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Tachanun, Ashrei, Aleinu, Shir Shel Yom

2026-05-01T13:04:39Z

Su987654321:

After Shemona Esrei, there are a few more sections to davening including Tachanun, Ashrei, Aleinu, and Shir Shel Yom.
==Tachanun==
===Holidays===

#According to Sephardim there is no [[Tachanun]] on the following days: [[Rosh Chodesh]], the [[month of Nissan]], [[Pesach]] Sheni (14th of Iyyar), [[Lag BaOmer]], [[Rosh Chodesh]] Sivan until the 12th of Sivan, [[Tisha BeAv]], 15th of Av, [[Erev Rosh Hashana]], [[Erev Yom Kippur]], from the 11th of Tishrei until the 2nd of Cheshvan<ref>Kaf HaChaim (Orach Chaim 131:98, 669:42), Chazon Ovadia (Yamim Noraim, page 394). Rabbi Shmuel Pinchas Gelbard in Rite and Reason: 1050 Jewish Customs and Their Sources pg. 97 collects 3 reasons for not saying tachanun after sukkot:
#Since tachanun is not recited for most of the month because of the holidays, they are not recited during the days following sukkot because it as if most of the month is comprised of holy days.
#The month is suffused with mitzvot
#Throughout history it has been a time of joy: it is a month of forgiveness, Shlomo completed the beit hamikdash etc.</ref>, 8 days of [[Chanuka]], 15th of Shevat, 14th-15th of Adar (and of Adar Sheni). <ref>Yalkut Yosef 131:36</ref>
#According to Ashkenazim, there is no [[Tachanun]] on the following days: [[Rosh Chodesh]], the [[month of Nissan]], [[Lag BaOmer]], [[Rosh Chodesh]] Sivan until [[Issru Chag]] of [[Shavuot]] (7th of Sivan in Israel and i.e. the 8th of Sivan outside), [[Tisha BeAv]], 15th of Av<ref>see [http://www.aish.com/jl/hol/o/48955491.html Aish.com] for a list of six events which occurred on that date by Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau </ref>, from [[Yom Kippur]] to [[Issru Chag]] of [[Sukkot]] (24th Tishrei), [[Chanuka]], 15th of Shevat, 14th-15th of Adar (and of Adar Sheni). Also there is no [[Tachanun]] at the [[mincha]] before these days, except that on at [[mincha]] of [[erev Rosh Hashana]] and [[erev Yom Kippur]] there is [[Tachanun]]. <ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 22:8</ref>.
#Some have the practice not to say [[Tachanun]] on the 15th of Iyar as a safek (doubt) for the day of [[Pesach Sheni]], however, the authorities say that this is an incorrect minhag. <ref>Yalkut Yosef 131:37</ref>
#One shouldn't recite Tachanun on Motzei Shabbat until after Chatzot.<ref>Kaf HaChaim 131:14</ref>

===Occasions===

#The following occasions also warrant no [[Tachanun]]:
##[[Wedding]]
##[[Brit Milah]]
##[[Siyum Masechet]]<ref>Sh"t Yabia Omer 4:13 writes that one doesn't say [[Tachanun]] in the [[davening]] right before a siyum just like the mishna in Taanit (31a) says that in they made a holiday on Tu BeAv because certain families finished for the season the mitzvah of chopping wood for the Bet HaMikdash. See also [http://dailyhalacha.com/Display.asp?ClipID=596 Rabbi Mansour on DailyHalacha.com].</ref>
# If there is a chatan the day of his wedding in the shul the entire congregation does not recite tachanun. If a chatan is present on a Tanit Tzibur the entire congregation does not recite nefilat apayim but does recite the special selichot for the tanit tzibur, however, the chatan himself does not recite then the selichot.<ref>Likutei Mahariach v. 3 p. 415 and 455</ref> Some say that the chatan should recite selichot on a tanit tzibur.<Ref>Rav Chaim Kanievsky in Yismach Lev v. 1 p. 379</ref>
#If a chatan is in sheva brachot on a tanit tzibur he and the whole congregation should still recite the selichot but not tachanun.<ref>Or Letzion (v. 3 ch. 25 fnt. 1), Aliba Dhilchata v. 98 p. 54 quoting Yishmach Lev Nesuin v. 1 p. 202, [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=154795 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Balak 5781 min 29)]</ref>
# If there is a one making a brit milah in the shul the entire congregation does not recite tachanun. If he is present on a Tanit Tzibur the entire congregation does not recite nefilat apayim but does recite the special selichot for the tanit tzibur, however, the one making the brit does not recite then the selichot.<ref>Likutei Mahariach v. 3 p. 415</ref>

===Women===

#The minhag is that women don't say [[Tachanun]].<ref>Halichot Beitah 7:1, Piskei Teshuvot 131:1, [[Tefillah]] KeHilchata 15:5. See Rivevot Ephraim 4:34</ref>

===Night time===

#One shouldn't say [[Tachanun]] at night. If a congregation reached [[Tachanun]] of [[Mincha]] after sunset, they may say [[Tachanun]] during [[Bein HaShemashot]].<ref>Mishna Brurah 131:17, Yalkut Yosef 131:19</ref> But if the congregation doesn't want to, they don't have to and one shouldn't cause a fight about this.<ref>Yalkut Yosef 131:19</ref>

==Lamnase'ach==

#According to Sephardim anytime when one doesn't say Tachanun one also doesn't say Lamnase'ach.<ref>Ben Ish Chai (Ki Tisa n. 17)</ref> According to Ashkenazim one doesn't say Lamnase'ach on Rosh Chodesh, Chanuka, Purim, the 14th and 15th of Adar Aleph, Erev Pesach, Erev Yom Kippur, Tisha B'Av, or in the house of a mourner. <ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 25:2</ref>

==The Kedusha of Yotzer and Uva Letzion==

#The Minhag is to be lenient to say the [[Kedusha]] of Yotzer and Uva Letzion privately without the [[minyan]]. However, it’s proper that when says by oneself one should say it with the Torah reading tune. <ref>There’s a dispute in the Rishonim whether these kedushot are Dvar Shebekedusha that need to be said with a minyan or not. Masechet Soferim 16:12 says that these Kedushot can be said by an individual.

*However the Zohar (Yitro 34a quoted by Bet Yosef) says not to say it without a minyan. Rambam (Kriyat Shema 7:17) writes that an individual should skip it rather than say it without a minyan. However Sh”t Rambam 313 (Bilav Edition) writes that one an individual can say it. So writes Rabben Avraham ben HaRambam (beginning of Maseh Roke’ach) and Rabbenu Yerucham(3:2 pg 24d), and Mahari Avuhav (Tur 59) that the Rambam retracted from his opinion in Yad Chazaka. The following hold it’s a Dvar Shebekedusha: Rav Amram Goan hashalem 1:15 pg 33) in name of Rav Tzemach Goan by Kedushat Uva Lesion and Rav Saadiah Goan by Kedushat Yotzer, Shibolei HaLeket Brachot 13 in name of many Geonim, Piskei Riaz (Megilah 3:3), and Sh”t Rashba (1:7,5:9), while the following hold it can be said by an individual: Ravya 1:2,66, Talmedei Rabbenu Yonah 13a in name of some Geonim, Hagahot Maymonit Tefilah 7:90 in name of Rashi, Sh”t Maharam 143, Mordechai Brachot 69, Rosh (Brachot 3:18, Megilah 3:7), Tur 59, Orchot Chaim (Din Kedusha Meyushav 1), and Ritva Megilah 23b.
*Some Rishonim differentiate between Yotzer which can’t be said by an individual and Kedushat Uva LeTzion which can be said by an individual including Ran (Megilah 13b), Ramban (Lekutim Beginng of Brachot s.v. VaAni Evin S”A 59:3, Rabbenu Yerucham (3:3), and Rivavan ([[Brachot]] 45b). Bet Yosef 59:3 concludes even though the Minhag is to say it privately since there’s no Gemara on the topic one should follow the Zohar as halacha. Nonetheless, as by Vayavor (which is Dvar Shebekesha) one can say it privately with the Torah reading tune (Sh”t Rashba 1:211) so too by concerning Kedushat Yotzer one can say it privately with the Torah reading tune (Sh”t Trumat HaDeshen 8). S”A 59:3 writes that some say an individual can say Kedushat Yotzer and some say not to and one should be concerned for this opinion and say it with the Torah reading tune. The Rama adds that the minhag is to say it as an individual. Sh”t Radvaz 4:10 and Biur HaGra 59:5 rule that even saying with the Torah tune isn’t sufficient and an individual should just skip it.
*Ben Ish Chai (Od Yosef Chai Shemot 6-7) writes that the Minhag Bagdad is to say it with the Torah reading tune to satisfy the opinion of the Zohar. Kesher Gudal 10:11, Levush 59:3, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 59:2, Magen Giborim (Aleph HaMagen 59:4), Mishna Brurah 59:11, Halacha Brurah 59:10, Sh”t Yabia Omer O”C 5:7(2). The Minhag nowadays is to say it privately even without the Torah reading tune but it’s preferable to say it with the tune.</ref> If there’s one is praying in a [[minyan]] that already said Kedushat Yotzer (for example one is late) one can be lenient to say it individually even without the Torah reading tune. <ref>Pri [[Chadash]] 59:3 writes that everyone agrees that if one is praying with a [[minyan]] that already said it that one can say it individually. This quoted by Pri Megadim (A”A 59:3) Magen Giborim (Aleph HaMagen 59:3), and Mishna Brurah 59:10. However the Mamer Mordechai 59:6 argues that it seems that all the poskim (including S”A) don’t make this distinction. This quoted by Shalmei Tzibbor pg 91c, Minchat Aharon 13:5, Od Yosef Chai Shemot 7, and Kaf HaChaim 59:21. Halacha Brurah 59:10 writes that since the Minhag is to be lenient in the first place to say it privately even without Torah reading tune, in such a situation one can be lenient. </ref>
#One must sit for Kedushat Yotzer and if one was previously standing one should sit. Ashkenazim hold that it’s preferable to sit but not necessary. <ref>Sh”t Teshuvat HaRambam (Mekisei Nirdamim, Freedman, 33, Bilav 262) writes that it’s improper to stand for Kedushat Yotzer especially when the entire congregation is sitting (he even calls it Lo Tigodedo!). The Zohar (Trumah pg 132b) writes that one should sit for Kedushat Yotzer. This is brought down by Arizal (Shaar Kavanot 2 Chazarat HaAmida 38d), Magen Avraham 59:2, Solet Belulah 59:1, Kesher Gudal 10:10, Shalmei Tzibbor 91c, Siddur 1, Chesed LeAlafim 59:2, Sharei Teshuva 59:3, Ben Ish Chai (Shemot 2). Pri Etz Chaim (Chazarat Amida 4) and Kaf HaChaim 59:20 extend this also to Uva Letzion. Thus, Halacha Brurah 59:11 rules that one must sit even if he was previously standing. However, Sh”t Rama MePano 102 writes that if one was standing and sat for [[Kedusha]] one is making a mistake and if one was sitting and stood for [[Kedusha]] it’s recognized that he’s not wise, implying that one shouldn’t change from the position he is in already. So writes Knesset HaGedolah (who limits the Rama MePano to Kedushat Yotzer), Olot Tamit 59:1, Shulchan Aruch HaRav 59:2, and Machasit Shekel 59:2. Bear Heteiv 59:3 summarizes both the Magen Avraham and Rama MePano. Based on this, Mishna Brurah 59:12 writes that it’s preferable to sit for Kedushat Yotzer. </ref>
#One should kiss his [[Tefillin]] Shel Yad during Kedushat Yotzer. <ref>Ben Ish Chai (Shemot 2) and Halacha Brurah 59:11. </ref>
#The congregation should say it out loud and if an individual says it he should say it quietly. <ref>Ravyah [[Brachot]] 1:66, Hagahot Maimon (Tefilot Kol HaShana 3), Rama 59:3 say that Kedushat Yotzer should be said out loud. Eliyah Raba 59:4 says that this only applies with the congregation but an individual should say it quietly. Sharei Teshuva 59:3 and Mishna Brurah 59:13 quote the Eliyah Raba and Shalmei Tzibbor pg 155a who says that there’s no concern for an individual to say it aloud. Halacha Brurah 59:12 rules like the Eliyah Raba because that distinction is clear in the Ramban (Lekutim beginning of [[Brachot]] s.v. VeAni Evin). </ref>
#When saying Ashrei one should have the proper Kavana (concentration) especially for the pasuk Pote'ach Et Yadecha. <ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 25:1</ref>
#One may not leave shul before the [[Kedusha]] of Uva Letzion. <ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 25:4</ref>
#One should say the aramaic translation of the Kedusha of Uva Letzion quietly. <ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 25:3. Ben Ish Chai (Ki Tisa n. 16) writes that even though there's some kabbalists who say it aloud the minhag of Baghdad is to say it quietly.</ref>

==Aleinu==

#One should say Aleinu standing<ref>Ben Ish Chai (Ki Tissa, 18) </ref> with awe and trepidation. <ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 26:6, Chida in Machzik Bracha 132:2</ref> According to tradition, it was instituted by Yehoshua Ben Nun.<ref>Teshuvat Geonim (Shaarei Teshuva 43), Chida in Machzik Bracha 132:2 and Meam Loez Yehoshua 6:15)</ref>
#When the congregation is saying Aleinu, one should also say it along with them. <ref>Mishna Brurah 65:9, Yalkut Yosef ([[Tefillah]] vol 2, p. 462)</ref>
#One may not leave shul before Aleinu is recited at the end of [[davening]], even if he has personally finished, unless there is a particular need. <ref>Sh"t Rivivot Ephraim 1:43:1 </ref>
#Women are not obligated to recite Aleinu but it is a praiseworthy thing for them to do so.<ref>Yalkut Yosef Dinim L'isha page 38, Machaze Eliyahu 20 and Halichot Bas Yisroel 2:13</ref>

==Shir Shel Yom==

#The Ashkenazic custom is to say Shir Shel Yom after Aleinu. <ref>Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 26:6</ref>

==Sources==
<references />

{{Prayers}}
[[Category:Prayer]]

Pesicha

2026-04-30T19:41:27Z

Su987654321: Redirected page to Kriyat HaTorah#Taking out the Sefer Torah

#Redirect[[Kriyat_HaTorah#Taking_out_the_Sefer_Torah]]

Reading the Megillah

2026-04-17T16:24:15Z

Su987654321: /* Breaking it Up */

[[Image:Megillat Ester.jpg|250px|right]]
One of the most important mitzvot of the day of Purim is to read or listen to the reading of Megillat Ester. Ester tells the story of how Haman and Achashverosh tried to destroy the Jewish people and Hashem miraculously helped Mordechai and Ester save them. The mitzvah is to read the [[Megillah]] or hear the [[Megillah]] being read at night and during the day.<ref>The Rambam ([[Megillah]] 1:1) writes that the mitzvah to read the [[Megillah]] is an establishment of the prophets, Midivrei Kabbalah. Tosfot ([[Megillah]] 4a s.v. Chayav) writes that the primary reading is during the day when the rest of the mitzvot of [[Purim]] should be fulfilled. Nodeh BeYehuda (O.C. 41) writes that the nighttime reading is only derabbanan but not Midivrei Kabbalah. </ref> The details of the [[Megillah]] reading are outlined below:

==Who's Obligated?==
# Both men and women are obligated to read the [[Megillah]] during the night and during the day of [[Purim]].<ref>Megilla 4a, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 687:1, Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 47. In Gemara [[Megillah]] 4a, Rabbi Yehoshua Ben Levi says that women are obligated in reading the [[Megillah]] because they were included in the miracle of [[Purim]]. Rashi ([[Megillah]] 4a s.v. Af) explains that the decree of Haman applied to men and women equally. Tosfot (s.v. Af) quotes the Rashbam who explains that the gemara means that women are obligated because Ester was instrumental in the miracle of [[Purim]]. The Rambam ([[Megillah]] 1:1) writes that both men and women are obligated in reading the [[megillah]]. Tur and Shulchan Aruch O.C. 689:1 codify this as halacha. [https://www.torahanytime.com/#/lectures?v=140915 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Mishpatim 5781 min 29)] quoted the Yalkut Shemesh who said that the Morrocan minhag was that women only listened to the megilla at night and not the day. He expressed his wonderment over that minhag and completely disagreed and thought that women are obligation both during the night and day.</ref>
# Women are also obligated to hear the megilla.<ref> Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 50</ref>
# A man who already heard the megilla in shul can still read it for his wife.<ref> Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 51-52</ref> He should recite all of the berachot before.<ref> Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 53 </ref>
# There is a mitzvah of [[Chinuch]] to teach children (under [[Bar Mitzvah]]) to read the [[Megillah]].<ref>Rambam ([[Megillah]] 1:1), Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 55</ref>

==Procedure of the Megillah Reading==
# One can fulfill one's obligation either by reading the [[Megillah]] or by listening to the [[Megillah]] being read by someone who's obligated to read the [[Megillah]]. <ref> The Rambam ([[Megillah]] 1:2) writes that both the one reading the [[Megillah]] and the one listening to the [[Megillah]] being read by someone who's obligated to read the [[Megillah]] fulfill their obligation. Shulchan Aruch 689:2 codifies this as halacha. </ref>

===The Brachot===
# The chazan who reads the megilla at night recites three [[berachot|brachot]] before reading the [[Megillah]] and one beracha after completing the reading of the megilla.<ref> Shulchan Aruch O.C. 692:1, Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 65 </ref> One should have in mind to cover the other mitzvot of [[Purim]] with this [[shehecheyanu]]. <ref> Mishna Brurah 692:1, Baer Heitev 692:1, Magen Avraham 692:1 </ref>
# The minhag is that women do make a bracha if they are reading the [[Megillah]] or the one reading it for women does make a bracha. <ref> Sh"t Yabia Omer O"C 1:40, Sh"t Minchat Yitzchak 3:54 </ref>
# The minhag is to roll up the [[Megillah]] back into a scroll before reciting the bracha of "Harav Et Riveinu...." <ref> Shulchan Aruch 690:17. Mishna Brurah 690:57 explains that this is because it is disrespectful to leave the megilla open. </ref> Some are lenient for a private reading <ref> Yalkut Yoseph volume 7 page 296 </ref>
# According to Sephardim, the bracha of shehecheyanu is not recited during the day.<ref> Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 63, Rambam Megilla 1:3, Shulchan Aruch O.C. 692:1 </ref> According to Ashkenazim, it is recited during the day.<ref> Rama 692:1, Rabenu Tam (quoted in Tosafot Megilla 4a) </ref> If a Sephardi is davening in an Ashkenazi shul and they recite shehechiyanu during the day of Purim, many authorities hold that he should not answer Amen so that it shouldn't be considered a hefsek.<ref>[https://torahanytime.com/lectures/288674 Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Mikra Megillah 5784, min 14-16)]</ref> Others hold that it is fine for him to answer Amen.<ref>Or Letzion 4:54:13</ref>

===Sitting or Standing===
# The reader of the megilla for the congregation should stand during the reading of the Megilla<ref> Shulchan Aruch 690:1, Beit Yosef 690 in the name of the Ran</ref> and the congregants may sit during the reading.<ref> Shulchan Aruch O.C. 690:1, Ben Ish Chai (Year 1 Parashat Titzaveh 4) </ref> However, the congregation should stand for the [[berachot]] before and after the [[Megillah]].<ref> Mishna Brurah 690:1, Machatzit Hashekel 690:1, Ben Ish Chai (Parashat Titzaveh 4), Kaf Hachaim 690:2. See Shevet Hakehati 1:212. </ref>

===Hearing it in a Congregation===
# One should try to find a [[minyan]] of ten men to read the [[megillah]].<ref> Shulchan Aruch O.C. 690:18, Bach 691 </ref> If this is not possible, one should read the [[Megillah]] by himself <ref> Shulchan Aruch 690:18, Mishna Brurah 689:15, Shaar Hatzion 690:64 </ref>
# Some have the pious practice to read from a kosher [[megillah]] along with the baal koreh.<ref>Rav Schachter (Nefesh HaRav pg 227) writes that Rav Soloveitchik's minhag was to read the [[megillah]] to himself from a kosher [[megillah]] along with the baal koreh in order to fulfill the mitzvah himself instead of through a messenger. Rav Schachter explains this concept in BeIkvei HaTzoan pg 25. </ref>
# One should not hear the reading of the megilla over a microphone.<ref> Daat Torah 689, Sh"t Minchat Yitzchak 1:37 and 3:54. Rav Gedalya Dov Schwartz (Hadarom v. 77 5782) writes that soldiers in Iraq who didn't have any way to be yotzei megilah unless they heard it on the phone could rely on the poskim who allow that.</ref>
# One should not talk during the megilla reading.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 692:2</ref>

===Breaking it Up===
# Initially one should not break up the megillah and one person should read the whole thing. In extenuating circumstances, it is permitted.<ref>[https://yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/987942#58:-Inyanei-Purim Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #58)]</ref>

==Time of Reading Megillah==
===Night Time Reading===
# There’s a mitzvah to read the [[Megillah]] once at night and once during the day.<ref>[[Megillah]] 4a, Rambam ([[Megillah]] 1:3), Shulchan Aruch O.C. 687:1. Or Letzion 4:54:14 discusses a person who could only listen to one of the megillah readings, which should he listen to. First, he cites Nodeh Beyehuda 21 who holds that only the daytime megillah reading is Divrei Kabbalah and the nighttime one is derabbanan. However, then he argues the Shulchan Aruch does not distinguish between them. Finally, he concludes that since the night one comes first, he should listen to that one, even though he won't be able to listen to the daytime one the next day. </ref>
# The time for reading the [[Megillah]] at night is from [[Tzet HaKochavim]] until Olat HaShachar.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 687:1 says that the night reading applies all night, Mishna Brurah 687:1,3 explains that this means that one should read it between [[Tzet HaKochavim]] and Olat HaShachar. This is also the opinion of Chazon Ovadyah (pg 47) and Chayei Adam 195:5. </ref> One should not read the nighttime megillah during Ben Hashemashot except in extenuating circumstances.<ref>Mishna Brurah 692:14 citing the Pri Megadim. Kaf HaChayim on Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 687:4:1 writes that one shouldn't read it until tzet but under extenuating circumstances in [https://www.sefaria.org/Kaf_HaChayim_on_Shulchan_Arukh%2C_Orach_Chayim.692.32.1?lang=bi&with=all&lang2=en 692:32:1] he quotes many including the Meiri who allow reading the megillah during ben hashemashot.</ref>
# In extenuating circumstances, such as might be necessary during corona, it is possible to read the megillah from [[Plag Hamincha]].<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 678:1, [Rav Yitzchak Yosef (Motzei Shabbat Mishpatim 5781 min 30)], [http://www.torahweb.org/torah/docs/rsch/RavSchachter-Corona-56-January-31-2021.pdf Rav Schachter (Corona teshuva #56)]. Specifically regarding Yerushalayim reading after plag on the 14th, Yabia Omer OC 1:43 agreed.</ref>
# If one missed reading it at night there’s no make-up the next day.<Ref>Mishna Brurah 687:3, Chazon Ovadyah (pg 48). Chazon Ovadyah cites this from Maharam Ben Chaviv (Kol Gadol 48), Birkei Yosef 697:1, Teshuva Mahava v. 2 p. 45d, and Mey Bear 63. </ref>

===Day Time Reading===
# The megilla can be read any time during the day from sunrise to sunset.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 687:1, Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 48 </ref> If one read it after alot hashachar but before sunrise, he nevertheless fulfilled his obligation.<ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 687:1, Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 48 </ref>
# The time for reading the [[megillah]] during the day is from [[HaNetz HaChama]] until [[Shekiah]]. However, if one read it from [[Olot HaShachar]] one has fulfilled the mitzvah. If one didn’t read it until [[Shekiah]], one should read it until [[Tzet HaKochavim]] without a Bracha.<Ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 687:1 writes that the reading of the day applies all day from [[HaNetz]] but after the fact one fulfilled the mitzvah if one read it after [[Olot HaShachar]]. Mishna Brurah 687:4,5 explains that the ending time is [[Shekiah]] and after the fact one should read it without a Bracha until [[Tzet HaKochavim]]. </ref>

==Eating before Reading the Megillah==
# It is forbidden to eat before reading the megillah before by night<ref>Shulchan Aruch and Rama O.C. 692:4. Trumat Hadeshen 109 writes that it is forbidden to eat or even have a snack before listening to the megillah at night so that a person doesn't fall asleep and forget to listen to the megillah.</ref> and by day.<ref>Mishna Brurah 692:15 based on Shulchan Aruch O.C. 652:2, Kaf HaChayim on Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 692:35:1, Nitai Gavriel Purim 32:1</ref>
# It is permitted to eat a snack, foods or drinks less than a [[kebaytzeh]], before the megillah if it is hard to fast after nightfall until the megillah.<Ref>Magen Avraham 692:7, Mishna Brurah 692:14, Kaf HaChayim on Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 692:36:1, Nitai Gavriel Purim 32:2, Yalkut Yosef Purim p. 552ת Or Letzion 4:54:2</ref>
# Someone for whom it is very hard and might become sick unless he has a meal may ask someone who remind him to read the megillah and then eat a meal.<ref>Mishna Brurah 692:16, Kaf HaChayim on Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 692:38:1, Nitai Gavriel Purim 32:3. Chatom Sofer 652:2 relies on asking someone regarding eating before shaking lulav.</ref> Sephardim hold that it is permitted to ask someone to remind him to hear the megilla and then eat a snack before the megilla.<reF>Yalkut Yosef Purim p. 552</ref>
# The prohibition to eat before megilla applies equally to men and women.<ref>Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Piskei Shemuot p. 112 quoting Rav Yosef Shuv), Rabbi Mandelbaum (Blayla Hahu p. 7)</ref>
# Is it permitted to drink coffee or tea before megillah? Some poskim hold that it is permitted, while others forbid it.<ref>Piskei Shemuot (Purim p. 112) quotes Rav Elyashiv as holding it is permitted to drink tea before megillah. But Rav Nissim Karelitz (Blayla Hahu p. 7) holds that it is forbidden. </ref>
===Sleeping or Working===
# It is forbidden to go to sleep or do work at night before reading the megillah.<Ref>Mishna Brurah 692:15, Kaf HaChayim on Shulchan Arukh, Orach Chayim 692:34:1</ref>

==If Purim Falls out on Sunday==
# The Ashkenazic minhag is to say [[Havdalah]] after reading the [[Megillah]], while the Sephardic poskim advise saying Borei Me’orei HaEish before the [[Megillah]] and the rest of the [[Havdalah]] afterwards.<ref> The Kol Bo (45) writes that Rabbeinu Chananeil and the Raavad held that if [[Purim]] falls out on Motza’ei [[Shabbat]], one should recite [[Havdalah]] before the [[Megillah]]. He adds, however, that the minhag of Narvona was to say [[Havdalah]] after the [[Megillah]]. The Sefer Minhagim (Tirna, [[Purim]] s.v. [[Arvit]]) and Rama 693:1 write that the minhag is to say [[Havdalah]] after the [[Megillah]]. The Bei’ur HaGra 693:1 explains that we recite [[Havdalah]] after the [[Megillah]] in order to delay ending [[Shabbat]] as much as possible (see Pesachim 105b). Pri Megadim M”Z 693:1, Mishna Brurah 693:3, and Nitei Gavriel 28:8 agree.
* Elsewhere, the Kol Bo (41) writes that one should say Borei Me’orei HaEish before the [[Megillah]] so that one does not benefit from candle light while reading the [[Megillah]] before making a Bracha upon it. He mentions that some others argued that the Bracha of Yotzeir HaMe’orot in [[Shacharit]] already exempted them of the obligation to thank Hashem for benefitting from light. The Maharash Halevi (cited by Pri [[Chadash]] 693:1) explains that the second opinion understands the bracha of Borei Me’orei HaEish to be in commemoration (zecher) of the creation of fire on Motza’ei [[Shabbat]] and not a bracha that permits one to benefit from light. Birkei Yosef 693:1 writes that ideally, one should say Borei Me’orei HaEish before the [[Megillah]] and the rest of [[Havdalah]] afterwards. Chazon Ovadia (p. 67) agrees. </ref>
# If [[Purim]] falls out on Saturday night then one should read the [[megillah]] and then say VeYehe Noam.<Ref>Rama 693:1, Natai Gavriel ([[purim]] 28:8) </ref>
# While most poskim say that a [[Megillah]] is not [[Muktzeh|Muktzeh,]]<ref> The Pri [[Chadash]] 688:6 writes that the [[Megillah]] should be considered [[Muktzeh]] on [[Shabbat]], since there’s a gezeirah not to read the [[Megillah]] on [[Shabbat]] ([[Megillah]] 4b). The Eliyah Rabba 308:10, however, says that the [[Megillah]] is no different than any other sefer, and sefarim are not [[Muktzeh]]. Natai Gavriel 28:4 agrees. The Mateh Yehuda 688:8 writes that even the Pri [[Chadash]] considers it [[Muktzeh]] only if [[Purim]] actually falls out on [[Shabbat]] itself, which, according to our calendar, occurs only for those who celebrate [[Purim]] on the 15th of Adar. Kitzur S”A 141:17 agrees.</ref> one should not carry it to the shul on [[Shabbat]] in preparation for Motza’ei [[Shabbat]] unless one uses it in shul on [[Shabbat]] itself.<Ref>* Rav Yaakov Emden (Mor U’Ketziah 693 s.v. KeSheChal) writes that it certainly is forbidden to bring the [[Megillah]] to shul on [[Shabbat]] in order to read it on Motza’ei [[Shabbat]] due to the prohibition of preparing on [[Shabbat]] for after [[Shabbat]] ([[Hachanah]]). Kitzur S”A 141:17 and Nitei Gavriel 28:4 agree.
* The Chayei Adam (155:10), however, writes that while it is proper not to bring the [[Megillah]] to shul on [[Shabbat]], strictly speaking it is similar to bringing wine for [[Havdalah]], regarding which the Chayei Adam writes (153:6) that if it is absolutely necessary, one may bring wine for [[Havdalah]] if he does so in a way that it does not appear as though one is [[preparing for after Shabbat]]. Specifically, he should bring the wine early enough that he theoretically could use it on [[Shabbat]] and should carry it in some abnormal way. Mishna Brurah (667:5) agrees.
* The Chayei Adam explains that [[Hachanah]] is violated only if one finished an entire activity but not if one merely is transporting an object that is going to be used later. He bolsters this assertion based on the Magen Avraham (667:3), who says that although one may not set up tables on the 8th day of [[Sukkot]] in Chutz LaAretz for [[Shemini Atzeret]] because of [[Hachanah]], it is permitted to bring tables in from the [[Sukkah]] on the 8th day of [[Sukkot]]. Rav Mordechai Willig (Am Mordechai [[Shabbat]] p. 177-9) rejects the Chayei Adam’s proof by explaining that the Magen Avraham permitted bringing the tables inside because there was a current need to bring in the tables so that people don’t linger in the [[Sukkah]] and appear as if they are adding onto [[Sukkot]].
* Shaarei Teshuva 693:1 writes that one may carry the [[Megillah]] to shul privately on [[Shabbat]] if he then uses it on [[Shabbat]]. Shemirat Shabbat Kehilchata 28:83 agrees.
* Rav Hershel Schachter (Eretz HaTzvi p. 57) writes that while Melachot D’rabanan are forbidden during [[Tosefet Shabbat]], Gezeirot D’rabanan are not. Thus, preparing the wine for [[Havdalah]] after Tzeit HaKochavim (during [[Tosefet Shabbat]]) should be permitted. Chazon Ovadia (p. 107) is lenient even during [[Bein HaShemashot]] if it is necessary. </rEF> If one needs to bring the [[Megillah]] to the shul after [[Shabbat]] one should say Baruch HaMavdil Ben Kodesh LeChol.<Ref>Natai Gavriel 28:7 </ref>
# Even if one’s meal extends into the night one doesn’t add Al HaNissim.<Ref>Natai Gavriel 28:3 </ref>
# If the congregation didn’t yet say [[Kiddush Levana]] then they should say it before hearing the Megilla, however, if only individuals didn’t say it they should wait until after hearing Megilla together with the congregation.<Ref>Natai Gavriel 49:1, 3 </ref>
# If the congregation did not yet say [[Kiddush Levana]], they should say it before hearing the [[Megillah]].<ref>Noda BiYehuda (O.C. 1:41) writes that one should say [[Kiddush Levana]] before the [[Megillah]] because of Tadir VeSheino Tadir. He explains that the Gemara’s principle that Pirsumei Nisa trumps Tadir ([[Megillah]] 3a) applies only if by reading the [[Megillah]] first, one will be able to do Pirsumeh Nisa with a bigger congregation than if one were to do Tadir first. However, if the entire congregation can read the [[Megillah]] after [[Kiddush Levana]], then it is better to say [[Kiddush Levana]] first. Kitzur S”A 97:15 and Nitei Gavriel 49:1 agree.</ref>

==Traveling Between a walled city and a non-walled city==
# Someone who lives in Yerushalayim who was in a city outside Yerushalayim during daybreak (Olot Hashachar) of the 14th of Adar should read on the 14th. If he returns to Yerushalayim before the 15th at daybreak, one should celebrate [[purim]] again with all it’s details. <ref>Shulchan Aruch O.C. 688:5, Mishna Brurah 688:12, Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 688:7) </ref>
# Someone who lives in Yerushalayim who travels outside Yerushalayim with intent to return to Yerushalayim after daybreak of the 14th he should read it on the 14th (and again the 15th if he's there at daybreak of the 15th) as long as he was actually outside Yerushalayim at daybreak on the 14th.<Ref> Mishna Brurah 688:12 </ref>
# Someone who lives in Yerushalayim who travels outside Yerushalayim with intent to return before daybreak of the 14th should read it on the 15th even if he got stuck and didn’t return to Yerushalayim on the 15th.<Ref>Mishna Brurah 688:12 </ref>
# Someone who lives outside Yerushalayim who was in Yerushalayim during daybreak of the 15th should read on the 15th. However, if he already read the [[Megillah]] and celebrated [[Purim]] on the 14th in his city (outside Yerushalayim) one doesn’t need to celebrate [[Purim]] again.<Ref>Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 688:9) </ref>
# Someone who lives outside Yerushalayim who travels to Yerushalayim with intent to stay there for daybreak on the 15th should read the [[Megillah]] on the 15th even if one leaves on the 15th during the day.<Ref> Mishna Brurah 688:12 </ref>
# Someone who lives outside Yerushalayim who travels to Yerushalayim with intent to return before daybreak of the 15th should read it on the 14th even if one is forced into staying there.<Ref> Mishna Brurah 688:12 </ref>

==Links==
* [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/56811 Yalkut Yosef Hilchot Purim (Hebrew 5773)]

==Sources==
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[[Category:Holidays]]
[[Category:Prayer]]
[[Category:Purim]]