Purim 5786

Mishloach Manot

Click here to join YIOZ in celebrating Purim by participating in this year's Mishloach Manot campaign! When you donate, you'll be sending mishloach manot to the entire shul.

Sunday, March 1- 8pm
Women’s Monthly Rosh Chodesh Lecture Series 
Terry Satinover, Z”L Community Scholar Ms. Miriam Zami Edeson
Special Pre-Purim Class at the home of Maya Bernstein

Ta’anit Esther and Purim Schedule

Monday, March 2 - Ta’anit Esther/Purim night
Fast begins: 5:16am | Shacharit: 6:45am
Mincha: 5:30pm | Youth Costume Parade: 6:00pm 
Ma’ariv: 6:10pm | Megillah Readings: 6:18pm
Fast ends: 6:18pm (the custom is to fast until after Megillah reading)
Light Break Fast
Late Reading: 8:00pm

Tuesday, March 3 - Purim Day
Shacharit and Megillah: 6:30am| 8:30am
Early Mincha: 12:40pm | Late Ma’ariv: 8:00pm

The Laws of Purim 5786 - Rabbi Shmuel Hain

Pre-Purim Laws

1. The Fast of Esther - Purim is preceded by the Fast of Esther, which begins at dawn on the 13th of Adar and continues until nightfall. This year the fast is on Monday, March 2nd. It begins at 5:16am and ends at 6:18pm.
2. Zecher LeMachaztit HaShekel - On the afternoon of Ta'anit Esther (or at any other time during the month of Adar), it is customary to give tzedakah in commemoration of the half shekel that was given when the Temple stood.  Ashkenazim customarily exchange money for three half-dollar coins. Sephardim are accustomed to giving the value of 9.6 grams of silver (according to current market value). 
    

On Purim itself (Monday night and Tuesday, March 2-3), there are four Mitzvot to fulfill:

1. Reading the Megillah - Everyone is obligated to read (or hear) every word of the Megillah - both at night and during the day - men, women, and children who have reached the age of understanding. One should have the intention to fulfill their obligation via the reader's blessings (and as such one does not say "Baruch Hu U'Baruch Shemo" during the blessings).  Ashkenazim recite "Shehechiyanu" before both readings and one should have intention to include the mitzvot of Mishloach Manot, and Matanot L'Evyonim, as well as the Purim Seudah during the daytime blessing. Sephardim only recite this blessing before the evening reading.
2. Matanot L'Evyonim/Gifts to the Poor - Every person is obligated to give charity to two poor Jews. This can only be fulfilled during the day and not at night, though one can give the money to a messenger any time on or before Purim day in order that the messenger give the money to the poor during the day of Purim itself. Rabbi Hain will distribute money through several organizations both locally and in Israel. 
   It is proper to increase one's gifts to the poor, both in the amount of money and the number of poor people. One should not be particular on Purim, and should give to all who request. Each family member should give themselves, and not rely on the charity given by a spouse or parent. One may not use Ma'aser (Tithe) money for this mitzvah.  
3. Mishloach Manot/Sending of Portions - Every person is obligated to send at least two food portions to one Jew. This can only be fulfilled during the day and not the night. Each family member should send portions, and not rely on the portions sent by a spouse or a parent. The portions need to be items that are fit for eating or drinking as is (without further cooking). The two portions also need to be different from each other; however, it is enough that they have different tastes, such as two types of cake, or two different types of meat, etc. 
   One should not send portions to someone who is in the year of mourning for their parents. One may send to the other members of the mourner's family. Those in mourning, however, are obligated to send portions. 
4. The Purim Seudah/Festive Meal - Both men and women are obligated to have a festive meal on Purim day. The bulk of the meal should be held before sunset (5:49pm). The Talmud records that "One is obligated to become intoxicated on Purim, until one cannot distinguish between 'cursed be Haman' and 'blessed be Mordechai'". There are many opinions regarding this statement; one prevalent custom is to drink more than usual until one reaches a stage of happiness and gratitude to God. Others are accustomed to fall asleep due to the more than normal quantity of wine, and thus reach a state [asleep] of being unable to distinguish between Haman and Mordechai. Of course those under the legal drinking age, those who are driving, and anyone with a history of alcohol addiction or abuse should not participate in this aspect of the seudah.  

Happy or Freilichin Purim! Chag Purim Sameach!