Purim & Mishloach Manot

Dear friends,

Last Purim, March 11th, 2020, was the last time that most of us set foot inside of Beth Jacob. By Friday afternoon, March 13th, we announced the cancelling of Shabbat services – at the time it was unimaginable that we would not have returned to our precious Beit Knesset almost an entire year later. In the last 11 ½ months we have experienced challenges but have also learned so much about the strength that carries us and our community.

The words of the Megillah state that in the face of existential challenges, “Layehudim Hayta Orah,” – our ancestors found light and joy. We are experiencing a similar light with the hope that comes from the emergence of miraculous vaccines that in time will help us return to “normal” as a community. And for now, we prepare for Purim 5781 with gratitude to Hashem that our community has by-and-large remained physically healthy and spiritually strong.

This Purim will of course be very different. Below, you will find halachic information as well as a preliminary plan for what to expect this year. “When Adar enters, our joy increases” - whether we see each other at a distance or on a Zoom screen, I look forward to increasing our joy in the month of Adar together.

Chodesh Tov!
Rabbi Gershon Albert

Parshat Zachor

There is a Biblical commandment to remember the attack of Amalek against our ancestors in the desert, which is fulfilled by reading Parshat Zachor from a Torah scroll on the Shabbat preceding Purim (Saturday, February 20th). God willing, we will have our regular Shabbat morning services include Parshat Zachor, and have scheduled an additional reading for the end of services (at 11:00 AM), and another one in the late afternoon before Mincha so that as many members as possible can fulfill the mitzvah by hearing the reading.
 
Those who are unable to attend outdoor services should read the Parsha to themselves from a Chumash (or if you have access to a Sefer Torah, that is even better) on Shabbat day out loud: Devarim / Deuteronomy Chapter 25, Verses 17-19.

The Four Purim Mitzvot

1) Megillah

The commandment to read the book of Esther needs to be fulfilled by either reading from a Megillah (kosher scroll), or hearing it being read live by someone else from a Megillah. There is a major halachic debate as to whether a virtual reading fulfills the Mitzvah, with the majority of Poskim ruling that one does not fulfill the Mitzvah through a virtual reading, though there is a lenient opinion that a virtual reading (such as Zoom) does fulfill the obligation.

Individuals who do not attend outdoor socially-distant gatherings due to their personal health status can rely on this lenient opinion when it comes to Megillah reading. Everyone else should make every effort to attend a Megillah reading in person. In order to support the precious members of our community who are not able to attend services in person, we will have a Zoom option available for both the night and the daytime readings.

Given that we will have multiple Megillah readings on Purim night, if someone attends the later Megillah reading that is not immediately after nightfall, it is permitted to break the Fast of Esther before hearing Megillah with liquids and a snack, but not a full meal.

2) Mishloach Manot

For those who are being cautious, the basic Mitzvah can be fulfilled by giving two portions of food or drink to one other person on Purim day by dropping it off on their doorstep. One does not need to hand it to the recipient in person, though the gift should include the giver’s name so as to create a sense of love and comradery.

Giving numerous gifts to friends and community members is a wonderful way to build community during this difficult time. Please remember to practice social-distancing and mask-wearing when delivering packages on Purim day.

This year has uncovered the economic difficulties in our Jewish community and beyond. Please consider donating to Tzedaka an amount equal to  the funds you spend to make beautiful gifts for friends as a way to support others beyond our immediate circle who are in need.

3) Matanot Le’evyonim

One fulfills the Mitzvah of “Gifts to the Poor” by providing the monetary value of two meals to two individuals. Those who would like to provide these gifts through the shul can make a donation to the Beth Jacob Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund, preferably through the website no later than 8:00 AM on Purim day (though checks on Purim night will also be accepted). Please add the word “Purim” to the note so that we can allocate your donation correctly. The monies will be distributed while it is still Purim to individuals in need and organizations that support them.

4) Mesiba (a festive meal) 

It goes without saying that the obligation to have a celebratory meal on Purim day should only be fulfilled in keeping with the social-distancing requirements as outlined by state and local authorities. While of course, large gatherings are how we normally create the joy of Purim, there is no Purim Mitzvah that is worth placing anyone’s health at risk. Please ensure that your own observance of this Mitzvah avoids even the possibility of Chilul Hashem (desecrating God’s name) by following the guidelines carefully.

A unique situation this year is that Purim leads directly into Shabbat, which one is supposed to enter with hunger for Shabbat dinner. Therefore, it is halachically recommended that we finish our Purim meal by the early afternoon (2:30 PM approximately) in order to still be hungry for Shabbat dinner that evening.

Machatzit HaShekel (the half-Shekel)
There is a custom to offer the value of three half-dollars in advance of Megillah reading on Purim night. Technically, this can be done by making a donation to Tzedaka worth $1.50 and saying “Zecher LeMachatzit HaShekel” (in memory of the half-Shekel). For those who would like to perform the Minhag traditionally, silver-half dollars will be available on Purim night at our outdoor services; using hand sanitizer and wearing gloves will be required before handling the coins.