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One should increase in festivities on [[Purim]]. There is mitzvah to eat one meal on the day of [[Purim]]. <Ref>Rama and S”A 695:1 </ref> Below are the details of the meal of [[Purim]].
One should increase in festivities on [[Purim]]. There is mitzvah to eat one meal on the day of [[Purim]]. <Ref>Rama and S”A 695:1 </ref> Below are the details of the meal of [[Purim]].
==Practices of Seudat Purim==
==Practices of Seudat Purim==
# When one has the [[Seudah]], one should have intent that one is eating the meal in order to fulfill the mitzvah of Seudat [[Purim]].<ref> Shulchan Aruch 60:4 rules like the Rishonim who say that Mitzvot need kavana. Mishna Brurah 60:9 quotes the Gra who says that mitzvot derabbanan also need kavana, while the Magen Avraham disagrees. It’s clear from S”A 696:7 that eating Seudat [[Purim]] is MeDivrei Kabbalah (which in some respects is similar to a Deoritta). Therefore, Pri Megadim (M”Z 695:1) writes that one should have intent that one is eating the meal to fulfill the mitzvah of Seudat [[Purim]]. Mishna Brurah 695:4 quotes this as halacha. </ref>
# When one has the [[Seudah]], one should have intent that one is eating the meal in order to fulfill the mitzvah of Seudat [[Purim]].<ref> S"A 60:4 rules like the Rishonim who say that Mitzvot need kavana. Mishna Brurah 60:9 quotes the Gra who says that mitzvot derabbanan also need kavana, while the Magen Avraham disagrees. It’s clear from S”A 696:7 that eating Seudat [[Purim]] is MeDivrei Kabbalah (which in some respects is similar to a Deoritta). Therefore, Pri Megadim (M”Z 695:1) writes that one should have intent that one is eating the meal to fulfill the mitzvah of Seudat [[Purim]]. Mishna Brurah 695:4 quotes this as halacha. </ref>
# The meal should be eaten with friends and family. <Ref> Eliyah Rabba 695:4 writes that the meal should be eaten with family and friends in order to have Simcha. Mishna Brurah 695:9 quotes this and adds that it should be a Simcha of Torah. See Gemara [[Shabbat]] 88a which says that [[Purim]] was a Kabbalah MeAhava of the Torah. </ref>
# The meal should be eaten with friends and family. <Ref> Eliyah Rabba 695:4 writes that the meal should be eaten with family and friends in order to have Simcha. Mishna Brurah 695:9 quotes this and adds that it should be a Simcha of Torah. See Gemara [[Shabbat]] 88a which says that [[Purim]] was a Kabbalah MeAhava of the Torah. </ref>
==Exceptions==
==Exceptions==
# It is improper to fast on [[Purim]] unless it is a fast for a nightmare. <ref> Rama 695:2 </ref>
# It is improper to fast on [[Purim]] unless it is a fast for a nightmare. <ref> Rama 695:2 </ref>
==When should one eat Seudat Purim?==
==When should one eat Seudat Purim?==
# If purim falls on a Friday a person should have the meal in the morning<ref>Rama O.C. 695:2 writes that if Purim is on Friday one should have the meal before Chatzot in honor of Shabbat. This is based on the Minhagim (R' Tirna, Purim) who explains that it should be in the morning because it shouldn't be done after mincha and be done between mincha and maariv on Friday afternoon. Mishna Brurah 695:10, Or Letzion 4:60:1, Torat Hamoadim 11:6, and Yalkut Yosef (Bet Yosef edition, 5776, p. 220, 695:7) agree. Mishna Brurah 695:10 writes that after the fact one can still have the meal afterwards. Yosef Ometz 1104 writes that one should have the majority of the meal in the morning so that it doesn't impact the honor of Shabbat. Aruch Hashulchan 249:7 however implies that it isn't necessary. As long as one starts before midday it is permitted to continue even if one knew in advance that it was going to go into the afternoon.</ref> but if he didn't he can have it after midday (Chatzot) until the beginning of the tenth halachic hour (which is a half hour before Mincha Ketana). After the fact if he didn't have it until the end of the day he should still have the meal then.<ref>Torat Hamoadim 11:6 adds that if one didn't have the meal before Chatzot one should do so before a half hour before Mincha Ketana and if one didn't do so one can still have the meal until the end of the day.</ref> Some say that it is permitted to have the meal after midday until the beginning of the tenth hour.<Ref>[http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva 56)] writes that the Rama 695:2 opinion that one should have the purim seuda in the morning is a chumra and not necessary. It only needs to take place before the beginning of the tenth hour. He compares it to Rama 639:3 and Shaar Hatziyun.</ref> Although some had the practice to start the meal before Shabbat and go until nightfall, break, cover the food, recite Kiddush, and continue the meal, many poskim disapprove of this.<ref>Magen Avot (R' Lebhar, v. 1 p. 431) writes that the Moroccan minhag was to start the meal before Shabbat and at nightfall cover the food, recite Kiddush, and continue the meal. He cites this from the Shalu Lbaruch 76, Kriyat Chana Dovid 2:90, Vayan 29, and Netivi Am. [https://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=46446&pgnum=399 Nitai Gavriel 72:5] quotes this minhag as well. [http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva 56)] disapproved of this practice as it is only allowed after the fact.</ref>
# Many Ashkenazim have the minhag to eat the meal after [[mincha]], while many Sephardim have the minhag to eat the meal in the morning.<ref>  
# Many Ashkenazim have the minhag to eat the meal after [[mincha]] but they should be careful to have majority of the meal during the day, while many Sephardim have the minhag to eat the meal in the morning.<ref>  
* Rama 695:2 writes that the minhag is to eat the meal after [[mincha]], but one should ensure that majority of the meal is eaten during the day. Rabbi Willig (“Practical Laws of Observance of [[Purim]]”, min 41-2) explained that the Rama means that the primary parts of the meal such as the bread, meat, and wine should be consumed during the day. Shalmei Todah (pg 317) also explains the Rama this way.  
* Rama O.C. 695:2 writes that the minhag is to eat the meal after [[mincha]], but one should ensure that majority of the meal is eaten during the day. Rabbi Willig (“Practical Laws of Observance of [[Purim]]”, min 41-2) explained that the Rama means that the primary parts of the meal such as the bread, meat, and wine should be consumed during the day. Shalmei Todah (pg 317) also explains the Rama this way.  
* However, the Maaseh Rav of the Gra (#248) recommends eating it in the morning. Kaf HaChaim 695:23 quotes kabbalistic reasons for eating Seudat [[Purim]] in the morning. </ref>Some have a minhag to eat a small meal the night of [[Purim]]. <Ref> S”A 695:1 writes that one doesn’t fulfill one’s obligation by eating a nighttime meal. The Rama adds that at night one should have a small meal. Pri Megadim E”A 695:6 presents different minhagim about having meat at the nighttime meal. </ref>
* However, the Maaseh Rav of the Gra (#248) seems to recommends eating it in the morning. (See discussion page.) [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/pdfpager.aspx?req=9082&pgnum=347 Kaf HaChaim 695:23] quotes kabbalistic reasons for eating Seudat [[Purim]] in the morning. Torat Hamoadim 11:6 agrees and adds that this was the practice of his father, Rav Ovadia Yosef. Rav Ovadia's opinion is also recorded in Chazon Ovadia p. 180.</ref> Some have a minhag to eat a small meal the night of [[Purim]]. <Ref> Shulchan Aruch O.C. 695:1 writes that one doesn’t fulfill one’s obligation by eating a nighttime meal. The Rama adds that at night one should have a small meal. Pri Megadim E”A 695:6 presents different minhagim about having meat at the nighttime meal. </ref>
# The mitzvah of Seudat [[Purim]] is during the day and not the night, yet one should have simcha and a small meal at night (and make the meal of the day greater). <Ref>S”A and Rama 695:1, Mishna Brurah 695:3 </ref> If [[Purim]] falls out on Motzei [[Shabbat]] and Sunday, having [[Seudat Shelishit]] isn’t considered as having a small meal during the night of [[Purim]]. Rather, one should have a special meal for the sake of [[Purim]]. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 695:3 </ref>
# The mitzvah of Seudat [[Purim]] is during the day and not the night, yet one should have simcha and a small meal at night (and make the meal of the day greater).<Ref>Shulchan Aruch and Rama 695:1, Mishna Brurah 695:3 </ref> If [[Purim]] falls out on Motzei [[Shabbat]] and Sunday, having [[Seudat Shelishit]] isn’t considered as having a small meal during the night of [[Purim]]. Rather, one should have a special meal for the sake of [[Purim]]. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 695:3 </ref>
# If one began the meal on [[Purim]] and ate past nightfall, one should still mention Al HaNissim in [[Birkat HaMazon]] <Ref>S”A and Rama 695:3 </ref> unless one already said [[Maariv]], in which case one shouldn’t say Al HaNissim. Some say that one can say it even after [[davening]] [[Maariv]]. <ref>Mishna Brurah 695:16 </ref>
# If one began the meal on [[Purim]] and ate past nightfall, one should still mention Al HaNissim in [[Birkat HaMazon]]<Ref>Shulchan Aruch and Rama O.C. 695:3. Or Letzion 4:60:4 writes that as long as one ate a kezayit by day even if the meal continued into the night one can recite Al Hanissim in Birchat Hamazon. Even though the Ben Ish Chai Shana Rishona Chukat 22 wrote that we don't mention Al Hanissim in Birchat Hamazon if it extended into the night, the Or Letzion writes that we follow Shulchan Aruch and Chida. He adds that this was the ruling of Rav Ezra Attiya. Yachava Daat 3:55, Yalkut Yosef (5764, Seudat Purim no. 5), Yalkut Yosef (Bet Yosef edition, 5776, p. 221 695:9), and Torat Hamoadim 11:5 agree. </ref> unless one already said [[Maariv]], in which case one shouldn’t say Al HaNissim. Some say that one can say it even after [[davening]] [[Maariv]].<ref>Mishna Brurah 695:16 </ref>
# Someone who needs to work on Purim can have the meal when they come home before nightfall even though it is going to go late into the night so that they can have a proper festive meal as opposed to having the meal at work.<Ref>Nitai Gavriel Purim 72:3 p. 399 quoting Rav Moshe Feinstein</ref>
 
==What should one eat at Seudat Purim?==
==What should one eat at Seudat Purim?==
# Many poskim hold that one should eat bread and meat in the meal.<ref>  
# Many poskim hold that one should eat bread and meat in the meal.<ref>  
* Rambam [[Megillah]] 2:15 writes that the meal should consist of meat and wine. The Magen Avraham 696:15 questions the need for meat. Nonetheless, many poskim including Kaf HaChaim 695:6, Chazon Ovadyah pg 173, and Nitei Gavriel 71:3 agree that one should have meat. Shaar HaTziyun 695:12 implies it’s an obligation. Kovetz MeBet Levi (5758, vol 13, pg 32) writes that having meat is not MeAkev.
* Rambam [[Megillah]] 2:15 writes that the meal should consist of meat and wine. The Magen Avraham 696:15 questions the need for meat. Nonetheless, many poskim including Kaf HaChaim 695:6, Chazon Ovadyah pg 173, and Nitei Gavriel 71:3 agree that one should have meat. Shaar HaTziyun 695:12 implies it’s an obligation. Kovetz MeBet Levi (5758, vol 13, pg 32) writes that having meat is not MeAkev.
* The Birkei Yosef 695:1-3 and Magen Avraham 695:9 write that there’s no obligation to eat bread. However, Aruch HaShulchan 695:7, 12 argues that mishteh is defined by bread. Chayei Adam 155:30 says the same. Nitei Gavriel 71:1 and Yalkut Yosef 695:4 write that one should be strict to have bread. Or Letzion 4:60:2 agrees that essentially one doesn't need bread but one should be strict to have it. Mishna Brurah makes no mention of it except in Shaar HaTziyun 695:4 where he leaves it as a dispute. </ref>
* The Birkei Yosef 695:1-3 and Magen Avraham 695:9 write that there’s no obligation to eat bread. However, Aruch HaShulchan 695:7, 12 argues that mishteh is defined by bread. Chayei Adam 155:30 says the same. Nitei Gavriel 71:1 and Yalkut Yosef 695:4 write that one should be strict to have bread. Mishna Brurah makes no mention of it except in Shaar HaTziyun 695:4 where he leaves it as a dispute. </ref>
 
==If one forgot Al HaNissim==
==If one forgot Al HaNissim==
# If one forgot Al HaNissim in [[Benching]], one doesn’t repeat [[benching]].  However, if one remembers that he forgot Al HaNissim while still [[benching]] one should add it in the Harachaman’s by saying Harachaman Hu Yaaseh Lanu Nissim and continue with Al HaNissim. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 695:15 </ref>
# If one forgot Al HaNissim in [[Benching]], one doesn’t repeat [[benching]].  However, if one remembers that he forgot Al HaNissim while still [[benching]] one should add it in the Harachaman’s by saying Harachaman Hu Yaaseh Lanu Nissim and continue with Al HaNissim. <Ref>Mishna Brurah 695:15 </ref>
==Drinking on Purim==
==Drinking on Purim==
# The mitzvah to drink only applies to wine. Although most Rishonim seem to require one to reach a level of drunkenness <Ref> Gemara [[Megillah]] 7b. Rambam (Laws of [[Megillah]] 2:15), Rif [[Megillah]] 3a in Dapei HaRif, Rosh [[Megillah]] Perek 1 Siman 8, Tur Orach Chayim 695:1 seem to require one to reach a level of drunkenness. See Emek Bracha (p. 126) who quotes Rav Yisrael Salanter as explaining that one is obligated to continue to drink and is only exempt once one reaches a level of drunkenness that one doesn't realize between "blessed is Mordechai" and "cursed is Haman".</ref>, most later authorities, Ashkenazic and Sephardic, hold that one should only drink a little more than what one is accustomed to drink and then sleep (see note for procedure). <Ref> The Bet Yosef 695:1 quotes the Orchot Chaim who writes that it’s forbidden to get drunk; rather the mitzvah is to drink a little more than one is accustomed to drink. Darkei Moshe HaAruch 695:2 quotes the Mahariv as saying that one should drink, and then sleep so that one doesn’t know the difference between Arur Haman and Baruch Mordechai. Rama 695:2 combines the Orchot Chaim and Mahariv saying that one should drink more than one is accustomed to drink and then sleep.  
# The mitzvah to drink only applies to wine. Although most Rishonim seem to require one to reach a level of drunkenness <Ref> Gemara [[Megillah]] 7b. Rambam (Laws of [[Megillah]] 2:15), Rif [[Megillah]] 3a in Dapei HaRif, Rosh [[Megillah]] Perek 1 Siman 8, Tur Orach Chayim 695:1 seem to require one to reach a level of drunkenness.</ref>, most later authorities, Ashkenazic and Sephardic, hold that one should only drink a little more than what one is accustomed to drink and then sleep (see note for procedure). <Ref> The Bet Yosef 695:1 quotes the Orchot Chaim who writes that it’s forbidden to get drunk; rather the mitzvah is to drink a little more than one is accustomed to drink. Darkei Moshe HaAruch 695:2 quotes the Mahariv as saying that one should drink, and then sleep so that one doesn’t know the difference between Arur Haman and Baruch Mordechai. Rama 695:2 combines the Orchot Chaim and Mahariv saying that one should drink more than one is accustomed to drink and then sleep.  
* Mishna Brurah 695:5 explicitly rules that this is the accepted halacha. This was also the minhag of Rav Shlomo Zalman (Halichot Shlomo pg 343 note 78). [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/753214/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Inyanei_Purim Rav Hershel Schachter in a shiur on yutorah.org] (“Inyanei [[Purim]]”, min 81-83) explained that one should drink a little more than one is accustomed to, and then fall asleep after the meal. Rabbi Willig (min 42-6), however, explained that according to the Rama one should drink a little, sleep, and then have the [[Seudah]], and drink a little in the meal. Yalkut Yosef 695:14 rules like the Orchot Chaim and makes no mention of sleeping. Rav Mordechai Eliyahu in MaAmer Mordechai 64:36 who seems to agree.
* Mishna Brurah 695:5 explicitly rules that this is the accepted halacha. This was also the minhag of Rav Shlomo Zalman (Halichot Shlomo pg 343 note 78). [http://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/753214/Rabbi_Hershel_Schachter/Inyanei_Purim Rav Hershel Schachter in a shiur on yutorah.org] (“Inyanei [[Purim]]”, min 81-83) explained that one should drink a little more than one is accustomed to, and then fall asleep after the meal. Rabbi Willig (min 42-6), however, explained that according to the Rama one should drink a little, sleep, and then have the [[Seudah]], and drink a little in the meal. Yalkut Yosef 695:14 rules like the Orchot Chaim and makes no mention of sleeping. Rav Mordechai Eliyahu in MaAmer Mordechai 64:36 who seems to agree.
* Rashi [[Megillah]] 7b s.v. LeIvsumei and Rambam 2:15 specify wine and not other intoxicating drinks. Kaf HaChaim 695:6 and Nitei Gavriel 73:2 codify this as halacha. Rabbi Willig (min 44-5) rules that it’s prohibited to have intoxicating drinks other than wine on [[Purim]] or any day of the year. However, Shalmei Todah (pg 326) quotes Rav Nissim Karlitz saying that it’s not MeAkev to have wine specifically. Rav Shlomo Zalman (Halichot Shlomo pg 342, note 76) writes that grape juice does not suffice. </ref> All agree that if one going to end up violating or degrading any halacha such as [[Birkat HaMazon]], one should not get drunk. <Ref> The Chaye Adam 155:30 writes that if one knows that getting drunk will cause one to degrade fulfilling a mitzvah such as making [[Brachot]], [[Birkat HaMazon]], or [[Maariv]], one shouldn’t get drunk. This is quoted by the Beiur Halacha s.v. Ad and Kaf HaChaim 695:17. This is supported by the Mieri ([[Megillah]] 7b) who writes that we’re not commanded to have happiness of vanity and frivolity, rather one should have happiness that leads to Ahavat Hashem and a desire to thank Him for the miracles he did for us.
* Rashi [[Megillah]] 7b s.v. LeIvsumei and Rambam 2:15 specify wine and not other intoxicating drinks. Kaf HaChaim 695:6 and Nitei Gavriel 73:2 codify this as halacha. Rabbi Willig (min 44-5) rules that it’s prohibited to have intoxicating drinks other than wine on [[Purim]] or any day of the year. However, Shalmei Todah (pg 326) quotes Rav Nissim Karlitz saying that it’s not MeAkev to have wine specifically. Rav Shlomo Zalman (Halichot Shlomo pg 342, note 76) writes that grape juice does not suffice. </ref> All agree that if one going to end up violating or degrading any halacha such as [[Birkat HaMazon]], one should not get drunk. <Ref> The Chaye Adam 155:30 writes that if one knows that getting drunk will cause one to degrade fulfilling a mitzvah such as making [[Brachot]], [[Birkat HaMazon]], or [[Maariv]], one shouldn’t get drunk. This is quoted by the Beiur Halacha s.v. Ad and Kaf HaChaim 695:17. This is supported by the Mieri ([[Megillah]] 7b) who writes that we’re not commanded to have happiness of vanity and frivolity, rather one should have happiness that leads to Ahavat Hashem and a desire to thank Him for the miracles he did for us. </ref>
* The [http://www.halachipedia.com/documents/Roshei_Yeshiva_Letter_Regarding_Purim.pdf Roshei Yeshiva of Yeshiva University signed a letter (dated Feb 26 2015)] stating that one should fulfill the mitzvah of drinking according to the Rama. They emphasize that it is incumbent upon the community to ensure that that individuals avoid the risks of intoxication and Chilul Hashem which could result from it.</ref>
# If one’s parent tells one not to drink on [[purim]] one should listen to them and only drink a little more than usual. <Ref> Halichot Shlomo 19:25 </ref>
# If one’s parent tells one not to drink on [[purim]] one should listen to them and only drink a little more than usual. <Ref> Halichot Shlomo 19:25 </ref>
# Women are not required to drink as much. One cup or less is sufficient. <ref> Sh"t Rivevot Ephraim 1:458, Moadim Uzmanim 2:190 </ref>
# Women are not required to drink as much. One cup or less is sufficient. <ref> Sh"t Rivevot Ephraim 1:458, Moadim Uzmanim 2:190 </ref>
# If one unintentionally causes minor damages as a result of celebrating [[purim]], one is exempt from paying for the damages. <ref> M.B 6595: 5 </ref>
# If one damages property as a result of celebrating [[purim]], one is exempt from paying for the damages. <ref> Rama 695:2 </ref>
 
==Avoiding Davening and Brachot After Drinking==
Regarding reciting brachot and davening after drinking see [[Avoiding Davening After Drinking Intoxicating Beverages]].
# One who is not in a state that is fitting to speak before a king is forbidden to daven [[Shemone Esrei]]<ref>S.A 99:1</ref> or recite the [[Shema]] and its accompanying blessings.<ref>Rama 99:1 and M.B. 99:7</ref> If one prays in such a condition his prayer is considered an abomination and he must repeat Shemone Esrei and Shema<ref>M.B. 99:8</ref> (all 3 paragraphs) once he is sober.<ref> S.A 99:1 M.B. 99:5 writes that if he davens Shemona Esrei then it is as if he has worshiped idols. Contrastingly, if he avoids davening then he will be saved from all distress.</ref>
# One who is truly unfit to speak before a king must delay davening even if this means that he will miss the time to daven altogether.  In such a scenario, he may pray a make up tefilla ([[tashlumin]]). <ref>S.A. 99:1</ref> Nonetheless, one must not be overly stringent about this considering the fact that, today, our kavana during davening is not so great even when we are not drunk.<ref>M.B. 99:3 quoting the Yam Shel Shlomo</ref>
# If one is concerned the time for Shema will pass before he becomes sober he should recite the Shema (including all three paragraphs).  Nonetheless, if he becomes sober before the time for Shema ends he should repeat Shema (all three paragraphs).<ref>M.B 99:8 quotes the Levush and Likutei Ha'Ramban who are lenient regarding reciting Shema when drunk.  Nonetheless, the Gra explains the Yerushalmi as forbidding one from reciting Shema in such a scenario. The M.B. therefore concludes in accordance with what the Magen Avraham states regarding Birkat Hamazon (quoted in M.B. 185:6 as "Achronim") that one must still recite Shema or Birkat Hamazon if he finds himself already drunk, but ideally, one should avoid this situation.</ref>
# Even if one is accustomed to drinking and is therefore not affected by drinking, nonetheless, if one drinks a reviit of wine, or the intoxicating equivalent of another beverage, ideally he should not daven then.  When one drinks this minimal amount of wine or its intoxicating equivalent from another beverage, a walk of 1 [[mil]] and a tiny bit of sleep will suffice to wear off the alcohol's effect.<ref>S.A 99:2 M.B. 99:17 quotes the Yam Shel Shlomo that on Yom Tov it is permitted to daven even if one drank a little because it is impossible to wait. The M.B writes that this applies all the more so today when even when we are not drinking are kavana is not so great.</ref>
# Ideally, one should avoid reciting any brachot when one is drunk to the extent that he would be incapable of speaking in front of a king.<ref>M.B. 99:11 quoting the Gra</ref> Strictly speaking however, one make recite all brachot<ref>Rama 99:1</ref> (including Birkat Hamazon)<ref>M.B 99:9</ref> as long as one is not drunk to the level of Lot's drunkeness.<ref>M.B. 99:11 quoting the Mishbitzot Zahav</ref>
# Once one is drunk to the extent that he can no longer speak in front of a king he also cannot be counted for a minyan (although for a [[zimun]] it is possible that this is permitted).<ref>M.B. 99:10</ref>
# One need not do any test in order to determine if he is sober enough to daven; rather, each individual is trusted to make this determination independently.<ref>S.A. 99:3</ref>


==Links==
* [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/56811 Yalkut Yosef Hilchot Purim (Hebrew 5773)]
==Sources==
==Sources==
{{reflist|30em}}
<references/>
[[Category:Holidays]]
[[Category:Holidays]]
[[Category:Purim]]
[[Category:Purim]]

Revision as of 05:34, 13 October 2014

Seudat Purim.png

One should increase in festivities on Purim. There is mitzvah to eat one meal on the day of Purim. [1] Below are the details of the meal of Purim.

Practices of Seudat Purim

  1. When one has the Seudah, one should have intent that one is eating the meal in order to fulfill the mitzvah of Seudat Purim.[2]
  2. The meal should be eaten with friends and family. [3]

Exceptions

  1. It is improper to fast on Purim unless it is a fast for a nightmare. [4]

When should one eat Seudat Purim?

  1. Many Ashkenazim have the minhag to eat the meal after mincha, while many Sephardim have the minhag to eat the meal in the morning.[5]Some have a minhag to eat a small meal the night of Purim. [6]
  2. The mitzvah of Seudat Purim is during the day and not the night, yet one should have simcha and a small meal at night (and make the meal of the day greater). [7] If Purim falls out on Motzei Shabbat and Sunday, having Seudat Shelishit isn’t considered as having a small meal during the night of Purim. Rather, one should have a special meal for the sake of Purim. [8]
  3. If one began the meal on Purim and ate past nightfall, one should still mention Al HaNissim in Birkat HaMazon [9] unless one already said Maariv, in which case one shouldn’t say Al HaNissim. Some say that one can say it even after davening Maariv. [10]

What should one eat at Seudat Purim?

  1. Many poskim hold that one should eat bread and meat in the meal.[11]

If one forgot Al HaNissim

  1. If one forgot Al HaNissim in Benching, one doesn’t repeat benching. However, if one remembers that he forgot Al HaNissim while still benching one should add it in the Harachaman’s by saying Harachaman Hu Yaaseh Lanu Nissim and continue with Al HaNissim. [12]

Drinking on Purim

  1. The mitzvah to drink only applies to wine. Although most Rishonim seem to require one to reach a level of drunkenness [13], most later authorities, Ashkenazic and Sephardic, hold that one should only drink a little more than what one is accustomed to drink and then sleep (see note for procedure). [14] All agree that if one going to end up violating or degrading any halacha such as Birkat HaMazon, one should not get drunk. [15]
  2. If one’s parent tells one not to drink on purim one should listen to them and only drink a little more than usual. [16]
  3. Women are not required to drink as much. One cup or less is sufficient. [17]
  4. If one damages property as a result of celebrating purim, one is exempt from paying for the damages. [18]

Avoiding Davening and Brachot After Drinking

  1. One who is not in a state that is fitting to speak before a king is forbidden to daven Shemone Esrei[19] or recite the Shema and its accompanying blessings.[20] If one prays in such a condition his prayer is considered an abomination and he must repeat Shemone Esrei and Shema[21] (all 3 paragraphs) once he is sober.[22]
  2. One who is truly unfit to speak before a king must delay davening even if this means that he will miss the time to daven altogether. In such a scenario, he may pray a make up tefilla (tashlumin). [23] Nonetheless, one must not be overly stringent about this considering the fact that, today, our kavana during davening is not so great even when we are not drunk.[24]
  3. If one is concerned the time for Shema will pass before he becomes sober he should recite the Shema (including all three paragraphs). Nonetheless, if he becomes sober before the time for Shema ends he should repeat Shema (all three paragraphs).[25]
  4. Even if one is accustomed to drinking and is therefore not affected by drinking, nonetheless, if one drinks a reviit of wine, or the intoxicating equivalent of another beverage, ideally he should not daven then. When one drinks this minimal amount of wine or its intoxicating equivalent from another beverage, a walk of 1 mil and a tiny bit of sleep will suffice to wear off the alcohol's effect.[26]
  5. Ideally, one should avoid reciting any brachot when one is drunk to the extent that he would be incapable of speaking in front of a king.[27] Strictly speaking however, one make recite all brachot[28] (including Birkat Hamazon)[29] as long as one is not drunk to the level of Lot's drunkeness.[30]
  6. Once one is drunk to the extent that he can no longer speak in front of a king he also cannot be counted for a minyan (although for a zimun it is possible that this is permitted).[31]
  7. One need not do any test in order to determine if he is sober enough to daven; rather, each individual is trusted to make this determination independently.[32]

Sources

  1. Rama and S”A 695:1
  2. S"A 60:4 rules like the Rishonim who say that Mitzvot need kavana. Mishna Brurah 60:9 quotes the Gra who says that mitzvot derabbanan also need kavana, while the Magen Avraham disagrees. It’s clear from S”A 696:7 that eating Seudat Purim is MeDivrei Kabbalah (which in some respects is similar to a Deoritta). Therefore, Pri Megadim (M”Z 695:1) writes that one should have intent that one is eating the meal to fulfill the mitzvah of Seudat Purim. Mishna Brurah 695:4 quotes this as halacha.
  3. Eliyah Rabba 695:4 writes that the meal should be eaten with family and friends in order to have Simcha. Mishna Brurah 695:9 quotes this and adds that it should be a Simcha of Torah. See Gemara Shabbat 88a which says that Purim was a Kabbalah MeAhava of the Torah.
  4. Rama 695:2
    • Rama 695:2 writes that the minhag is to eat the meal after mincha, but one should ensure that majority of the meal is eaten during the day. Rabbi Willig (“Practical Laws of Observance of Purim”, min 41-2) explained that the Rama means that the primary parts of the meal such as the bread, meat, and wine should be consumed during the day. Shalmei Todah (pg 317) also explains the Rama this way.
    • However, the Maaseh Rav of the Gra (#248) recommends eating it in the morning. Kaf HaChaim 695:23 quotes kabbalistic reasons for eating Seudat Purim in the morning.
  5. S”A 695:1 writes that one doesn’t fulfill one’s obligation by eating a nighttime meal. The Rama adds that at night one should have a small meal. Pri Megadim E”A 695:6 presents different minhagim about having meat at the nighttime meal.
  6. S”A and Rama 695:1, Mishna Brurah 695:3
  7. Mishna Brurah 695:3
  8. S”A and Rama 695:3
  9. Mishna Brurah 695:16
    • Rambam Megillah 2:15 writes that the meal should consist of meat and wine. The Magen Avraham 696:15 questions the need for meat. Nonetheless, many poskim including Kaf HaChaim 695:6, Chazon Ovadyah pg 173, and Nitei Gavriel 71:3 agree that one should have meat. Shaar HaTziyun 695:12 implies it’s an obligation. Kovetz MeBet Levi (5758, vol 13, pg 32) writes that having meat is not MeAkev.
    • The Birkei Yosef 695:1-3 and Magen Avraham 695:9 write that there’s no obligation to eat bread. However, Aruch HaShulchan 695:7, 12 argues that mishteh is defined by bread. Chayei Adam 155:30 says the same. Nitei Gavriel 71:1 and Yalkut Yosef 695:4 write that one should be strict to have bread. Mishna Brurah makes no mention of it except in Shaar HaTziyun 695:4 where he leaves it as a dispute.
  10. Mishna Brurah 695:15
  11. Gemara Megillah 7b. Rambam (Laws of Megillah 2:15), Rif Megillah 3a in Dapei HaRif, Rosh Megillah Perek 1 Siman 8, Tur Orach Chayim 695:1 seem to require one to reach a level of drunkenness.
  12. The Bet Yosef 695:1 quotes the Orchot Chaim who writes that it’s forbidden to get drunk; rather the mitzvah is to drink a little more than one is accustomed to drink. Darkei Moshe HaAruch 695:2 quotes the Mahariv as saying that one should drink, and then sleep so that one doesn’t know the difference between Arur Haman and Baruch Mordechai. Rama 695:2 combines the Orchot Chaim and Mahariv saying that one should drink more than one is accustomed to drink and then sleep.
    • Mishna Brurah 695:5 explicitly rules that this is the accepted halacha. This was also the minhag of Rav Shlomo Zalman (Halichot Shlomo pg 343 note 78). Rav Hershel Schachter in a shiur on yutorah.org (“Inyanei Purim”, min 81-83) explained that one should drink a little more than one is accustomed to, and then fall asleep after the meal. Rabbi Willig (min 42-6), however, explained that according to the Rama one should drink a little, sleep, and then have the Seudah, and drink a little in the meal. Yalkut Yosef 695:14 rules like the Orchot Chaim and makes no mention of sleeping. Rav Mordechai Eliyahu in MaAmer Mordechai 64:36 who seems to agree.
    • Rashi Megillah 7b s.v. LeIvsumei and Rambam 2:15 specify wine and not other intoxicating drinks. Kaf HaChaim 695:6 and Nitei Gavriel 73:2 codify this as halacha. Rabbi Willig (min 44-5) rules that it’s prohibited to have intoxicating drinks other than wine on Purim or any day of the year. However, Shalmei Todah (pg 326) quotes Rav Nissim Karlitz saying that it’s not MeAkev to have wine specifically. Rav Shlomo Zalman (Halichot Shlomo pg 342, note 76) writes that grape juice does not suffice.
  13. The Chaye Adam 155:30 writes that if one knows that getting drunk will cause one to degrade fulfilling a mitzvah such as making Brachot, Birkat HaMazon, or Maariv, one shouldn’t get drunk. This is quoted by the Beiur Halacha s.v. Ad and Kaf HaChaim 695:17. This is supported by the Mieri (Megillah 7b) who writes that we’re not commanded to have happiness of vanity and frivolity, rather one should have happiness that leads to Ahavat Hashem and a desire to thank Him for the miracles he did for us.
  14. Halichot Shlomo 19:25
  15. Sh"t Rivevot Ephraim 1:458, Moadim Uzmanim 2:190
  16. Rama 695:2
  17. S.A 99:1
  18. Rama 99:1 and M.B. 99:7
  19. M.B. 99:8
  20. S.A 99:1 M.B. 99:5 writes that if he davens Shemona Esrei then it is as if he has worshiped idols. Contrastingly, if he avoids davening then he will be saved from all distress.
  21. S.A. 99:1
  22. M.B. 99:3 quoting the Yam Shel Shlomo
  23. M.B 99:8 quotes the Levush and Likutei Ha'Ramban who are lenient regarding reciting Shema when drunk. Nonetheless, the Gra explains the Yerushalmi as forbidding one from reciting Shema in such a scenario. The M.B. therefore concludes in accordance with what the Magen Avraham states regarding Birkat Hamazon (quoted in M.B. 185:6 as "Achronim") that one must still recite Shema or Birkat Hamazon if he finds himself already drunk, but ideally, one should avoid this situation.
  24. S.A 99:2 M.B. 99:17 quotes the Yam Shel Shlomo that on Yom Tov it is permitted to daven even if one drank a little because it is impossible to wait. The M.B writes that this applies all the more so today when even when we are not drinking are kavana is not so great.
  25. M.B. 99:11 quoting the Gra
  26. Rama 99:1
  27. M.B 99:9
  28. M.B. 99:11 quoting the Mishbitzot Zahav
  29. M.B. 99:10
  30. S.A. 99:3