
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.
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 Thursday, March 13, 2025 (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 2025 is around $7 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:
- Esther’s three-day fast before approaching King Achashverosh (as recorded in the Megilla).
- 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 Thursday, March 13, 2025 (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.
WHO FASTS?
- 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.
TEFILLA (PRAYER SERVICE) ON TA’ANIT ESTHER
- 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.
- This year, since Purim falls on Friday, one should prepare and deliver mishlo’ach manot earlier in the day to allow sufficient time for Shabbat preparations.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
- 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.
THE VALUE OF MATANOT LA’EVYONIM
- 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
- This year, since Purim falls on Friday, it is customary to have the se’uda in the morning to ensure one has an appetite for the Shabbat meal on Friday night.
- If one did not eat the Purim se’uda in the morning, it may still be eaten in the afternoon until the tenth halachic hour of the day. If necessary, one may eat it until sunset.
WHAT TO EAT AT THE PURIM SE’UDA
- 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.
ADDING AL HA’NISIM TO THE AMIDA AND GRACE AFTER MEALS
- 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).
WHAT IF ONE FORGETS AL HA’NISIM?
- 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.
Purim in Jerusalem 5785/2025
– Purim Meshulash
How to Celebrate Purim Meshulash
In Jerusalem, Purim (Shushan Purim) is observed on the 15th of Adar, rather than the 14th, as in most cities. This year, Shushan Purim falls on Shabbat, leading to a three-day observance, known as Purim Meshulash (Triple Purim).
BACKGROUND TO SHUSHAN PURIM
- Shushan Purim is observed in cities that were walled in biblical times instead of regular Purim. It commemorates the Jews’ victory over their enemies in Shushan, a walled city at the time of the Purim miracle, which occurred on the 15th of Adar.
- Today, Jerusalem is the only city definitively recognized as walled.
WHY IS PURIM OBSERVED OVER THREE DAYS?
When Shushan Purim falls on Shabbat, the mitzvot of Purim are distributed across three days due to halachic considerations:
1. Megilla Reading & Matanot La’evyonim (Gifts to the Needy) – Friday
- The megilla cannot be read on Shabbat, as carrying the scroll in a public domain could result in a Torah-prohibited violation (hotza’a).
- While carrying is allowed in communities with an “eiruv” (a halakhic enclosure that permits carrying in public spaces), the prohibition against reading the megilla on Shabbat applies universally to prevent people in areas without an “eiruv” from mistakenly carrying, thinking it is permitted as in “eiruv” areas.
- The Sages derived from verses in the megilla that when Purim falls on Shabbat, the megilla reading should occur before Purim, and not afterward.
- Matanot la’evyonim is given on Friday, since the needy associate their receiving of funds with the megilla reading.
- The megilla cannot be read on Shabbat, as carrying the scroll in a public domain could result in a Torah-prohibited violation (hotza’a).
2. Al Ha’nisim & Purim Torah Reading – Shabbat
- Al Ha’nisim is recited in prayers and Grace After Meals.
- The Torah reading for Purim (Vayavo Amalek) is read during Shabbat morning services.
3. Mishlo’ach Manot & Purim Se’uda – Sunday
- Since Purim is a festive celebration decreed by the Sages, it is not appropriate to observe the festive se’uda on Shabbat, a divinely decreed day of rest and sanctity.
- The Sages derived from verses in the megilla that the se’uda should be held the day after Purim, rather than before.
- Mishlo’ach manot is given on the same day as the Purim se’uda, as one of its main purposes is to provide food that could potentially be used for the se’uda.
Observance Schedule for Purim Meshulash in Jerusalem
Mitzva | Day of Observance (5785/2025) |
Zekher Lemachatzit Ha’shekel | Thursday, March 13 (same as every year) |
Ta’anit Esther (Fast of Esther) | Thursday, March 13 (same as every year) |
Megilla Reading | Thursday night and Friday morning |
Matanot La’evyonim (Gifts to the Needy) | Friday, March 14 |
Al Ha’nisim and Purim Torah Reading | Shabbat, March 15 |
Mishlo’ach Manot, Purim Se’uda, and Drinking | Sunday, March 16 |
ADDITIONAL DETAILS AND HALAKHIC OPINIONS
- Megilla Reading
- Many halakhic authorities require that the megilla be read only with a minyan (a quorum of ten adult males).
- Although some opinions allow it to be read privately, it is preferable to ensure it is heard with a minyan.
- Mishlo’ach Manot
- According to most opinions, mishlo’ach manot is given on Sunday.
- A minority opinion holds that it should be given on Friday, so some accommodate this by sending mishlo’ach manot to at least one person on Friday.
- Purim Se’uda and Drinking
- The main se’uda and drinking take place on Sunday.
- A minority opinion suggests celebrating on Shabbat, so some accommodate this by adding a dish to the Shabbat meal and serving additional wine.
- Attire for Purim Meshulash
- Many Jerusalem residents wear Shabbat clothing on Friday, Shabbat, and Sunday in honor of Purim Meshulash.
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
- Zekher Lemachatzit Ha’shekel – 🔗 OU, 🔗 Halachipedia
- Ta’anit Esther – 🔗 Alpha Beta, 🔗 Rabbi Lewin, 🔗 Chabad
- Megilla – 🔗 Chabad, 🔗 Halachipedia
- Mishlo’ach Manot – 🔗 Halachipedia, 🔗 Aish, 🔗 Chabad
- Matanot La’evyonim – 🔗 Chabad, 🔗 Halachipedia, 🔗 OU
- Se’uda and Drinking on Purim – 🔗 Halachipedia, 🔗 The Yeshiva World