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Is it permissible to go to work on Purim?
The Megila describes the holiday of Purim as an occasion of "Mishte Ve’simha" – "feasting and rejoicing" (9:22). No mention is made of a "Yom Tob," a day on which Melacha (work) is forbidden. Strictly speaking, then, there is no prohibition against working on Purim.
Nevertheless, the custom developed among some communities to refrain from work on Purim day, and Halacha requires people in those communities to abide by this custom. Furthermore, the sources establish that work performed on Purim day does not result in Beracha (blessing), and therefore in any event it is inadvisable to work on Purim, unless one needs to earn money for the Purim expenses.
This entire discussion refers only to physical labor, such as agricultural work and the like. Technically speaking, it is permissible to do office work and the like on Purim day. Clearly, however, it is far preferable not to go work on Purim and to spend the day involved in the many Misvot that apply – Mishlo’ah Manot, assisting the needy, praying and listening to the Megila in the synagogue, and of course the festive Purim meal. If at all possible, one should schedule his work responsibilities such that he does not have to work on Purim, so that he can devote the day to the celebration. If one must work on Purim, he may, so long as he ensures to fulfill all the Misvot of Purim and properly celebrate the occasion. We should note that it is entirely permissible to have non-Jews perform work on Purim day. Thus, business owners may certainly allow their business to run on Purim by their non-Jewish employees.
Furthermore, it is permissible to work on the night of Purim. This discussion concerning work on Purim refers only to Purim day, when the Misvot of Purim apply.
It is entirely permissible on Purim to write, take photographs, cut one’s nails and take a haircut.
Rav Haim Palachi (Turkey, 1788-1869) writes that construction should not be performed in one’s home on Purim. This is the ruling of several other authorities, as well, including the Bet David and Erech Ha’shulhan. Hacham Ovadia Yosef writes that there is room to be lenient in this regard if delaying the construction would cause financial loss, but otherwise, one should not allow construction in his home on Purim.
Summary: If possible, one should try not to work on Purim day, and spend the day involved in the celebration and special Misvot of Purim. If necessary, one may work, so long as he ensures to properly observe the Misvot and celebrate Purim. One may have non-Jewish employees work for him on Purim, and work is allowed on the night of Purim. It is permissible on Purim to write, cut one’s nails and cut one’s hair on Purim. Construction should not be done in one’s home on Purim, unless suspending the work would result in a financial loss.
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