Purim Halacha Guide: Megillah Reading, Mishloach Manot, and Purim Prayer Customs

Does One Who Reads the Megillah at Home for Their Family Recite All the Blessings?

Yes. One who reads the Megillah at home to fulfill the obligation of their family recites all the blessings before the reading — even if they already heard the Megillah and fulfilled their own obligation in the synagogue.

Even if the women present know how to say the blessings themselves, the reader may recite the blessings on their behalf, and they should listen and answer “Amen.” In this way, they fulfill their obligation through the halachic principle of “one who hears is as one who responds.”

However, regarding the blessing after the reading (Harav et riveinu), one does not recite it when reading for family members unless there are at least ten women present listening to the Megillah reading. In that case, the final blessing may be recited.

Are Sons and Daughters Over Bar/Bat Mitzvah Obligated in Mishloach Manot, or Do the Parents Fulfill It for Them?

Boys aged 13 and above and girls aged 12 and above, even if they are still supported by their parents, are personally obligated in the mitzvah of Mishloach Manot.

It is also proper to educate younger children who have reached the age of education (around six or seven years old) to send their own Mishloach Manot as part of their Jewish learning and practice.

Does a Mourner Send and Receive Mishloach Manot?

Yes. A mourner is obligated in Mishloach Manot, even during the seven days of mourning.

According to Sephardic custom (and many Ashkenazic communities as well), it is permitted to send Mishloach Manot to a mourner, even during the first week of mourning.

Can One Fulfill the Mitzvah by Sending Mishloach Manot to a Child, or by Giving Matanot La’Evyonim (Gifts to the Poor) to a Minor?

• One can fulfill the mitzvah of Matanot La’Evyonim by giving to a poor minor, as the gift benefits them.

• However, one does not fulfill the mitzvah of Mishloach Manot by sending it to a child, since the recipient must be an adult obligated in mitzvot.

When Is the Proper Time for the Purim Feast? What About When Purim in Jerusalem Falls on Friday?

The Purim meal (seudat Purim) must be held during the daytime, as it is written: “To make them days of feasting and joy” (Esther 9:22).

A nighttime meal does not fulfill the obligation, though one should still rejoice and have a small festive meal in the evening.

There are two customs for the daytime meal:

1. Some eat it in the morning, before mincha gedolah (midday).

2. Others eat it after midday, praying mincha first.

However, one should not begin the meal too close to sunset.

When Purim falls on Friday, the meal should be held in the morning, to honor Shabbat and allow one to eat the Shabbat evening meal with appetite. If that’s not possible, it should be done before midday, or at least before the tenth hour of the day. In pressing circumstances, one may hold it until sunset.

Is It Permitted to Pray in Costume on Purim, or Is That Disrespectful?

Yes, it is permitted. The Rema (Rabbi Moshe Isserles) records the custom of wearing costumes on Purim. Since this is part of the day’s joy and spirit, it is not considered disrespectful to pray while wearing a costume.

Even colorful or festive clothing is allowed, provided the costume is modest and appropriate for prayer.