The Four Mitzvot of Purim

This year, Purim will be celebrated beginning Wednesday evening, March 16th after sunset, and continue through, Thursday March 17th. Four mitzvot are associated with the holiday:

Megillah Reading – Book of Esther – The Megillah is read twice on Purim, once at night and once during the day. In order to properly fulfill the mitzvah of Megillah, it is necessary to hear every word during the reading. For this reason, it is imperative that people not speak during the Megillah reading.

Mishloach Manot/Shalach Manos – Sending Gifts – On Purim day, every Jew should give at least one Mishloach Manot gift containing at least two different types of ready-to-eat food items.

Matanot La’evyonim – Gifts to the Poor – Giving to the poor is a mitzvah all year round. However, the mitzvah to do so on Purim is in addition to the general mitzvah of tzedakah (charity). To properly fulfill the mitzvah of Matanot La’evyonim one must give to two poor individuals. Although one may fulfill this mitzvah by giving a minimal amount of money to each person, the sages noted that the highest form of fulfilling this mitzvah is by giving enough money for a meal, or the equivalent in food. This mitzvah may be fulfilled by donating beforehand to an organization that will distribute the money or food on Purim day.

Seudah – Festive Meal – One should partake in a festive meal on Purim day. The minimum to fulfill this mitzvah requires that one ritually wash one’s hands (netillat yadayim), eat bread and then recite the Birkat Hamazon, the Grace after Meals.

The Purim seudah is often associated with drinking. The Talmud says “A person should drink on Purim up to the point where they cannot tell the difference between ‘Blessed is Mordechai’ and ‘Cursed is Haman.’” (Megillah 7a and Shulchan Aruch–Code of Jewish Law) – generally, this is interpreted as drinking more than one usually does or enough to make one sleepy.

While drinking on Purim is often seen as a mitzvah, risking one’s life is never permitted. Whether host or guest, it is important to be responsible:
1) Do not drink and drive.
2) Beware of underage drinking. While Purim is a religious holiday, and underage alcohol consumption is allowed for religious occasions, adults are still responsible for minors. Please do not give young people any alcohol beyond the bare minimum of wine, if at all.

Note: Given the COVID-19 pandemic, please check with your rabbi for planned local regulations regarding celebrating on Purim this year.

This Treat is reposted annually in honor of Purim.