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A Meghillat Esther with a tagline: Purim Guide

PURIM 5786 – An Interactive Guide

  • PrintPDF PERFORMING THE MITZVOT OF PURIM – A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE Zekher Lemachatzit Ha’shekel WHAT IS MACHATZIT HA’SHEKEL? In the times of the Beit Ha’mikdash (Holy Temple), every Jewish male above the age of 20 was obligated to give half a shekel annually. This contribution funded communal offerings and other Temple expenses. The mitzva was performed during the month of Adar, ensuring that new funds were available for the sacrifices offered in the upcoming year. Although this mitzva is no longer practiced in its original form, it is customary to give a symbolic donation known as Zekher Lemachatzit Ha’shekel (commemoration of the half-shekel) before Purim as a remembrance of this practice. In the times of the Beit Ha’mikdash (Holy Temple), every Jewish male above the age of 20 was obligated to give half a shekel annually. This contribution funded communal offerings and other Temple expenses. The mitzva was performed during
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PERFORMING THE MITZVOT OF PURIM
– A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

Zekher Lemachatzit Ha’shekel

  • In the times of the Beit Ha’mikdash (Holy Temple), every Jewish male above the age of 20 was obligated to give half a shekel annually. This contribution funded communal offerings and other Temple expenses. The mitzva was performed during the month of Adar, ensuring that new funds were available for the sacrifices offered in the upcoming year.

    Although this mitzva is no longer practiced in its original form, it is customary to give a symbolic donation known as Zekher Lemachatzit Ha’shekel (commemoration of the half-shekel) before Purim as a remembrance of this practice.

When and How to Give Zekher Lemachatzit Ha’shekel

Zekher Lemachatzit Ha’shekel is customarily given on the afternoon of the 13th of Adar, which this year falls on Monday, March 2, 2026 (Ta’anit Esther, the Fast of Esther).

  • It is preferable to give it after the Mincha (afternoon) prayer.
  • If not given at that time, it may still be given on Purim day.
  • The donation is traditionally given to charity or to support a Torah institution.

Who Should Give Zekher Lemachatzit Ha’shekel?

  • Men over Bar Mitzva age are obligated to give Zekher Lemachatzit Ha’shekel. Some opinions hold that only men over the age of 20 are required to give it.
  • Women should also give, though some authorities maintain that they are not obligated.
  • Parents are encouraged to give on behalf of their children under Bar/Bat Mitzva age, but it is not a requirement.

Amount to Give

  • Ashkenazic Tradition – Three halves of the local currency or its equivalent value (e.g., in the United States, three half-dollar coins, totaling $1.50).
  • Sephardic Tradition – The value of half a silver coin (approximately nine grams of silver), which in 2026 is around $8.10 USD. If this amount is difficult to give, Sephardim may follow the Ashkenazic practice.

Ta’anit Esther (The Fast of Esther)

 Reason for the Fast

The fast observed on the day before Purim, known as Ta’anit Esther, commemorates two key events from the Purim story:

    1. Esther’s three-day fast before approaching King Achashverosh (as recorded in the Megilla).
    2. The fast of the Jewish people before battling their enemies (not explicitly mentioned in the Megilla but noted in rabbinic sources).

Date and Times of the Fast

  • This year, Ta’anit Esther falls on Monday, March 2, 2026 (13 Adar, 5785).
  • The fast begins at alot ha’shachar (dawn) and ends at tzeit ha’kokhavim (nightfall).

For precise start and end times in your location, visit:
 🔗 MyZmanim
 🔗 Chabad Zmanim

Obligation of the Fast

  • Fasting means refraining entirely from food and drink, even in small amounts.
  • It is customary for healthy adult men and women to observe the fast.
  • Those who are ill, pregnant, or nursing are exempt from fasting.
    • Illness includes being bedridden or unable to function normally even after breaking the fast.
  • Any specific questions regarding fasting should be directed to an Orthodox rabbinic authority.
  • During Shacharit (morning prayer), Selichot (penitential prayers) are recited after the Amida. These prayers, designated for fast days, are typically found in the back of the Siddur.
  • Ashkenazim include Avinu Malkeinu after the Amida in both Shacharit and Mincha (afternoon prayer).
  • A distinct Torah reading for fast days is included in Shacharit when praying with a minyan (quorum of ten males).
  • During Mincha, an additional Torah reading is incorporated, and Ashkenazim also recite a Haftara (a selection from the Prophets specific to fast days).
  • Those who are fasting include a dedicated passage in the Amida known as “Aneinu.”
    • Ashkenazim recite it only at Mincha.
    • Sephardim recite it at both Shacharit and Mincha.

Megillat Esther

The Mitzva of Reading the Megilla

  • The obligation to hear the megilla applies to both men and women, as well as to children who are old enough to listen attentively throughout the reading.
  • One should hear the megilla read live from a kosher scroll in the synagogue, both on Purim night and on Purim day.
  • According to most opinions, if one can attend only one reading, the daytime reading takes precedence.
  • If attending synagogue is not possible, one may fulfill the mitzva by hearing the megilla read from a kosher scroll at home.

The Blessings Before the Megilla

  • One should listen attentively to the three blessings recited before the megilla reading by the reader and respond “Amen” to each one.
  • Ashkenazim recite all three blessings both at night and during the day.
  • Sephardim omit the third blessing, “shehechiyanu,” during the daytime reading but recite it at night.

Listening to the Megilla

  • One must listen to the entire megilla reading without missing any words.
  • If a word or phrase is missed, one should read the missing portion from a printed megilla and continue reading until catching up with the reader.
  • One who reads along quietly while listening to the Megilla and happens to miss hearing a word still fulfills the mitzva.
  • If attending a proper megilla reading is not possible, one should contact Emor or seek guidance from an Orthodox rabbi for halakhic advice.

Mishlo’ach Manot

What Does Mishlo’ach Manot Consist Of?

  • Mishlo’ach manot must include at least two ready-to-eat foods of a respectable size, given to at least one Jew.
  • According to most opinions, any ready-to-eat food qualifies, including:
    • Drinks
    • Snacks
    • Fruits and vegetables
    • Cooked or baked dishes

When to Give Mishlo’ach Manot

  • The food must be given and received on Purim day.
  • Mishlo’ach manot may be delivered directly or via a messenger.
  • Ideally, each family member, including husband and wife, should give separately.
  • However, if family members prefer to give together, they must include enough food to fulfill the obligation for each participant.

Matanot La’evyonim

What is Matanot La’evyonim?

Matanot la’evyonim is the mitzva of giving money to Jewish individuals in need on Purim, enabling them to purchase food for the holiday.

To fulfill the mitzva, one must give two gifts (matanot) to at least two individuals in need (evyonim), one gift per person. The gift may be in the form of money or food.

 

  • Ideally, the amount given should be enough to purchase a small, respectable meal (e.g., a bagel and a drink) for each recipient.
  • The minimum recommended amount varies by location:
    • United States – approximately $5 per person ($10 total).
    • Israel – approximately 15 NIS per person (30 NIS total).
  • Those who can give more are encouraged to do so.
  • In this context, an evyon is generally defined as someone who lacks sufficient funds to provide their family with basic needs.

When to Give Matanot La’evyonim

  • The mitzva should be fulfilled on Purim day and not before.
  • One may donate to a Jewish tzedaka (charity) organization in advance (via phone or online using a credit card), provided that the funds are distributed on Purim day.

The Purim Se’uda (Festive Meal)

When to Eat the Purim Se’uda

  • It is customary to have the se’uda in the afternoon.
  • Bread should ideally be included in the se’uda, but one may be lenient in cases of need.
  • Similarly, it is customary to eat meat or chicken, provided one enjoys these foods, though some opinions hold that this is not obligatory.

Drinking Wine on Purim

  • One should drink wine on Purim to the extent that one cannot distinguish between “Cursed is Haman” and “Blessed is Mordechai.”
  • However, many opinions hold that the mitzva is fulfilled by drinking slightly more wine than usual and then dozing off after the meal.
  • According to all opinions, one should not drink excessively if it would:
    • Interfere with the proper performance of mitzvot, such as prayer or Grace after Meals (Birkat Ha’mazon).
    • Lead to unbecoming behavior.

 

  • The Al Ha’nisim (For the Miracles) prayer, which commemorates the events of Purim, is added to the Amida after the paragraph of Modim (We give thanks).
  • It is also recited in Grace After Meals (Birkat Ha’mazon), within the second blessing of Nodeh (We give thanks).
  • If one forgets to say Al Ha’nisim but has not yet recited the concluding blessing of that section, one should go back and insert it in the proper place, then continue as usual.
  • If one already recited the concluding blessing, one does not repeat Al Ha’nisim and simply continues with the Amida or Birkat Ha’mazon.

Recommended Resources for Further Reading

For further insights and halachic details, the following sources provide authoritative guidance on the mitzvot of Purim:

General Purim Mitzvot

Havdala

Havdala is the ceremony that marks the end of Shabbat and the transition back to the regular week. It includes blessings over wine, spices, and fire.

Havdala consists of the following stages: 

    1. Verses  
      • Although not required, verses that express our hope for a positive week are customarily recited at the beginning of Havdala.
      • Ashkenazim recite a series of verses beginning with “Hinei Kel Yeshu’ati” (Yeshayahu 12:2) available here, while Sephardim recite a series of verses beginning with “Rishon Letzion” (Yeshayahu 41:27) available here .
  • Wine
    • Blessing: Borei pri hagafen is recited on the cup of wine.
    • Practical Guidelines:
      • Ideally, use kosher wine or grape juice.
      • If unavailable, significant beverages like beer or coffee may be used. 
      • According to some opinions, one may also use other significant beverages if one prefers them over wine. 
  2. Spices (besamim)
    • Blessing: A blessing is recited on fragrant spices. 
      • Ashkenazim: The general blessing of Borei minei besamim (Who creates types of spices) is recited.
      • Sephardim: Specific blessings are recited, such as Borei atzei besamim (Who creates fragrant branches) or Borei isvei besamim (Who creates fragrant herbs).
    • Practical Guidelines:
      • One should not use spices designed only to remove a foul odor (such as bathroom freshener). 
      • If the one reciting havdala cannot smell, another individual recites the blessing during havdala (Ashkenazim) or after havdala (Sephardim).
  3. Candle
    • Blessing: Borei me’orei ha’esh is recited on the flame.
    • Practical Guidelines:
      • Preferably, use a special havdala candle with multiple wicks.
      • After the blessing, view one’s fingernails by the light to appreciate the flame. Some halakhic authorities hold that one does this before reciting the blessing.
  4. Blessing of Separation and Drinking the Wine
    • Blessing: The blessing of “Hamavdil” is recited, which marks the distinction between “holy” (i.e., Shabbat) and “mundane” (i.e., the weekdays), followed by drinking the cup of wine. 
    • Practical Guidelines:
      • Everyone should listen to the blessing without interruption, as missing part of this blessing invalidates the mitzva.
      • The leader drinks the wine; others may assist if necessary.

The leader must drink at least a cheekful (approximately 44 cc). Ideally, a full revi’it (86 cc) is consumed, requiring an after-blessing.

  1. Symbolic Meaning
    • Purpose: Havdala, which means separation, transitions from Shabbat’s sanctity to weekday activity. The blessing’s text, “He separates between holy and mundane, between light and dark…between the seventh day and the six days of work,” reinforces that holiness is preserved through separation. 
    • Symbolism:
      • Smelling spices enables the soul to cope with losing the additional soul (neshama yeteira), which joins a person on Shabbat. 
      • Seeing the flame commemorates the creation of fire on Saturday night by Adam in the Garden of Eden. 
      • Smelling spices and seeing the flame also awaken the senses, helping to carry Shabbat’s spiritual elevation into the week.
  2. Mystical Insights 
    • Neshama Yeteira: In addition to the connection between the departure of the additional soul and smelling the spices, the entire havdala ceremony also helps ease the loss of the additional soul.
    • Symbolism of Ritual Objects:
      • Candle: Reflects divine light.
      • Wine: Represents divine abundance.

Separation and Integration: Light and darkness represent distinct realms, as do sacred and mundane and Shabbat and the rest of the week. However, light illuminates the darkness, the holy illuminates the mundane, and Shabbat illuminates the rest of the week. Havdala demonstrates that these different realms must remain distinct but that Shabbat can impact the rest of the week, bridging sanctity with the material world.

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