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Halachic questions and answers on the halachos and minhagim of Purim, by HaRav Yosef Yeshaya Braun shlita, Mara D’Asra and member of the Badatz of Crown Heights. 

To download this year’s Purim Guide, Click here

Machtzis Hashekel

Q. Which half dollar coin qualifies for Machtzis Hashekel? Can I use a coin that is only 40% silver?

A. It depends on the weight content of silver, not the percentage. The amount of silver required (for those that are stringent to use coins that are actual silver) is approx. 9.6g.

The 90% coin has a total of 11.25g of silver, so it’s good. But the 40% coin has only 4.6g.#13110*

Megillah

Q. May I read Megillah for someone while listening with headphones (in one ear) to a recording of the Kriah?

A. This is permitted, though it is obviously better to learn the Megillah ahead of time to properly fulfill the mitzva.

Also, while doing so, one must take caution that:

1) The volume of the recording is low enough that he himself can hear the words he is pronouncing. And,

2) That he is reading every single word from inside the Megillah and not by heart. #7059

Can a Woman Read the Megillah?

Q. A community member’s daughter is becoming Bas Mitzva on Purim. He will be making the event — for girls only — in the local Lubavitch hall. He wants very much that his daughter lein the Megillah for them. Does the shul need to stop him because of the objections raised by poskim to this?

A. This must certainly be stopped. This is strictly prohibited. Besides for what is written about Megillah specifically, any behavior which seeks to achieve [so-called] equality between men and women is foreign to Torah. This is especially true nowadays where the Reform movement has adopted such practices.

From the Torah perspective, men and women have completely different roles and one must be careful not to blur the lines between the unique roles and responsibilities each of them have. It can also be considered a breach of tznius.

Instead, the Bas Mitzva girl should share a Dvar Torah with the female guests at the event in a modest and befitting manner.#17266*

Mishloach Manos

Candy for Mishloach Manos?

Q. In Igros Kodesh (Vol. 20 page 177) the Rebbe brings candy as an example for Mishloach Manos. My question is: doesn’t the portion need to be a kezayis? Aren’t candies usually less than a kezayis?

A. The choice of examples in that letter was addressed in the Hatomim Journal (ed. Adar 5761) at length. The issue of kezayis has been noted there too.

Three points bear mention:

1) A kezayis is much smaller than many of us think; it’s the volume of a bit under a third of an average egg (or about half an egg, according to the more stringent view).

2) Candy in this context is a general name for sweets. There are many lollipops in the market that fit the criteria.

3) In a sicha, ז׳ אדר תשל״ו, the Rebbe mentions the possibility of having one kezayis for both types of food combined. Since this letter deals with kids mishloach manos, perhaps the Rebbe was lenient in accordance with this position. #3083*

Q. Can a Chosson send Mishloach Manos to the Kallah?

A. It’s permitted to pass items to each other, if not done with the intention of gazing at her beauty.

Generally, it’s permitted to give each other gifts, with the exception of משלוח מנות where the chassan should send to the kallah’s family, or the chassan’s family sends to the kallah..

Many are particular about all gifts not to give directly to each other or ensure there are no kosher witnesses present at the time. Alternatively, one can specify clearly this is purely done for the purpose of a present and make sure not to use any expressions associated with kiddushin.

Of course, you should not give her a ring before the wedding. #6982*

Q. Does water, seltzer or flavored seltzer count as a food item in Mishloach Manos?

A. Plain water [even mineral] – no. Seltzer and certainly flavored seltzer – yes. #3207*

Q. If I send Mishloach Manos to a child (under Bar/Bas Mitzva), do I fulfill my obligation?

A. No, one doesn’t fulfill their obligation by giving to a child under Bar or Bas Mitzva. #3248*

Q. Is it problematic to include a non-Mevushal wine in a Mishloach Manos gifted to a non-frum Yid? It will likely be consumed by that Yid and his non-Jewish family.

A. L’chatchila it would be best to give only foods and drinks that won’t create problems later. However, there are opinions to rely on to give in such a case. #3237*

Matanos L’evyonim Online Before Purim

Q. In the Shul I’ll be in this Purim they put out a basket for people to give Tzedaka on Purim morning. There are none in the ladies’ section. I don’t know if they give it out on the same day, so I thought maybe to send to Colel Chabad both the money for the Shekalim and Matanos L’evyonim, and for my husband to just put a little bit of money in Shul to participate. Is that acceptable?

If it is, when should we send the money online? Is it preferable to send before Purim so they distribute it on Purim? Is it acceptable to send in advance so it gets distributed on Purim?

A. The mitzva of Matonos L’evyonim is on Purim. You may ask your husband to put it on your behalf in the basket in the men’s section.

Of course, you can choose to do both: give before Purim, as well as participate on Purim. #7055*

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