OHR HATORAH PURIM EVENTS click below to RSVP
Purim 5771
Quick Reference Guide
Customs and Mitzvos of Purim
Taanis Esther – Women who are pregnant or Nursing and the ill are exempt. if you have any questions ask a Rabbi!
If one wants to eat in the morning before the fast starts, this should be declared verbally before going to sleep.
Zecher L’Machatzis Hashekel-
The "Machatzis Hashekel" is a custom where we donate three half dollar
coins for each male household member to Tzedakah to remember the half
shekel given during the time of the Beis Hamikdah. The "Machatzis
Hashekel" is donated at the Mincha preceding Purim (the thirteenth of
Adar).. If one did not donate "Machatzis Hashekel" on time, he should do
so on Purim. If this was not done, is should be done throughout the
remainder of the month of Adar. We will be collecting for Machatzis
Hashekel in Shul. Half dollars will be available.
Megillas Esther-
Is read both evening and morning of Purim everyone must hear it both
times. If you will not be able to be in shul please be in touch and a
special reading will be arranged for you.
Matanos Laevyonim-Gifts to the Poor-Are
given either before Purim to be distributed on Purim or on Purim
itself. At least two gifts should be given. Rabbinic Authorties have
suggested for generations that we spend more on this than any of the
other Purim Mitzvos. The halcha says we do not refuse ANY request for
funds on Purim. We will be raising money in shul for five special
charities it is recommended to give each one as much as possible.
1. Israel Chesed Fund
2. Od Yosef Chai
3. Ezras Yisroel
4 Yad Eliezer
5. Israeli Poor Fund (Administered by Rabbi Green)
6. Local Needs Fund (Administered by Rabbi Green & Rabbi Holland
Mishloach Manos- We
send at least one gift with two food items to a friend, this is to
increase love and brotherhood on the day of Purim. The Halacha suggests
that these packages be delivered by another person in order that it be
well known. It is strongly recommended even if you are participating in a
communal Mishloach Manos to send at least one on your own.
Seudas Purim-Festive Purim Meal-In
contrast to the sin of participating in Achashverosh’s parties, we have
a festive meal dedicated to the service of Hashem who miraculously
saved the Jewish People on Purim. This meal should include bread. It is a
mitzvah to drink some wine at this meal. Although Shulchan Aruch
requires one to drink to excess the Rama rules that drinking at least a
bit more than normal is enough