Hi,
We have been learning about Purim and Megilah reading.
We recite three blessings before reading the Megilah. The first thanks HaShem for the Mitzvah of reading the Megilah, the second thanks HaShem for performing miracles on our behalf on this date (Purim), and the third is the 'Shehechiyanu' which thanks HaShem for bringing us to this day of celebration and this once-a-year Mitzvah.
The third blessing is not just a thank-you for the Mitzvah of reading the Megilah - when we recite this blessing on Purim day, we keep in mind the other once-a-year Mitzvot of the day: Eating a Purim feast, giving to the poor, and giving Mishloach Manot gifts of food to our friends.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 692:1; Mishneh Berurah 692:1)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Megilah with nikud (vocalization dots)
Hi,
We have been learning about Purim, and Megilah reading.
Like a Torah scroll, the leader's Megilah must be written on specially treated parchment, with specially prepared ink.
Unlike a Torah scroll, one is permitted to write in the vocalization dots, as well as the notes for the tune, although this is not an ideal practice.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 691:1,9; Mishneh Berurah 691:25)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
We have been learning about Purim, and Megilah reading.
Like a Torah scroll, the leader's Megilah must be written on specially treated parchment, with specially prepared ink.
Unlike a Torah scroll, one is permitted to write in the vocalization dots, as well as the notes for the tune, although this is not an ideal practice.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 691:1,9; Mishneh Berurah 691:25)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Hearing megilah in the synagogue, specifically
Hi,
We have been learning about Purim, and Megilah reading.
One is supposed to hear the Megilah read in the largest group possible, in order to glorify the Mitzvah and elevate the level of thanks we express to Gd on Purim. Special emphasis is placed on hearing the Megilah in a synagogue - even if one has 100 people in his house, he should go the synagogue to hear the Megilah read.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 690:18; Mishneh Berurah 690:62)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
We have been learning about Purim, and Megilah reading.
One is supposed to hear the Megilah read in the largest group possible, in order to glorify the Mitzvah and elevate the level of thanks we express to Gd on Purim. Special emphasis is placed on hearing the Megilah in a synagogue - even if one has 100 people in his house, he should go the synagogue to hear the Megilah read.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 690:18; Mishneh Berurah 690:62)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Making the Megilah more 'real'
Hi,
We have been learning about Purim, and Megilah reading.
We take several steps to make the story of the Megilah more 'real' during Megilah reading:
*The reader should pause for no more than a breath between sentences, like a courier reading aloud a royal decree from a scroll.
*When the reader reaches the words, 'This scroll,' he picks up the Megilah like a scroll, and displays it.
*The reader uses a single breath to recite the names of the ten sons of Haman (who led his armies and were killed when the Jews defended themselves), because they were all killed at once.
*When the reader reaches the words (Esther 6:1), 'On that night,' referring to the night when Achashverosh could not sleep and he remembered the way Mordechai had saved his life, the reader should elevate his volume; this is the point when the redemption of the Jews began to get rolling.
None of these actions are requirements, such that omitting them would disqualify the reading.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 690:15; Mishneh Berurah 690:52)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
We have been learning about Purim, and Megilah reading.
We take several steps to make the story of the Megilah more 'real' during Megilah reading:
*The reader should pause for no more than a breath between sentences, like a courier reading aloud a royal decree from a scroll.
*When the reader reaches the words, 'This scroll,' he picks up the Megilah like a scroll, and displays it.
*The reader uses a single breath to recite the names of the ten sons of Haman (who led his armies and were killed when the Jews defended themselves), because they were all killed at once.
*When the reader reaches the words (Esther 6:1), 'On that night,' referring to the night when Achashverosh could not sleep and he remembered the way Mordechai had saved his life, the reader should elevate his volume; this is the point when the redemption of the Jews began to get rolling.
None of these actions are requirements, such that omitting them would disqualify the reading.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 690:15; Mishneh Berurah 690:52)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Monday, March 3, 2008
Reading Megilah for others
Hi,
We have been learning about Purim, and Megilah reading.
Just like with any Mitzvah which one person performs for another, the person reading the Megilah aloud must have in mind that he is doing it for the sake of the listeners' Mitzvah, and the people who are listening must have in mind that the reader is reading the Megilah for their Mitzvah.
The key time for this mental focus is during the blessings at the outset; the same mindset is then assumed to continue throughout the reading, until explicitly contradicted.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 690:14; Mishneh Berurah 690:48)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
We have been learning about Purim, and Megilah reading.
Just like with any Mitzvah which one person performs for another, the person reading the Megilah aloud must have in mind that he is doing it for the sake of the listeners' Mitzvah, and the people who are listening must have in mind that the reader is reading the Megilah for their Mitzvah.
The key time for this mental focus is during the blessings at the outset; the same mindset is then assumed to continue throughout the reading, until explicitly contradicted.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 690:14; Mishneh Berurah 690:48)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Sunday, March 2, 2008
A Kosher Megilah
Hi,
We have been learning about Purim, and Megilah reading.
The whole Megilah is to be read from the text of a Kosher Megilah (written on parchment, with proper ink, and with several other requirements).
As such:
1. It is a good idea to have a Kosher Megilah with which to follow the Megilah reading - this way, one can always make up any words missed due to noise or distraction.
2. One who is not holding a Kosher Megilah should be careful not to read along out loud, lest he keep himself or other people from hearing the leader read it from a Kosher Megilah.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 690:3,4)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
We have been learning about Purim, and Megilah reading.
The whole Megilah is to be read from the text of a Kosher Megilah (written on parchment, with proper ink, and with several other requirements).
As such:
1. It is a good idea to have a Kosher Megilah with which to follow the Megilah reading - this way, one can always make up any words missed due to noise or distraction.
2. One who is not holding a Kosher Megilah should be careful not to read along out loud, lest he keep himself or other people from hearing the leader read it from a Kosher Megilah.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 690:3,4)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Children and Megilah Reading
Hi,
We have been learning about Purim, and Megilah reading.
We specifically bring children to shul for megilah reading, to train them in publicizing the miracle of Purim. We alter the reading, having certain sentences read by the entire community - separate from the official reader - in order to keep children involved.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 689:6; Mishneh Berurah 689:16)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
We have been learning about Purim, and Megilah reading.
We specifically bring children to shul for megilah reading, to train them in publicizing the miracle of Purim. We alter the reading, having certain sentences read by the entire community - separate from the official reader - in order to keep children involved.
(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 689:6; Mishneh Berurah 689:16)
Have a great day,
Mordechai
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