What are the four precepts of Purim ?

We have four Mitzvot (precepts) that we fulfill on Purim, these were established by the Sanhedrin (the great assembly) and by the Prophets, and they are the following:

1- Reading of the Megillah (Book of Esther) All Jewish men and women are required to hear the reading of the Megillah twice, on the evening and day of Purim.

2- Celebrate a festive banquet and rejoice (Seudat Purim) We are obligated to celebrate Purim during the day with a festive meal, with drinks and wine (in moderation) in an atmosphere of joy and praise to the Creator for the great miracle.

3- Send edible portions as a gift (Mishloach Manot). We are obligated to send at least two different edible gifts to a male friend. This duty also applies to women toward their female friends.

4- Giving gifts to the poor (Matanot la evionim) We also have an obligation to make donations to the poor. The more money or food we distribute, the better. More should be spent on donations to the poor than on the banquet we celebrate, for there is no greater or nobler joy than to make the poor, orphans, widows, and strangers happy.

The Sages also ordered, subsequently, to read from the Torah the passage "And Amalek came..." from Parasha Veshalach, which recounts the war against Amalek in the desert, and adding the al hanisim prayer to the Shmonah ezre prayer, and the bircat hamazon, however, on Purim Hallel is not recited, since the reading of the Megillah constitutes in itself a form of Hallel (Praise to Hashem).

It is forbidden to give funeral speeches and to fast on both the 14th and 15th of Adar, in all places, both open cities and walled cities like Jerusalem. Those who are mourning may not observe any of the public mourning customs during these days, they may only observe the private aspects of mourning as they would on Shabbat.

Although it is not forbidden to work on Purim, doing so is considered improper, the Sages said: "Whoever works on Purim will never see a sign of blessing from that work."

We wish you a happy Purim!

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