לעשות אותם ימי משתה ושמחה ומשלח מנות איש לרעהו ומתנות לאביונים
Thursday, March 17th, we celebrate Purim.
Purim is celebrated with happiness and joy, thanking HaShem for our miraculous salvation from the hand of our enemies.
There are 4 Mitsvot that we do in Purim to express our happiness.
1. Megillat Esther, the public reading of the story of Purim.
2. Mishloah Manot, gifts to our friends.
3. Matanot laEbiyonim, gifts to the poor.
4. Seuda, the Purim banquet.
MEGILAT ESTHER
Megillat Esther is read twice during Purim. The first time during the night (March 16th) and the second time during the day (March 17th). Women —who are usually exempt from Mitsvot performed at a specific time — have to participate in the reading of Megillat Esther. Why? Because Jewish women were part of this miracle: (I) they were saved from the imminent danger of extermination, and (II) it was a woman, Queen Esther, who had the most important role in delivering the Jews from genocide. Children are not required to listen to Megillat Esther, but they are expected to attend the synagogue during Purim and enjoy the celebration. Parents, however, must take care that young children would not disturb the reading of the Megilla.
MISHLOACH MANOT
During the day of Purim, Thursday, we send two or more gifts to one or more friends. These “gifts” consists specifically of food products. Clothing or jewelry or flowers are not considered Mishloach Manot. Only food and drinks that could be used during the Purim banquet. Thus, when celebrating the Purim banquet, one will have at his table the food or drinks that was given to him by his or her friends. Knowing that our friends thought of us, obviously increases our joy, promotes friendship between families and strengthens our unity as a people. That is why these gifts should not be sent anonymously.
We must include at least two different types of food, usually a beverage and a baked product. The Mishloche Manot should NOT be given before Purim or during Purim night .
MATANOT LAEBYONIM
Matanot laebiyonim or “presents for people in need”, also consists in sending food to those who need help to celebrate and enjoy the Purim banquet. We should give two prepared foods or food products and a beverage, to two or more people. This Mitsva can also be fulfilled by giving two people the monetary equivalent of two meals for each one. Unlike mishloach manot, where the intention is to promote friendship and unity –and therefore, the person who receives the gifts should know who sent those gifts–in the case of the gifts for the poor, anonymity is a virtue. Because the intention of this Mitsva is to help those who don’t have the means to enjoy a good festive meal to celebrate Purim with joy. When our means are limited, our Rabbis indicated that we should be more generous in giving to the poor and needy than in spending for our own Purim banquet.
SEUDAT PURIM
An important Mitsva that we celebrate on Purim is the Mishte, a celebratory meal. During the day of Purim, Thursday March 17th at mid-afternoon, we participate in a festive meal or Se’udat Purim. At this banquet we sing, we rejoice, and we convey our gratitude to HaShem for saving us from Haman’s decree. It is customary to serve wine in this banquet (MT Megilla 2:15) and be glad and thankful for our deliverance. We should drink a little more than usual, but with moderation, without brining ourselves to intoxication or drunkenness (see this article on the subject written by the Sephardic Chef rabbi of Israel, Rabbi Ytshaq Yosef, Shelita).
Inviting people who do not have the means to celebrate the Purim meal is considered the greatest merit of Purim. The rabbis say: “There is no greater happiness [for a Jew than the joy felt] when one gladdens the hearts and spirits of the poor, the orphans and widows.
