Purim
Summary
Between the First and Second Beis Hamikdash, Haman attempted a genocide against the entirety of the Jewish People. Through God's divine providence, his plan was reversed, and in one day, the Jews went from threat of destruction to prominence. On the 13th of Adar, we keep four mitzvos in remembrance of this event. We read the Megillah to remember the miracle (Persumei Nisa). We increase love and friendship in the community by giving out money to people experiencing poverty, gifting food to friends, and gathering for festive meals (Shulchan Aruch:695). For many clinicians, balancing clinical responsibilities with the festivities of Purim can be difficult. This guide will address the common questions and provide practical solutions for those on shift during the days of Purim.
Fast of Esther
Machtzis Hashekel
The Reading of the Megillah
Mishloch Manos
Matanos L'evyonim
The Purim Seudah
Fast of Esther
Taanis Esther observes how, on the 13th of Adar, the Jews fasted and prayed to Hashem prior to defending themselves from their enemies. It also commemorates the three days that Esther and the Jews of Shushan fasted during the month of Nissan before Esther interceded on their behalf to King Achashverosh.
There are three general categories of fasts in the Jewish calendar. Yom Kippur is a biblical fast centered around teshuva. The four rabbinic fasts commemorate times of mourning, focusing on the destruction of Yerushalayim and the Batei Mikdash (Shulachan Aruch 549:1). The Fast of Esther (and, to some extent, the Fast of the Firstborn) commemorates Jewish gratitude for G‑d’s deliverance (Shulachan aruch 686:1). This latter category of fasts is the most lenient. One who is sick or in pain is exempt from fasting on Taanis Esther, as the fast was instituted only for those in good health(Mishna Brurah 550:4).
For all minor rabbinic fasts, Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach zt”l ruled that medical personnel are exempt if their ability to perform their duties is impaired. Since a choleh she’ein bo sakanah (a non-critical patient) is exempt from fasting, those treating such patients are similarly exempt if the fast affects their ability to provide care. This is certainly true for those treating cholim sheyesh bahem sakanah (critically ill patients)( Handbook for Hospital Nurses on Shabbos and YT p54)
This is even more relevant for Taanis Esther, where the Rama writes that even one experiencing a headache may stop fasting m’ikar hadin (according to the letter of the law). However, each person should carefully assess whether fasting will impact their ability to perform clinically and seek guidance from their personal orthodox rabbi.
Machtzis Hashekel
It is customary for all men to give three half-dollar coins (or the local equivalent) to tzedakah on Taanis Esther before Minchah. This minhag commemorates the half-shekel that was donated annually during the month of Adar to fund the Korbanos Tzibur (communal sacrifices). Since the word “terumah” (donation) appears three times in the relevant parshah, the custom is to give three half-shekalim (Rama OC 694:1). If one does not give the machatzis hashekel before Minchah, it may still be given afterward or before the Megillah reading on Purim morning.
Traditionally, this is done through a symbolic exchange (kinyan), where one lifts three silver coins—often made available by the gabbai of a shul—and then “returns” them, giving an equivalent amount to tzedakah (Mishneh Berura 694, בבה"ל סד"ה ויש). If one is not in shul and cannot obtain half-dollar coins, one can use regular coins and give the value of half dollars, or, give whole dollars and specify that half is for Machatzis Hashekel and half as a gift (שו״ת מהרש״ם ח: צז, שו״ת מנח״א ח״א ס״ל)
The customary the giving of the machatzis ha’shekel begins at age 20 (though some opinions hold from bar mitzvah at 13). Many also give on behalf of their wives and children, and once this practice is accepted, it should be continued annually on their behalf (Mishneh Berura 694:5)
The Reading of the Megillah
Hearing the Megillah at night and during the day on Purim is obligatory for both men and women. When reading the megilla without a minyan, the final blessing at the end of the megilla reading, “HaRav Es Riveinu,” should not be said.
The reading of the Megillah should ideally be completed in one sitting. However, in cases where there is a clinical need, one is allowed to read in spurts with brief interruptions (brief meaning less than the estimated time it takes to read the entire Megillah, about 45 min) (Shulchan Aruch 690:5). In cases where one had stopped for an extended period (greater than 45 minutes), one would be required to restart the megillah.
The Mishnah Berurah (690:18) introduces an important distinction between voluntary pauses, from which one may resume reading, and involuntary interruptions—such as cases of incontinence (where one is no longer in a state where they are able to read the megilla)—where one is required to restart from the beginning. The precise definition of a “long pause” is subject to debate, and one should consult a rabbinic authority for guidance.
When reading the Megillah alone, one fulfills the mitzvah only if it is read from a proper scroll (Shulchan Aruch OC 690:3). Since mastering this can be difficult, one may actively verbally read from a scroll while listening to an accurate recording through headphones to follow along. If one is unable to fulfill the mitzvah in these ways, there may be a precedent to rely on a live reading over the phone (Iggrot Moshe OH 2:108), though this must be discussed with your personal rabbinic counsel.
Mishloch Manos
Both men and women are required to give Mishloach Manos during the day of purim. the minimum requirement is to give two portions of different foods to atleast one person. Each portion should be something of substance as according to many poskim the purpose of michloach manos was to serve as an accessory to the seudah ensuring that everyone had sufficient food to celebrate (Trumas Hadeshen: 111).
The Mishnah Berurah (695:7) cites an opinion that requires a one needs a messenger to fulfill the mitzvah of Mishaloch Manos. Although this is a chumra and one does not need to appoint a Shliach to fulfill the mitzvah itself, one may definitely use a Shliach such as a friend or a spouse to give out Mishloch Manos for them on Purim propper. Therefore if one is busy clinically they would be able to appoint a surrogate to give Mishloch Manos on one’s behalf.
A second option for those who are busy during Purim is to use a mail service to deliver Mishloch Manos as long as they are received on the day of purim proper (Beir heitiv OC 695:7).
A third option is to exchange meals with a colleague. One can fulfill the mitzvah of Mishloach Manot by exchanging their Purim Seudah. When sitting down for the meal, individuals can either swap their meals or purchase the meal for one another. This way, both parties fulfill the mitzvah of Mishloach Manot while ensuring they have a proper seudah on Purim(Mishnah Berura 694:2).
Matanos L'evyonim
Matanot L’Evyonim should be given during the day of Purim, not the night before. One is obligated to give two charitable gifts to two poor individuals—one gift to each person. While there are various opinions regarding the minimum amount required, the primary emphasis is on the spirit of generosity rather than a specific monetary value (Mishnah Berura 694:2).
There are many reputable charities where one can donate in advance of Purim to fulfill this mitzvah (e.g. Colel Chabad helping the people of Israel since 1788) However, Matanot L’Evyonim is considered an even greater obligation than Mishloach Manot, and one should prioritize giving generously to those in need(Mishnah Berura 694:3). May all of Beis Yisrael be blessed with the means to fulfill both mitzvot in a manner that is mehudar and expansive.
Seudah
There is a disagreement among the Rishonim about whether one must wash for bread at the Purim seudah that extends to the later desicors. The Magen Avraham (695:9) holds that bread is not required, while the Aruch HaShulchan (695:7) rules that the meal should be on par with a Shabbos or Yom Tov meal and in practice the meal should ideally include bread and meat if possible. Traditionally, the Purim seudah is celebrated with wine or alcohol, but a clinician on call or on shift is strictly prohibited from drinking and should stick to water—after all, you don’t need wine to mix up “Arur Haman” and “Baruch Mordechai” working ~ 80 hours a week in the hospital.
Conclusion
Purim is a day of joy and resilience, celebrating the triumph of good over evil and reminding us that even in moments of adversity, our faith and trust remain with the One who guides us through history's and life's greatest challenges. For clinicians whose work in refuah is itself a mitzvah, time for personal observance may be limited. While exemptions exist, one should strive to participate in Purim's mitzvos to whatever extent possible. If time is constrained, hearing the Megillah takes priority, followed by having a seudah (festive meal), and then giving Mishloach Manos and Matanos L'Evyonim. Even amidst a demanding schedule, finding a moment to connect with the spirit of Purim—in any capacity—can bring meaning and joy to the day.
Happy Purim!
Links
Rabbi Shimmi Steinmetz on the JPN Podcast
Rabbi Stein Halacha summary
https://www.tystein.com/_files/ugd/cb3406_c3bce0fb337c4314a61054f92aae9fcb.pdf
Rav Y Sprung’s relevant Teshuvot