As Purim approaches in the shadow of the current war, Rav Yitzchok Yosef, nosi of the Moetzet Chachmei HaTorah, has released detailed pesakim addressing how to properly observe the mitzvos of Purim during the current military operation.
In recent days, hundreds of she’eilos have been presented to the Rishon LeTzion in light of the wartime situation. In response, he issued clear guidance on how to fulfill the mitzvos of Purim this year, with particular focus on the proper observance of Krias Megillas Esther under security restrictions.
First and foremost, the Rishon LeTzion stressed that it is self-evident that one must strictly adhere to all instructions issued by Pikud HaOref, as these directives are life-saving and fall under the obligation of “v’nishmartem me’od lenafshoseichem.”
Accordingly, he ruled that during these days it is essential to remain in locations that are in close proximity to a protected space. One should not conduct simchas Purim in areas that are not immediately near an accessible shelter.
Regarding Krias HaMegillah, the Rishon LeTzion clarified that one does not fulfill the obligation by listening through technological means such as “radio,” “Zoom,” “telephone,” or any other electronic medium — even if it is a live broadcast heard in real time. The obligation is fulfilled only through direct hearing from the baal koreh, without any intermediary device.
Therefore, he ruled that Krias HaMegillah in batei knesses and batei medrash should take place only in locations that are immediately adjacent to a protected area capable of accommodating all participants, or alternatively in shelters themselves.
If a siren sounds during the Krias HaMegillah, the entire tzibbur must immediately proceed to a shelter or protected space and pause the reading. They should make every effort not to speak during the interruption. If feasible, the reading may continue in the protected area. If this is not possible, the Megillah reading should resume in the bais knesses once Pikud HaOref authorizes a return to routine activity.
The Rishon LeTzion further ruled that if the reading was interrupted in order to seek shelter — even if there was speech during the interruption, and even if a lengthy amount of time passed, sufficient to complete the entire Megillah — upon returning, the baal koreh should resume from the exact point where he stopped, without reciting the berachos again. However, if the interruption and speech occurred immediately after the initial berachos and before the reading itself began, the berachos must be repeated, with the exception of Shehecheyanu.
If the tzibbur already heard the majority of the Megillah — defined as six chapters — and then were required to disperse to their homes, they may complete the remaining portion by reading from a Chumash at home.
Women, who are equally obligated in Krias HaMegillah, must also ensure that they hear the reading from a baal koreh in a protected location or one close to a shelter, in accordance with Pikud HaOref regulations.
Concerning the concluding berachah of Harav Es Riveinu, it may only be recited in the presence of a minyan. Even ten women may combine for this purpose. If, b’dieved, there was speech between the conclusion of the reading and the final berachah — for example, if the congregation had to evacuate to a protected space before the berachah — upon returning to the place of reading, if a tzibbur of ten is present, the berachah of Harav Es Riveinu should be recited, even if conversation took place in the interim.
Regarding Machatzis HaShekel, as of today, Erev Purim, 13 Adar 5786, the value stands at 101 shekels. One who cannot afford this amount for all household members should at minimum give this sum for himself, and contribute for the rest of his family according to his ability — at the very least three half-shekel coins per person. It is proper to give this amount today, on Taanis Esther, during Minchah, close to the time of Krias HaMegillah. The Rishon LeTzion emphasized the importance of directing these funds to mosdos haTorah that support bnei yeshivos and avreichim.
As for Matanos LaEvyonim, strictly speaking one fulfills the obligation with the value of a perutah. However, it is appropriate to beautify the mitzvah by giving the equivalent of a meal including a drink — approximately 25 shekels per needy individual, totaling 50 shekels for each person above the age of bar or bas mitzvah.
The Rishon LeTzion concluded with a heartfelt tefillah: May the Ribono Shel Olam perform for us nissim v’nifla’os as He did for our forefathers in those days at this time, and may He hasten the arrival of Moshiach Tzidkeinu speedily in our days, amein kein yehi ratzon.
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