Note! If you live in Jerusalem, the Purim laws vary, click here for details.
Tip: Celebrate Purim and all of its observances at your local Chabad Center! Click here to begin your event search. |
1) Listen To The Megillah
To relive the miraculous events of Purim, listen to the reading of the Megillah (the Scroll of Esther) twice: once on Purim eve,
Thursday night, March 20, 2008, and again on Purim day, March 21, 2008.
To properly fulfill the mitzvah, it is crucial to hear every single word of the Megillah.
At certain points in the reading where Haman's name is mentioned, it is customary to twirl graggers (Purim noisemakers) and stamp one's feet to "eradicate" his evil name. Tell the children Purim is the only time when it's a mitzvah to make noise!
2) Give to the Needy (Matanot La'evyonim)
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| Give to the Needy: Click here for tips on how to fulfill the mitzvah of giving to the poor on Purim day. |
Concern for the needy is a year-round responsibility; but on Purim it is a special mitzvah to remember the poor.
Give charity to at least two, (but preferably more) needy individuals on Purim day, March
21, 2008.
The mitzvah is best fulfilled by giving directly to the needy. If, however, you cannot find poor people, place at least two coins into a charity box. As with the other mitzvahs of Purim, even small children should fulfill this mitzvah.
3) Send Food Portions to Friends (Mishloach Manot)
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| Gifts of Food: For helpful hints on how to exchange gifts of food on Purim day, click here. |
On Purim we emphasize the importance of Jewish unity and friendship by sending gifts of food to friends.
On Purim day, March 21, 2008, send a gift of at least two kinds of ready-to-eat foods (e.g., pastry, fruit, beverage), to at least one friend on Purim day. Men should send to men and women to women. It is preferable that the gifts are delivered via a third party. Children, in addition to sending their own gifts of food to their friends, make enthusiastic messengers.
4) Eat, Drink and be Merry
Purim should be celebrated with a special festive meal on Purim Day, at which family and friends gather together to rejoice in the Purim spirit. It is a mitzvah to drink wine or other inebriating drinks at this meal.
