Purim Archives - AskTheRav

Can I use Maaser money to give Matanos L’evyonim on Purim? Or beyond Matanos L’evyonim can I give Tzeddakah on Purim from Maaser?

Every person is required to give gifts or money of at least a nominal sum to two poor people on Purim. The obligation can be fulfilled through any type…

I am going to Mikvah Purim night. For the Seudah am I supposed to Eat meat/chicken if I am going right after to Mikvah?

Yes. Clean your mouth and teeth very well afterwards. Sources: בשו״ת דבר משה אמאריליו מז, לאכול רק מרק של בשר. והועתק גם בכה״ח תרצו, נה. אבל ראה א״א…

Does Matanos L’evyonim need to be money? In the booklet it says money or Shove Kesef. Can I take the amount I was going to send a family in need and buy them Shabbos food or other basic foods for their house which they do not have? Or should I rather give them the money?

It does hot have to be money. Buying them food for Shabbos is a great idea. Sources: ראה בלוח מטעם הבדצ הערה 54 בארוכה.

Practically, what are ways one can fulfill the Mitzvah of Matanos La’evyonim on Purim, who is considered an Evyon? What is the best way to do it?

Although some say to seek out extremely poor individuals who are absolutely destitute, referred to as Evyonim, for this Mitzvah, the accepted Halacha is that anyone who is considered…

If the reason I would buy a Megillah is only for Mivtzoim, may I pay for it with Maaser?

Yes, if you cannot afford to do it with your own money. It remains always Mivtzoim’s possession. It is important to inscribe somewhere who the real owner is. …

I am an Avel r”l, And I run a campus Chabad House. Am I allowed to have music playing during our Purim celebrations?

You may join the Seudah and even have music if this is normally done every year and your participation is important as host. Nonetheless, you should not actively try…

א. האם אפשר לאסוף את הכסף של מתנות לאביונים במבצעים (מכו”כ אנשים), בקופה אחת, (ואח”כ לחלק את זה בין שני אביונים), או שצריכים לשים מלכתחילה בשני קופות? (באם כן, האם צריך להדגיש שהכסף ילך לשני אביונים)?

המשך השאלות: ב. אם תורמים את כל הכסף לקרן צדקה אחת האם זה נחשב כשני אביונים, מאחר והם מחלקים את זה בין כו"כ אביונים? ג. האם אפשר להשתמש בכסף של…

האם מותר לעשות כביסה בפורים, היינו כשלא לצורך פורים?

יש מקום להקל במכונת כביסה, כיוון שאין בו שיהוי. ובפרט בליל פורים, שלכמה דעות מותר בלילה. ואף אם כובס כל בגדיו לכל השבוע, ויוצא שיש בו שיהוי, מ''מ - …

What age is considered “age of Chinuch”, regarding bringing a child to Shul to hear Megillah?

Age of Chinuch in this context is the age when they are capable of listening to the entire Megillah. The custom is to bring even children younger than the…

Is it problematic to include a non-Mevushal wine in a Shalach Manos gifted to a non-frum yid? It will likely be consumed by that yid and his non-Jewish family.

L'chatchilah it would be best to give only foods and drinks that would not create problems later. However, there are opinions to rely on to give in such a…

If a woman herself gives Machatzis Hashekel, Should her husband also give for her, or its unnecessary?

Women generally are exempt from Machatzis Hashekel. There is a common custom that the husband gives Machatzis Hashekel on behalf of his wife. I have never heard of a…

We will be having a teen Purim party with Megilla reading. To be able to make a Bracha after Megilla, would it require 10 male Jews, or even girls are included in the 10?

Girls may be included. Sources: נחלקו בזה - ראה משחא דרבותא או"ח סתר"צ סי"ח (בסוה"ס). שלמת חיים סי' קא. מקראי קודש סל"ה. הליכות שלמה פכ"ג ס"ג. יבי"א ח"א…

May I brush my teeth on Taanis Esther, without swallowing any water?

Best not to brush your teeth. If this is difficult, there is room to be lenient. Care should be given not to swallow any water. When rinsing your mouth,…

האם מותר לאסוף כסף בפורים בתור ׳מתנות לאביונים׳ עבור מעות חטים – מצות ליהודים העניים ברובם?

אם הכסף מיועד לספק אוכל - גם אם זה מצות - לעניים בחנם. ובכל זאת, עדיף לתת לאביונים את הכסף בפורים עצמו.

Does flavored Seltzer count as a food item in Mishloach Manos?

Yes.

האם צריך לכתחילה לחומרא להיות שני דברים של כזית במשלוח מנות, או שכל המשלוח מנות יהי’ כזית או כביצה. או שאפשר אולי לשים 3 דברים שיחד יהיו כב’ זתים או כיוצ”ב?

ראוי שכל אחת מה "מנות" תהא חשובה ומכובדת, ולפחות בשיעור "כזית" לכל אחד מהם. [ובדוחק, כזית לשניהם ביחד]. מקורות: שקו״ט באחרונים. וראה שיחת פורים ה'תשכ"ג. ז' אד"ש ה'תשל"ו. וראה מה שכתבנו בגליון…

Are women obligated in Machatzis Hashekel on Taanis Ester? If yes, is a women’s obligation fulfilled through her husband? Also, should a father give Machatzis Hashekel for his baby?

Woman are not obligated in giving Machatzis Hashekel. However, some give on behalf of their wives and children (even babies) - this custom is mentioned in the Rebbe’s sichos. One…

What is the value of following the Laining of the Megillah with a Chumash? If I miss a word from the Baal Koreh am I Yotzei just by seeing the word in the Chumash? I am guessing saying the word would not help since it is not a Kosher Megallah.

A listener following the reading from a printed text should not read along with the Ba’al Koreh. If someone in this scenario misses a few words or a Possuk, they may…

May I eat or drink before hearing Megillah, once the fast is over. since I am helping Shluchim, and they may wait a while before reading the Megillah after the fast is over?

We should not eat a meal before Megillah reading, even for those who find fasting difficult. If there is a great need, there is room for leniency for snacking…

Can a girl dress up as a male (ex yarmulka/hat/suit/tzitzis) for a play?

Some authorities are lenient regarding men and women wearing clothing designed for the opposite gender, in deference to the joyful celebration of Purim. However, many authorities vehemently forbid this.…