Laws of Purim

TIMES

Purim is preceded by the Fast of Esther, which begins at dawn on the 13th of Adar and continues until nightfall. When the 13th is on Shabbat, the Fast of Esther is observed on the preceding Thursday. It is forbidden to eat and drink on this day (one may, however, wash, and wear leather shoes).
In unwalled cities, Purim is celebrated on the 14th of Adar, from night to night.
In cities with walls dating from the days of Joshua, Purim is celebrated on the 15th of Adar, as it was in Shushan, the capital of Persia; hence the name, Shushan Purim. Jerusalem is a walled city and most of its suburbs are also considered part of Jerusalem regarding this law.

READING OF THE SCROLL OF ESTHER
Kriat Hamegillah

The Scroll of Esther is read publicly in the evening and on the morning of Purim.
It must be read from a scroll written in accordance with Halachah.
The reader and the audience must have intent to fulfil the mitzvah of reading and to fulfil the obligation of the blessings before and after.
It is customary to make noise when the name of Haman is mentioned.
It is forbidden to speak from the time of the blessings before the reading, until the end of the blessings after the reading.
Ideally the scroll should be read in the presence of a minyan.

PRAYER
Tefillah

The prayer 'al hanissim' is added in the Silent Prayer (Shmoneh Esrei) and in Grace after Meals.
If one forgot 'al hanissim' one does not repeat the prayer.
During the morning service (shacharit), the Torah is read.
The prayer of repentance, tachanun, is not recited, nor is the prayer lamenatzeach.

GIFTS TO FRIENDS
Mishloach Manot

One is obligated to give at least one gift to one fellow Jew. The more the better.
The gift must consist of at least two items of food, ready to eat.
It is preferable to send the gift via a third party.

GIFTS TO THE POOR
Matanot Le'evyonim

One is obligated to give a gift of money, sufficient for one meal, to at least two poor people. The more the better.
Funds must be available on the day of Purim. (No post-dated checks.)
It is preferable to take care of this obligation early in the day.
The gift may be given to a third party in order to distribute on the day of Purim.
More should be spent on gifts to the poor than on gifts to friends (unless they are also poor).

THE FESTIVE MEAL
Seudat Purim

It is obligatory to partake of a festive meal on the day of Purim.
It is customary to eat food with seeds - e.g., Hamentashen with poppy seed filling.
One should drink more wine than one is accustomed to.
It is correct to invite guests, especially the needy.
The conversation should be focused on words of Torah.

CUSTOMS
Minhagim

Many have a custom to dress up in costumes.
It is customary to give charity to all who ask.
Some produce amusing Purim plays.
Some also present amusing divrei Torah.
It is customary to visit the homes of one's Rabbis and teachers.
One should start studying the laws of Passover on Purim.
It is correct not to engage in business or work on Purim.
At the afternoon service before Purim it is customary to give three coins (preferable with the number ½ on them) to charity in memory of the three "half-shekels" given to the Temple.