Reading of the Megillah

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.

Obligation

1. One is obligated to read the megilla at night and during the day on Purim.

Night Time Reading

1. The megilla can be read all night until alot hashachar.
2. If one misses the reading at night, he cannot make it up during the day.

Berachot

1. Before reading the megilla at night, three berachot are recited: Al Mikra Megilla, SheAsa Nissim, and Shehecheyanu.

Day Time Reading

1. The megilla can be read any time during the day from sunrise to sunset. If one read it after alot hashachar but before sunrise, he nevertheless fulfilled his obligation

Berachot

1. According to Sephardim, the beracha of shehecheyanu is not recited during the day. According to ashkenazim, it is recited during the day.

Women

1. Women are also obligated to hear the megilla.
2. A man who already heard the megilla in shul can still read it for his wife. He should recite all of the berachot before.

Children

1. Children should be trained to hear the megilla.

Links

• Yalkut Yosef Hilchot Purim (Hebrew 5773)