לעשות אותם ימי משתה ושמחה ומשלח מנות איש לרעהו ומתנות לאביונים
“To observe them as days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.”
(Esther 9:22)
Purim begins on Monday night, March 2, 2026, and continues through Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
Purim is celebrated with joy, gratitude, and happiness, as we thank HaShem for saving the Jewish people from destruction at the hands of our enemies.
The Four Mitzvot of Purim
Our joy on Purim is expressed through four special mitzvot.
In Hebrew, all four begin with the letter מ (Mem):
- Megillat Esther
- Mishloach Manot
- Matanot La’Evyonim
- Mishteh (Seudat Purim)
Megillat Esther
The Megillah is read twice on Purim:
- Monday night, March 2, 2026
- Tuesday during the day, March 3, 2026
Women—who are usually exempt from time-bound mitzvot—must hear the Megillah, because:
- Jewish women were saved from the danger of annihilation.
- A woman, Queen Esther, played the central role in the salvation of the Jewish people.
Children are not obligated to hear the entire reading, but they are encouraged to attend synagogue and enjoy the Purim celebration. Parents should make sure that young children do not disturb the reading of the Megillah.
Mishloach Manot
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026 (during the day), we send two or more food items to at least one friend.
These gifts must be food or drink that can be used at the Purim meal.
Clothing, jewelry, or flowers do not count as Mishloach Manot.
The purpose of this mitzvah is to:
- Increase joy
- Strengthen friendship
- Promote unity among families and the Jewish people
For this reason, Mishloach Manot should not be sent anonymously.
Important:
- At least two different food items are required (commonly a drink and a baked good).
- Mishloach Manot must not be given before Purim or on Purim night, only during the daytime.
Matanot La’Evyonim
Matanot La’Evyonim—gifts to the poor—ensure that everyone can celebrate Purim with dignity and joy.
This mitzvah can be fulfilled by:
- Giving food and drink to at least two people in need, or
- Giving money equivalent to two festive meals to two people
Unlike Mishloach Manot, anonymity is preferred here, since the goal is to help those who lack the means to celebrate.
Our Rabbis teach that if resources are limited, one should give more generously to the poor than spend on one’s own Purim feast.
Seudat Purim (The Purim Feast)
On Tuesday, March 3, 2026, usually in the afternoon, we celebrate Seudat Purim, a joyful festive meal.
During this meal we:
Sing
- Rejoice
- Thank HaShem for saving us from Haman’s decree
It is customary to drink wine at the Purim feast (Megillah 2:15).
One should drink a little more than usual, but always with moderation, avoiding drunkenness or loss of dignity. (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.
