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In this timely episode leading into Purim 5786 (2026), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe reviews the laws of reading the Megillah from Kitzur Shulchan Aruch Siman 141. He begins with the joy of Adar ("When Adar enters, joy increases"), the four special Parshiyot read in the lead-up (Shekalim, Zachor, Parah, HaChodesh), and the Fast of Esther (Ta'anit Esther) on the 13th of Adar (Monday, March 2, 2026, from dawn to nightfall), which commemorates the fasts in the Purim story and is lenient for those in need (e.g., pregnant/nursing women, the ill). The fast humbles us, recognizing Hashem's aid in times of distress.
The focus shifts to Megillah reading: obligations for men, women, and children to hear it both night (after stars out, Monday night March 2) and day (Tuesday, March 3); proper synagogue setting with minyan preferred for greater honor to Hashem; three before-blessings (Al Mikra Megillah, She'asah Nissim, Shehecheyanu—with Shehecheyanu at night for Megillah, daytime for the other mitzvot: mishloach manot, matanot la'evyonim, seudat Purim); after-blessing (Harav Et Riveinu); and key customs like reading the ten sons of Haman in one breath, noise at Haman's name (but carefully to avoid missing words), dressing festively, lighting candles upon return home, and adding Al HaNissim in prayers/meals.
Additional details include: half-shekel donation (Machatzit Hashekel) before Megillah; no preparation (Maichin) on Shabbos for post-Shabbos Megillah if Purim Sunday; reading from kosher scroll preferred (Chumash ok without blessing if no scroll); Kavanah (intent) for reader and listeners; special rules for mourners/Onein; and early synagogue attendance on Purim morning with Torah reading of Amalek. He notes current events echoing Persia/Iran parallels and invites questions for the Ask Away segment.
The episode concludes with a transition to the Ask Away #35.
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The Everyday Judaism Podcast is dedicated to learning, understanding and appreciating the greatness of Jewish heritage and the Torah through the simplified, concise study of Halacha, Jewish Law, thereby enhancing our understanding of how Hashem wants us to live our daily lives in a Jewish way.
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This Podcast Series is Generously Underwritten by Marshall & Doreen Lerner
This episode of the Everyday Judaism Podcast by Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe of TORCH is dedicated to my dearest friends, Marshall & Doreen Lerner! May Hashem bless you and always lovingly accept your prayer for good health, success and true happiness!!!
Recorded in the TORCH Centre - Levin Family Studio (B) to a live audience on March 1, 2026, in Houston, Texas.
Released as Podcast on March 2, 2026
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