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...
Aseret Yime Teshuva- The Statement of 'Michok Berachamecha' in the Avinu Malkenu
Insight Into Shabbat Shuva
The Beracha of Shehehiyanu on the Second Night of Rosh Hashanah
Rosh Hashanah – “Yom Terua”, and “Zichron Terua” if on Shabbat
Staying Up On Rosh Hashana Day, Must One Wake Up at Dawn on Rosh Hashanah?
Rosh Hashana- One Who Cannot Eat the Traditional Rosh Hashanah Foods
Rosh Hashanah – The Custom to Eat Sweet Foods, Pomegranates and Apples
Rosh Hashanah – The Importance of the Special Rosh Hashanah Foods
Rosh Hashana- Candle Lighting If On Shabbat or Saturday Night
When Rosh Hashanah Falls on Shabbat
Rosh Hashana- Se’uda Shelishit When Rosh Hashanah Falls on Shabbat
Does One Recite Shalom Alechem, Eshet Hayil and Azamer Bishbahin When Yom Tob Falls on Friday Night?
Rosh Hashana- The 1st Mitzvah on Rosh Hashana Night and Saying Meen Sheva on Shabbat Rosh Hashana
Rosh Hashana- Fasting on Ereb Rosh Hashanah
Applying Oil to One’s Skin on Shabbat
Page of 239
3585 Halachot found