Celebrating Purim during Operation Roaring Lion

Unfortunately, the Jewish people living in Israel are under missile attack this Purim.

The Home Front Command has issued instructions for the safety of the population, which include being in close proximity to a shelter, entering the shelter when there is a siren, and prohibiting indoors and outdoors gatherings.

All instructions of the Home Front Command must be followed. This will affect the possibility of observing all the mitzvot of Purim as in previous years.

Reading the Megillah

• The Megillah is read twice on Purim, once at night and again during the day.
• The reading must be from a kosher Megillah written on parchment by a Sofer and heard by each person, man or woman, directly from the reader. Where the reading is heard by Zoom, radio, or telephone, this obligation is not fulfilled.
• Since the Home Front Command has prohibited indoors gatherings including shuls, it is not possible to hear Megillah reading that way. Therefore, one should organize Megillah reading in their own homes, or in their buildings, provided there is proximity to a bomb shelter. One could also read it themselves from a book, even without notes (taamim), or hear the reading, live, over zoom, radio or the telephone, if there is no other alternative. If you have a specific question regarding fulfilling the mitzvah of Megillah reading, they should consult with their rabbinical authority to receive an individual psak on the matter. You are welcome to consult with Dayan Shlomo Cohen directly if need be at +972 54-690-8150. 
• Where there is a siren while reading the Megillah, the reader should stop and the kahal should silently move to a safe area (if not already in one). The reading can be continued from where it was left off, when possible.

Matanot l’Evionim

• Gifts are given to two poor people, as usual.
• These gifts may be given online, paying by credit card.
• The minimum amount to be given to each person is about five shekels. There is no maximum.

Mishloach Manot

A gift of at least two types of food or drink is given to one acquaintance. Where necessary, this too can be arranged online.

Seudat Purim

A festive meal is enjoyed, as in previous years.

May Hashem grant us victory over our enemies, as He did in the days of Mordechai and Esther. And may we all see the coming of Mashiach speedily in our days.