Purim is celebrated in memory of the miracle through which the people of Israel were saved in the times of Mordecai and Esther. This page provides you with a brief information about the holiday's mitzvahs
There are four special mitzvahs during Purim and they all start with the letter Mem in Hebrew – Mishlo’ach Manot, Matanot Le’Evyonim, Mikra’ Megillah, and Mishte’ VeSimcha
. In addition, before Purim, during the Fast of Esther, it is customary to donate in memory of the half shekel. You can observe the mitzvah by donating with Beit Chabad’s secure website chabad-purim.org.il
The Purim feast
It is said in the Talmud – “One must get drunk in Purim until he can't tell the cursed Haman apart from the blessed Mordecai”
In the interpretation of the Gemara, some interpret the meaning to be that by drinking so much wine, one will fall asleep and will not tell the difference between Haman and Mordecai. There are many other interpretations.
On Beit Chabad's Purim website, provided are the explanations on the matter.
Matanot Le’Evyonim
The mitzvah of providing one gift each to two poor people
How much should one give? There are several approaches – some believe that it is enough to give a “cent”, or a minimum sum of money.
Another opinion is that a significant sum should be given, enough to buy food for one meal.
To whom do we give?
Giving is for the needy who do not have the ability to make it through the month with dignity, as well as a normative family who incurred unexpected expenses such as medical expenses and the like, are defined as poor.
When is the time to give?
To begin with, Matanot l'evyonim should be given on the day of Purim, or even earlier, as long as the recipient of the gift receives it during the holiday.
Of course, the mitzvah is observed through a basic amount given and anyone wishing to give more and make a donation for the rest of the year as well can do so.
Mikra’ Megillah
The Megillah should be read twice, night and day, the rules for reading the Megillah are provided in Shulchan Aruch Siman 600, in the Orach Chayim section.
Purim basket
One should give a Purim basket to a friend. The basket should include two types of food at the least, with an emphasis on food rather than dishes or clothes or other gifts.
Other rules adjacent to Purim:
Ta’anit Esther
It is a mitzvah to fast on Adar 13, before Purim, in memory of the fasting of the people of Israel and Esther during the miracle that took place in Ahasuerus’ time. On this day it is customary to observe the Machatzit HaShekel mitzvah