There is only one more Sunday before Purim, which means that we’ll be busy next week!  We haven’t planned our Shalach Manos yet and at this rate, I don’t think we’ll be doing a cute theme.  We’ll just have to settle with our last minute, throw snacks in a bag type of theme.

I’m at the point now where I feel like all these holidays are creeping up on me. Like all of a sudden I got a note home from my kids school telling me it was crazy hat day and I was just sitting there wondering… why? What is so special about Thursday that they’re having crazy hat day.

A quick look at the calendar and I was in shock. Wow, is it already Rosh Chodesh Adar?? When did that happen?

But apparently it did, which means Purim is around the corner.

We spent yesterday making sure all the kids had what they needed for their costumes and I figured next week we’ll focus on Shalach Manos.  One thing at a time.

To remind myself what Adar/Purim is all about, I put together some notes and would like to share them with you… mostly for those of you, who like me, don’t work in a Jewish environment and need a reminder of things that used to be obvious.  So, here we go…

Purim Inyanei D’Yoma

The 4 Parshios

These 4 Parshios are read as maftir on Shabbos:

1. Shkalim – read on the Shabbos before Rosh Chodesh Adar (I guess I missed this one)
2. Zachor – read on the Shabbos before Purim (see more below on this one)
3. Parah – read on the Shabbos following Purim (I kinda know this one because it was part of my brother’s Bar Mitzvah leining many moons ago)
4. HaChodesh – read on the Shabbos before Rosh Chodesh Nissan

While it’s a mitzvah deoraisa to hear Parshas Zachor, it’s a machlokes if it pertains to women, so make an effort to attend Shul if you can and ask your lor about your obligation.

Ta’anis Esther

The Fast of Esther is the day before Purim and commemorates that Bnei Yisrael fasted on the day of the battle – 13 Adar.

Mitzvos on Purim Day

On Purim there are 4 mitzvos:

1. Mishloach Manos – must give 2 food items that are ready to eat to 1 person
2. Megilla – must hear every word, night and day
3. Matanos L’evyonim – charity to the poor
4. Seuda – you’re supposed to have eaten most of your meal by the end of the day

In morning before Megilla reading, when Shehecheyanu is recited have in mind other other 3 mitzvos of the day… shalah manos, seuda, and matanos l’evyonim.

Tefila on Purim Day

In Shmoneh Esrei and Bentching add Al HaNisim.

We do not say Hallel on Purim.  25 extra credit points to anyone who can list the 4 reasons why we don’t.  Classic seminary entrance exam question 😉

So, I know we have a week and a half until Purim, but I want to wish everyone a calm Purim prep time and a happy Chodesh Adar!

Until next time,
Shaindy