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...
Sisit: The Number of Wrappings; Wearing a String of Techelet
The Two Aspects of Bikur Holim
Offering Spiritual Advice to an Ailing Patient
Anger and Drunkenness Lead To Sin
May a Professional Have His Secretary Type Confidential Information?
Giving Preference When Choosing From Whom to Buy
Must One Wash His Hands After a Handshake?
Haircutting and Shaving Before Praying Minha; Misvot That One Can Fulfill When Taking a Haircut
Inducing Labor Unnecessarily
Pictures of Animals on the Parochet and Walls in a Synagogue
A Proper Torah Perspective on Medical Treatment
Praying or Reciting Berachot in the Presence of Immodestly Dressed Women
The Special Prayer Recited Upon Entering and Exiting the Bet Midrash
Bizui Misva: The Prohibition Against Disrespectful Treatment of Misvot
Selling Non-Kosher Wine
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found