Is it Permissible to Pray in a Costume? Purim Q&A

When reading the Megillah at home for family members, should one recite all the blessings?

One who reads the Megillah at home to fulfill the obligation for family members should recite all the blessings that precede the Megillah. The reader may recite all the blessings themselves, even if they have already fulfilled their obligation of Megillah reading in the synagogue. Even if the women know how to recite the blessings themselves, the reader may recite them on their behalf, and they should listen, respond Amen, and fulfill their obligation through the principle that "one who hears is as one who recites."

This applies to the opening blessing, but regarding the concluding blessing, the one reading for family members may not recite the concluding blessing unless there are ten women present who are listening to fulfill their obligation, in which case it is permissible to recite the concluding blessing.

Are sons and daughters above the age of mitzvah obligated to fulfill the commandment of mishloach manot, or can they fulfill their obligation through the portions sent by their parents?

Sons and daughters who are financially dependent on their father (parents supporting the children), once they reach the age of mitzvot—boys from thirteen years and older, and girls from twelve years and older—are obligated in the mitzvah of mishloach manot. It is good to educate even younger children who have reached the age of education (from ages six or seven) in the mitzvah of mishloach manot.

Is a mourner obligated in mishloach manot, and is it permissible to send to a mourner?

A mourner is obligated in the mitzvah of mishloach manot, even during the seven days of mourning. According to Sephardic and Middle Eastern traditions, it is also permissible to send portions to someone who is in mourning, even during their seven days of mourning. This is also the custom of several Ashkenazi communities.

Can one fulfill the obligation of mishloach manot by sending to a minor child, and similarly, can one fulfill the obligation of gifts to the poor by giving to a minor child?

One can fulfill the obligation of gifts to the poor by giving to a poor minor who has not yet reached the age of mitzvot, but one does not fulfill the obligation of mishloach manot by sending to a minor.

What is the proper time for the Purim feast, and what is the appropriate time when Purim falls on Friday for Jerusalem residents, as it does this year?

The time for the feast is during the day of Purim. A Purim feast held at night does not fulfill one's obligation, as it is written (Esther 9:22): "to make them days of feasting and joy." Nevertheless, one should still rejoice and increase somewhat in feasting at night as well.

Some have the custom to eat the Purim feast in the morning before the time of mincha gedolah. Others have the custom to eat it in the afternoon, and they pray mincha gedolah before the Purim feast. However, it is not appropriate to begin the feast close to sunset on Purim day.

If Purim falls on Friday, the feast is eaten in the morning, out of respect for Shabbat, so that one can eat the Friday night Shabbat meal with an appetite. If one did not have the feast in the morning, it should be held before midday, or at least before the tenth hour of the day. In a case of necessity, the feast may be held until sunset.

Is it permissible to pray on Purim while wearing a costume, or is this disrespectful to prayer?

The Rema mentions the custom of costumes, so on Purim this is the appropriate way to stand before the King, and therefore it is permissible to pray in costume. Some have written that one may even pray in colorful clothing and the like, since this is part of the day's observances, all this provided that the costume is appropriate in form and modesty.

Rabbi Shai Amar is a rabbi in the Halachic department of Hidabroot

Questions for the rabbi: 054-8448909