TAANIT ESTHER
What time does the fast end?
8:21 PM
When is Machatzit HaShekel (3 half Shekels) given?
Before Mincha on Taanit Esther
What famous saying do we associate with the month of Adar?
Meshenichnas Adar Marbim B'Simcha!
What are the Four Mitzvot of Purim?
Megillah
Mishloach Manot
Matanot l'Evyonim
Mishteh
What kind of food qualifies for Mishloach manot?
Ready to eat
Is Taanit Esther a major or minor fast?
Minor
How do we do prepare our house to show that Purim is a Yom Tov?
Wear Shabbos clothes, the house should be brightly lit, table set, beds made
Why do we dress up on Purim?
Because Esther had to hide her Jewish identity
Because Hashem's name is hidden in the Megillah
Because it was a hidden miracle
Who is obligated to listen to the Megillah and why?
Men, women and children, because we were all part of the miracle
When does the Purim Seudah begin and end?
After Mincha on Purim day, and goes into the night
What happened on the 13th of Adar in the time of Mordechai and Esther?
The Jews defended themselves
What is the most important aspect of Mitzvot Purim to focus on and why?
Matanot l'Evyonim
Greatest simcha before Hashem is to make the poor, orphans and widows happy
When do we use Graggers during the Megillah reading and why?
When we hear the name "Haman" (with his father's name or title). Haman came from Amalek, and this way we are 'wiping' out his name with the noise of our Graggers.
What is added in Shmoneh Esrei and bentching?
Al HaNissim
In what places is the megillah read on the 15th of Adar?
What are we to remember by fasting?
Why are we encouraged to hear Megillah in a Shul?
"Multitude of people is the splendour of the King"- ברב עם הדרת מלך
What is it customary to eat during the Seudah on Purim and why?
Kreplach: Because Esther hid her identity, just like the meat is hidden by the dough. And because the miracle of Purim was a hidden miracle.
What are 6 laws of Mishloach Manot?
They must be given to at least one person
They must consist of at least two different foods
The foods must be ready to eat
They must be given during the day
They should be given through a messenger (SHALIACH)
Men should give to men, women should give to women
What is the 15th Of Adar called? How do we celebrate?
Shushan Purim
no Tachanun, small Seudah
Who else in Jewish history used fasting as a way to get Hashem's help? When?
Moshe Rabeinu with the battle against Amalek
What are the 3 Brochot made before reading the Megillah?
על מקרא מגילה
שעשה ניסים
שהחיינו
What is customary to start learning on Purim and why?
Laws of Pesach
Pesach is 30 days away!
What are the Daled Parshiyot (in order)?
Shekalim, Zachor, Parah, HaChodesh
When should a person not drink on Purim?
If they are physically frail
or if they will G-d forbid ignore a mitzvah, a bracha or a tefillah
or lead to inappropriate behaviour