Chabad Customs - Purim - Preparing for Purim: Unity, Mitzvos, and the Fast of Esther

Chabad Customs – Purim - This class outlines the essential preparations for a successful Purim, emphasizing the Chabad mission to reach every Jew. We discuss the four special Torah portions, the laws of Mishloach Manot and Matanot La’evyonim, and the unique schedule and leniencies of Ta'anit Esther when it falls on a Thursday.
Next →

Preparing for Purim: Unity, Mitzvos, and the Fast of Esther

 

The Goal: Mivtsa Purim

To have a successful Purim, one must prepare well in advance. In Chabad, success is measured by how many people you involve in the holiday. The goal of Mivtsa Purim is to ensure that not a single Jew, even in the furthest corners of the earth, is left out of the celebration.

  • Public Unity: While personal meals are important, the Rebbe emphasized public celebrations and giving Tzedakah openly (using a Pushka) to foster communal unity.

  • Respect for the Poor: When giving directly to individuals in need, it must be done honorably to avoid causing shame.

  • Shatnes Caution: Parents should check children's costumes for Shatnes (prohibited mixtures of wool and linen), as these garments are often unchecked.

Outreach to the Forgotten

The Rebbe emphasized reaching those "under the radar," including:

  • Senior centers, hospitals, and prisons.

  • The IDF (Tzahal): Chabad maintains a long tradition of visiting soldiers at isolated outposts and lookout points (Tatzpit) to bring them the joy of Purim.

  • Joy as a Tool: Outreach should be done with immense joy, which has the spiritual power to break through all barriers.

The Mitzvos of the Day

  1. Megillah Reading: Ideally heard twice (night and day). While the night is more popular, the daytime reading is the primary obligation.

  2. Mishloach Manot (Gifts to Friends): Minimally two types of food (e.g., a food and a drink) given to one person. Men should give to men, and women to women.

  3. Matanot La’evyonim (Gifts to the Poor): Giving at least one coin (Prutah) to two different poor people.

  4. Purim Seudah (The Festive Meal): A major highlight of the day where we gather to eat, drink, and celebrate. The Rebbe emphasized that we must not only have our own meal but ensure that those in need have the financial means and physical food to celebrate their own Seudah with true dignity and joy.

    Education: Children should be encouraged to give from their own money to learn the value of these Mitzvos.

The Four Special Torah Portions

We read four additional sections from a second Sefer Torah during this season:

  1. Shekalim: Reminds us of the half-shekel given for the Temple sacrifices.

  2. Zachor: Read the Shabbat before Purim to remember Amalek (Haman’s ancestor).

  3. Parah Adumah: Discusses purification in preparation for Passover.

  4. HaChodesh: Announces the month of Nissan.

Ta'anit Esther (The Fast of Esther)

This year, because Purim falls on a Sunday, the fast is moved from Shabbat to the preceding Thursday (11th of Adar).

  • Why Early? Unlike fasts commemorating destruction (which are pushed later if they fall on Shabbat), Ta'anit Esther is a fast of mercy and prayer. We move it earlier to avoid fasting on Friday, which would interfere with Shabbat preparations.

  • Leniencies: It is considered the most lenient fast. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those within 30 days of childbirth are generally exempt.

  • Machatzit Hashekel: It is customary to give three "half-coins" (e.g., three half-dollars in the US) to Tzedakah on this day before Mincha, commemorating the Temple tax and counteracting Haman’s silver.

Preperations for Purim

Part 2

When purim is on Sunday

Part 3

Megillah at night time

Part 4

Parshas Zachor

Part 5

Day of Purim

Leave Feedback