Sugya Series,

The Mitzvos of Purim, Part 1: Reading the Meggilah

 

 

Reading the Megillah

1. A person is obligated to read the Megillah on the night of Purim, and to read it again during the day, as the verse states, “G-d! I called to you by day, and You did not respond- at night, and You did not pay attention to me.”

(Talmud, Meggilah 4a)

 

2. When one who reads the Megillah to assist others in their obligation, he must have intent to include them, and they must have intent to fulfill their obligation through his reading. When one reads for the congregation, it is understood that he has everyone in mind, even those who are not visible to him because they are in an adjoining area. (Shulchan Aruch, Och 690:14)

 

3. One may not talk during the reading of the Megillah: This refers both to the reader and to the listener. However, if the reader talked he can still fulfill his obligation. But if the listener talked and missed a word of the Megillah, then he does not fulfill his obligation. (Mishnah Berurah 692:9)

 

4. The ten sons of Haman, including the word “ten” should be said in one breath. This is because they all died together. (Talmud, Megillah 16b)

 

5. A person must state, “Cursed is Haman, blessed is Mordechai, cursed is Zeresh, blessed is Esther, cursed are all the wicked people, blessed are all the righteous people; also Charvona shall be remembered for good.”

(Shulchan Aruch 690:16)

 

6. One may not eat before reading the Megillah. If the fast was difficult, and a small snack is not sufficient, then one may eat more if he appoints someone to remind him to read the Megillah. (Mishnah Berurah 692:16)