Introduction
- Here is the abbreviated order of Purim, and later we will expand on each custom:
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- On the eve of the 13th of Adar (the Fast of Esther), we read the Megillah (Book of Esther) and after it, ‘we break the fast’.
- In the morning of the 14th of Adar, we pray the morning prayer, and after the ”Amidah” prayer and the reading of the Torah, we read the Megillah again.
- Throughout the day, the commandment of ”Mishloach Manot” (sending of portions) should be fulfilled.
- Throughout the day, the commandment of ”Matanot La’Evyonimג” (gifts to the poor) should be fulfilled.
- At noon, we eat a festive meal, during which there is a commandment to drink wine and get drunk.
Purim Night
On the eve of the 13th of Adar, towards the end of the ”Fast of Esther” and before the reading of the Megillah, it is customary to dress in festive and ‘Sabbath’ clothes in honor of the holiday.
After the ”Amidah” prayer of the evening service – before saying ”Aleinu L’Shabeach”, we approach to read the Megillah, and after it, we say ”V’Atah Kadosh” (even when the eve of Purim falls on a regular day and not after Sabbath), the cantor says ”Kaddish Shalem” and we conclude the prayer with ”Aleinu L’Shabeach”.
- On the night of the holiday, it is customary to eat a festive meal out of joy. Do not forget in the ”Birkat Hamazon” (Grace After Meals) the special section for Purim: ”Al Hanisim”.
Hereafter, we will elaborate on the four main commandments of the holiday, in order of the day: Mikra Megillah (reading of the Megillah), Mishloach Manot, Matanot La’Evyonim (gifts to the poor), and Mishteh V’Simcha (feasting and joy).
