Eating Before Megillah

Halacha Moment
Mar 6, 2022
2 min read

Updated: Mar 5

The Daily Halacha Moment - Eating Before Megillah 📜

״כל השונה הלכות בכל יום - מובטח לו שהוא בן העולם הבא״ (נידה עג ע״א, מגילה כח:)

“Anyone who studies Halachot every day is guaranteed that he is destined for the world-to-come” (Megilla 28b, Niddah 73a)

Question:

May one eat before listening to the Megillah?

May one eat after the fast but before listening to the Megillah?

Answer:

One is not permitted to eat a meal before listening to the Megillah reading, whether for the nighttime or daytime obligation. This restriction ensures that one prioritizes the mitzvah of Megillah and does not become distracted or delay fulfilling it. [1]

However, light snacks are permitted before the Megillah reading, under certain conditions. One may eat or drink fruit, vegetables, coffee, or other beverages, as well as consume less than a kebetzah (approximately 54 grams) of bread or mezonot. Nevertheless, if one has not yet prayed Shacharit, he may not eat at all before hearing the daytime Megillah reading, as eating before Shacharit is generally prohibited. [2]

Despite the leniency allowing small snacks, one who chooses to completely refrain from eating or drinking anything before the Megillah reading is considered praiseworthy, as this demonstrates eagerness to fulfill the mitzvah without any distractions. [3]

For those who observe Purim on the 14th of Adar and have been fasting on Taanit Esther. After a full day of fasting, some may find it difficult to concentrate properly when listening to the Megillah. In such cases, one may eat just enough to regain focus and avoid losing kavanah during the reading. However, to prevent forgetfulness or distraction, he should appoint someone to remind him to attend the Megillah reading immediately after eating. [4]

Sources:

[1]. Rama 692:4. See Chazon Ovadia, Purim, p. 95, which states that since women are also obligated to listen to the Megillah, one must explain to them that they may not eat until after the Megillah reading, even if they did not attend the reading in the synagogue.

[2]. See Mishnah Berurah 692:14, which permits a weak person to eat these foods before hearing the Megillah. See also Yabia Omer, vol. 9, O.C. §67 and Chazon Ovadia, Purim, p. 95.

[3]. Chazon Ovadia, Purim, p. 95.

[4]. Mishnah Berurah 692:16; Chazon Ovadia, Purim, p. 95; Yalkut Yosef, Purim, p. 556.

Eating Before Megillah

The Daily Halacha Moment - Eating Before Megillah 📜

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