENDS!”
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