DailyHalacha.com for Mobile Devices Now Available

Click Here to Sponsor Daily Halacha
"Delivered to Over 6000 Registered Recipients Each Day"

      
(File size: 726 KB)
Purim-Is it Permitted to Read the Megila Without a Minyan?

The Gemara records a debate between Rav and Rav Assi as to whether it is permitted to read the Megila without a Minyan. Rashi and Tosafot clearly rule in accordance with Rav, who does permit it. The Shulhan Aruch (690:18) states that while ideally, one should seek a Minyan to read the Megila, it is permissible to read it alone.

When reading the Megila without a Minyan, the three Berachot prior to the reading are recited. However, there is a Machloket as to whether the Beracha of "HaRav Et Rivenu" is recited after the reading. The Ben Ish Hai (Rav Yosef Haim of Baghdad, 1833-1909), calling this Beracha very precious, rules that one does recite it without a Minyan. Hacham Ovadia, citing the Talmud Yerushalmi, vehemently opposes the Ben Ish Hai’s ruling. He holds that not only should one not say this Beracha, but, he should even not answer Amen to someone who does. Hacham Ben Sion adopts a middle position, finding basis for both positions, and allows a person to choose.

To avoid doubt in Berachot, one should not make the Beracha of "HaRav Et Rivenu" when reading the Megila without a Minyan. It should be noted that in this context, women and children who have reached the age of Chinuch also constitute a Minyan for the purpose of reciting this Beracha. Therefore, if a man reads the Megila for a group of women, he should recite the Beracha.

SUMMARY
If one read the Megila without a Minyan, he should not recite the final Beracha of "HaRav Et Rivenu."

 


Recent Daily Halachot...
If One Forgot Ya’aleh V’yavo in the Amidah of Hol Hamoed- Part 2
If One Forgot Ya’aleh V’yavo in the Amidah on Hol HaMoed- Part 1
Is it Permissible to Take a Shower on Yom Tob?
When Should Women Light Candles on the First Night of Yom Tob?
How Many Days of Yom Tob are Observed by Visitors in Israel From Abroad?
Laws of Mourning When a Family Member Passes Away On Yom Tob or Hol Ha’mo’ed
Erub Tabshilin
Looking at the Shabbat or Yom Tob Candles Before Reciting Kiddush
If Somebody Remembered “Reseh” But Forgot “Ya’aleh Ve’yabo” in Birkat Ha’mazon on Yom Tob Which Falls on Shabbat
If One Forgot to Recite “Ya’aleh Ve’yabo” on Yom Tob
Preparing a Candle for Habdala When Yom Tob Falls on Mosa’eh Shabbat
How to Prepare an Eruv Tavshilin
Is an Erub Tabshilin Necessary If No Food Needs to be Prepared for Shabbat?
Does Erub Tabshilin Enable One to Cook on Thursday for Shabbat?
Reciting Yag Midot When Taking out the Sefer Torah on Yom Tob
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found