Traveling to Jerusalem

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A. Lives in a city of 14th and traveled to a city that celebrates on the 15th [i.e. Jerusalem]:[1]

Plans to leave the city which celebrates on the 15th before Alos of the 15th: One who lives in a city that celebrates on the 14th and traveled on the 13th, or night of the 14th[2], to a city that celebrates on the 15th [i.e. Jerusalem], then if his intentions at the time of travel[3] were to be out of Jerusalem by Alos[4] of the 15th[5], then he celebrates Purim on the 14th.[6] This applies even if after arriving to the city [Jerusalem] he changed his mind and decided to stay in the city past Alos of the 15th.[7]In such a case, he is to celebrate and read Megillah on the 14th in the walled city that celebrates on the 15th.

Does not plan to leave the city which celebrates on the 15th [Jerusalem] until after Alos of the 15th: One who lives in a city that celebrates on the 14th and traveled on the 13th, or night of the 14th[8], to a city that celebrates on the 15th [i.e. Jerusalem], then if his intentions at the time of travel[9] was to stay in Jerusalem until after Alos[10] of the 15th, then he celebrates Purim on the 15th together with the inhabitants of the city. This applies even if he later changed his mind and returned to his city on the 15th [after Alos[11]], nevertheless he is to read Megillah on the 15th in his current location, even though they already celebrated on the 14th.[12]

 

B. Lives in a city of 15th [Jerusalem] but traveled to a city that celebrates on the 14th:[13]

Plans to leave the city which celebrates on the 14th before Alos of the 14th: If he lives in a city that celebrates on the 15th and has traveled to a city that celebrates on the 14th, if his intentions at the time of travel[14] were to be back in the city of the 15th by Alos[15] of the 14th, then he does not celebrate Purim on the 14th. This applies even if in the end he was required to stay in the city past Alos of the 14th.[16] Thus he is to celebrate and read Megillah on the 15th in the un-walled city and does not celebrate on the 14th.

Does not plan to leave the city which celebrates on the 14th until after Alos of the 14th: One who lives in a city that celebrates on the 15th [Jerusalem] and traveled on the 13th, or night of the 14th[17], to a city that celebrates on the 14th, then if his intentions at the time of travel[18] were to stay in that city until after Alos[19] of the 14th, and he in truth remained in the city until that time[20], then he celebrates Purim on the 14th together with the inhabitants of the city.[21] This applies even if he returned to Jerusalem after Alos of the 14th, nevertheless he is to read Megillah in Jerusalem on the 14th.[22] This applies even if he intended to return to Jerusalem prior to Alos of the 15th.[23]

 

Traveled from Jerusalem to city of 14th

	Plans to return to Jerusalem before morning of 14th and did so	Plans to return to Jerusalem before morning of 14th but did not do so	Plans to return to Jerusalem after morning of 14th-before morning of 15th-and did so	Plans to return to Jerusalem after morning of 15th
Traveled on 13th or night of 14th	Celebrates only on 15th according to all	Celebrate on 15th[24]	Celebrate on 14th[25]	Celebrates only on 14th according to all
Traveled on day of 14th, after Alos	——————————-	——————————	Celebrates only on 15th according to all	See Q&A!

 

Traveled from city that celebrates on 14th to Jerusalem

	Plans to return to 14th before morning of 14th	Plans to return to 14th before morning of 15th	Plans to return to 14th after morning of 15th
Traveled on 13th or night of 14th	Celebrates on 14th according to all	Celebrates on 14th[26]	Celebrates on 15th according to all
Traveled on day of 14th after Alos	———————————	Celebrates on 14th according to all	Celebrates on 14th, dispute if also celebrate on 15th-See Q&A

 

See Q&A regarding if a person may read Megillah for another if he is not celebrating Purim that day!

 

Q&A

If one celebrated on the 14th and then traveled to Jerusalem, arriving before Alos of the 15th, is he obligated to celebrate Purim a second time on the 15th?

Some Poskim[27] rule he is obligated to celebrate also on the 15th. Others[28] rule he is not obligated to celebrate again on the 15th. Practically one is to read the Megillah without a blessing on the 15th.[29] This ruling applies even in a case that one is originally from Jerusalem, and celebrated Purim on the 14th, and then returned to Jerusalem before of the 15th.[30]

 

What is the law if a person living in Jerusalem is traveling out of town on the day of the 14th, when is he to celebrate Purim?[31]

Some Poskim[32] rule he is to read the Megillah on the 14th in Jerusalem with a blessing. Others[33] however imply that a blessing is not to be said. Practically he is to try to leave Jerusalem on the night of the 14th, prior to Alos, in order to become obligated in Purim on the 14th according to all.[34] If he is unable to do so then he should hear the Megillah read with a Minyan, with a blessing, on the 14th. He may gather a Minyan of people in Jerusalem and read the Megillah with a blessing for this cause.[35]

 

If one was in Jerusalem and did not celebrate Purim on the 14th and then traveled outside Jerusalem on the 15th, before Alos, is he obligated to celebrate Purim on the 15th?

Some Poskim[36] rule he is obligated to celebrate on the 15th. Others[37] rule he is not obligated to celebrate on the 15th and he hence does not celebrate Purim.[38] This applies even if he intended to remain in Jerusalem for the 15th and in the end was required to travel before Alos of the 15th.[39] Practically one must refrain from doing so. See previous Q&A!

 

If on the night of the 15th one is currently in an area which celebrates on the 14th, but plans to be in Jerusalem before daybreak of the 15th, may he read Megillah in the area he is currently in?[40]

It is best read the Megillah in Jerusalem, which is the area of the obligation.

 

May one who celebrated on the 14th, and made himself obligated to also celebrate on the 15th[41], read Megillah for others on the 15th?

This matter is disputed in Poskim.[42] Practically one is not to read the Megillah for others due to this dispute.[43] This ruling applies even in a case that one is originally from Jerusalem and celebrated Purim on the 14th and then returned to Jerusalem before Alos of the 15th.[44]

 

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[1] 688/5 based on Rambam as explained in Taz 668/6; Kaf Hachaim 688/29 in name of Rameh; M”B 688/12 as rules Rashi; Piskeiy Teshuvos 688/9-10

[2] Most Poskim rule we follow where one will be by Alos regarding all matters. [M”B 688/12] However the Chazon Ish rules we follow where one will be that night, by Tzeis Hakochavim, and hence if he traveled after nightfall to Jerusalem or vice versa it has no meaning.

[3] M”B 688/12 based on Mateh Yehuda unlike Lechem Mishna [Shaar Hatziyon 688/16]

Other Opinions: Some rule we follow his intents at the night of the 14^th and hence if he changed his mind before the 14^th, to remain for the 15^th, then he is to celebrate on the 15^th. [Chazon Ish; Rav Frank]

[4] Michaber 688/5 rules like Rashi and states “until the time of reading the Megillah”. The M”A 688/7 explains this to mean “the day reading of the Megillah, as the day reading is the main reading of the Megillah”; The M”B 688/12 explains this to mean the beginning of the day of the 15^th in Jerusalem. This refers to Alos Hashachar which is the beginning of the day reading. So also rules Kaf Hachaim 688/27 and 30.

[5] Maggid Mishneh Megillah 1/10; Beir Hagoleh 688/5; Peri Chadash; M”B 688/12; Kaf Hachaim 688/28; This is opposed to the understanding that one had intent to return before Alos of the 14^th. [ibid]

The reason: As we follow his current city’s Megillah reading, and not the Megillah reading of his city of origin. [ibid]

Other Opinions: According to the Rosh, if he plans to remain in Jerusalem for the 14^th, then he must read on the 15^th, even if he plans to leave before the 15^th, as we follow the city he is in on the day of the 14^th.

[6] M”B 688/12; Kaf Hachaim 688/29 in name of Rameh

[7] Michaber 688/5 “And he delayed and did not return to his city”; M”B 688/12

Other Opinions: Some rule we follow his intents at the night of the 14^th and hence if he changed his mind before the 14^th, to remain for the 15^th, then he is to celebrate on the 15^th. [Chazon Ish; Rav Frank]

[8] Most Poskim rule we follow where one will be by Alos regarding all matters. [M”B 688/12] However the Chazon Ish rules we follow where one will be that night, by Tzeis Hakochavim and hence if he traveled after nightfall to Jerusalem or vice versa it has no meaning.

[9] M”B 688/12 based on Mateh Yehuda unlike Lechem Mishna [Shaar Hatziyon 688/16]

Other Opinions: Some rule we follow his intents at the night of the 14^th and hence if he changed his mind before the 14^th, to remain there for the 15^th, then he is to celebrate on the 14^th. [Chazon Ish; Rav Frank]

[10] Michaber 688/5 rules like Rashi and states “until the time of reading the Megillah”. The M”A 688/7 explains this to mean “the day reading of the Megillah as the day reading is the main reading of the Megillah”; The M”B 688/12 explains this to mean the beginning of the day of the 15^th in Jerusalem. This refers to Alos Hashachar which is the beginning of the day reading. So also rules Kaf Hachaim 688/27 and 30. In Shaar Hatziyon 688/17 the M”B brings that some Achronim rule that this law only applies if he had in mind to not leave Jerusalem before enough time passes after Alos to be able to read the Megillah.

[11] However if he returned before Alos-See Q&A for a dispute on this matter. The M”B ibid does not differentiate between before or after Alos, however in his conclusion of 688/12 he records the ruling of the Taz which states that he must actually remain in the city past Alos.

[12] M”B ibid; Kaf Hachaim 688/29 in name of Rameh

[13] 688/5 based on Rambam as explained in Taz 668/6; Kaf Hachaim 688/29; M”B 688/12 as rules Rashi; Piskeiy Teshuvos 688/10

[14] M”B 688/12 based on Mateh Yehuda unlike Lechem Mishna [Shaar Hatziyon 688/16]

Other Opinions: Some rule we follow his intents at the night of the 14^th and hence if he changed his mind before the 14^th, to remain there for the 15^th, then he is to celebrate on the 14^th. [Chazon Ish; Rav Frank]

[15] Michaber 688/5 rules like Rashi and states “until the time of reading the Megillah”. The M”A 688/7 explains this to mean “the day reading of the Megillah as the day reading is the main reading of the Megillah”; The M”B 688/12 explains this to mean the beginning of the day of the 14^th. This refers to Alos Hashachar which is the beginning of the day reading. So also rules Kaf Hachaim 688/27 and 30.

[16] Michaber 688/5 “And he delayed and did not return to his city”; M”B 688/12; Chazon Ish; Kaf Hachaim 688/29 in name of Rameh in Alfasi Zuta; Shaareiy Yitzchak 2/4

Other Opinions: If in the end he remained in the city past Alos of the 14^th then some Poskim rule he celebrates on the 14th. [Razah in Maor on the Rif Megillah 19A; Ritva]

If he changed his mind before the night of the 14^th: According to the M”B and others he is still only obligated on the 15^th, as we follow his intents at the time of travel. According to the Chazon Ish and Rav Frank he reads on the 14^th, as we follow his intentions on the night of the 14^th.

[17] Most Poskim rule we follow where one will be by Alos regarding all matters. [M”B 688/12] However the Chazon Ish rules we follow where one will be that night, by Tzeis Hakochavim and hence if he traveled after nightfall to Jerusalem or vice versa it has no meaning.

[18] M”B 688/12 based on Mateh Yehuda unlike Lechem Mishna [Shaar Hatziyon 688/16]

Other Opinions: Some rule we follow his intents at the night of the 14^th and hence if he changed his mind before the 14^th, to remain there for the 15^th, then he is to celebrate on the 14^th. [Chazon Ish; Rav Frank]

[19] Michaber 688/5 rules like Rashi and states “until the time of reading the Megillah”. The M”A 688/7 explains this to mean “the day reading of the Megillah as the day reading is the main reading of the Megillah”; The M”B 688/12 explains this to mean the beginning of the day of the 14^th. This refers to Alos Hashachar which is the beginning of the day reading. So also rules Kaf Hachaim 688/27 and 30.

[20] M”B ibid in name of Taz; Ir Hakodesh Vehamikdash 3/26

[21] The reason: The reason for this is because one is considered an inhabitant of the city he is in, if he intends on staying there until after the day begins and does so. If however he plans on leaving before the day, or planned on staying there until after daybreak but didn’t, then he remains an inhabitant of the city he lives in. [M”B ibid]  

[22] M”B ibid; Kaf Hachaim 688/29 in name of Rameh

[23] Rashi; Rosh; M”B ibid; Kaf Hachaim ibid

Other Opinions: The Shvus Yaakov [1/40 brought in Shaareiy Teshuva 693/4] rules that if one lives in an area that celebrates on the 15^th [Jerusalem] and on the 14^th is in an area which celebrates on the 14^th, then if he plans to return to Jerusalem before Alos of the 15^th, then he does not celebrate Purim on the 14^th but the 15^th.

[24] This follows the ruling of the M”B and others. However according to the Razah one celebrates on the 14^th.

[25] This follows the ruling of Rashi; Rosh; M”B. However the Shvus Yaakov rules one is to celebrate on the 15th

[26] This follows the ruling of Rashi which is the final ruling in Poskim. However the Rosh rules one is to celebrate on 15^th.

[27] Yerushalmi Megillah 2/3, brought in Shiltei Giborim, Gr”a, Biur Halacha 688/5 “Ben Ir”; Rameh brought in Birkeiy Yosef 688/3 and Kaf Hachaim 688/29; Shulchan Shlomo 23/3; Shaareiy Yitzchak 2/5; Ir Hakodesh Vihamikdash 3/26; This opinion is based on Yerushalmi Megillah 2/3 and holds it to mean that anyone can become obligated in two Purim’s.

[28] Erech Hashulchan 688/5 brought in Kaf Hachaim ibid; According to the Rosh he never can become obligated on the 15^th if he already celebrated on the 14^th, as the day of the 14^th is what makes one obligated. Furthermore many Mefarshim hold that the Yerushalmi never meant to say one can become obligated in two Purim’s and it was rather stating it in a wording of wonderment. [See Karban Heida]

[29] Kaf Hachaim ibid concludes to read on the 15^th without a blessing and so rules Piskeiy Teshuvos 688/10 [p. 535] although he brings the dissenting opinion. So rules also Chazon Ish 152; Or Letziyon 1/46; Har Tzevi 2/118; Minchas Yitzchak 10/54; Kinyan Torah 3/101; Moadim Uzmanim 184/5

[30] Minchas Yitzchak ibid; Kinyan Torah ibid; Ir Hakodesh Vihamikdash 3/26 [Even if on the 14^th he planned to return to Jerusalem on the 15^th] Nevertheless in such a case the following Poskim [in addition to the previous Poskim] are lenient: Chazon Ish 152; Har Tzevi ibid; Piskeiy Teshuvos 688 p. 531; Shvus Yaakov [1/40 brought in Shaareiy Teshuva 693/4] rules if one who lives in an area that celebrates on the 15^thand he arrived on the day of the 14^th to an area which celebrates on the 14^th, and is planning to return before Alos of the 15^th back to his home town, then he does not celebrate Purim on the 14^th but the 15^th.

[31] See Kaf Hachaim 688/56; Piskeiy Teshuvos 688 p. 532; In such a situation he will not be in any city by the Alos of their Megillah reading, as he was in Jerusalem for the Alos of the 14^th, and will be out of Jerusalem for Alos of the 15^th. Hence the question is asked in how, and when, is he obligated in Purim.

[32] Olas Tamid 688/4

[33] P”M 688 A”A 12 brought in Kaf Hachaim ibid

[34] Pashut

[35] Har Tzevi 2/128-11; Ir Hakodesh Vihamikdash 3/26; Piskeiy Teshuvos 688 p. 532

The reason: As Bedieved one who reads on the 14^th fulfills his obligation as explained in M”B 688/11; Kaf Hachaim 688/26 in name of Gr”a; Peri Megadim 688 M.Z. 2

[36] Based on opinion of Rosh, brought in Har Tzevi 2/128-11.

The reason: As according to the Rosh if he was in Jerusalem on the 14^th he automatically becomes obligated to read in Jerusalem.

[37] This follows the opinion of: Raavad; Opinion in Ritva; Meiri; Ran; brought in Har Tzevi 2/118; and also follows the opinion of: Rashi; M”B 688/12; Kaf Hachaim 688/29 in name of Rameh; Birkeiy Yosef 688/3; Chazon Ish 152; Rav Pesach Tzevi Frank 2/128-11.

[38] The reason: As one must be in Jerusalem on the 15^th to be obligated on the 15^th, [Rashi, as rules M”B 688/12], and the simple intent of the Yerushalmi Megillah 2/3 is that one is able to lose Purim on both dates. Some Rishonim hold that this applies even according to the Rosh’s approach that we follow the day of the 14^th. [Raavad; Opinion in Ritva; Meiri; Ran; brought in Har Tzevi 2/118]

[39] Taz 688/6 that we follow the area that one is found as opposed to his intents. [Piskeiy Teshuvos 688 footnote 42] Kaf Hachaim 688/29 in name of Rameh; Birkeiy Yosef 688/3

[40] See P”M 688 M”Z 6; Shaareiy Yitzchak 2 1/3; Piskeiy Teshuvos 688 footnote 65

[41] Such as he arrived in Jerusalem before Alos of the 15^th. See previous Q&A regarding if one is able to make himself obligated in two days of Purim

[42] Many Poskim rule that since one is now equally obligated to celebrate on the 15^th he may fulfill the Mitzvah for others, and thus read them the Megillah. [Rameh brought in Birkeiy Yosef 688/3 and Kaf Hachaim 688/29; Shulchan Shlomo 23/3; Shaareiy Yitzchak 2/5; Ir Hakodesh Vihamikdash 3/26-however only if one did not plan to be in Jerusalem on the 14^th; This opinion is based on Yerushalmi Megillah 2/3 and holds it to mean that anyone can become obligated in two Purim’s.] Other Poskim however rule that it is not possible for one to be obligated to celebrate two Purim’s, thus the 15^th is not really his obligation and he may thus not read the Megillah for others. [Erech Hashulchan 688/5 brought in Kaf Hachaim ibid; According to the Rosh he never can become obligated on the 15^th if he already celebrated on the 14^th, as the day of the 14^th is what makes one obligated. Furthermore many Mefarshim hold that the Yerushalmi never meant to say one can become obligated in two Purim’s and it was rather stating it in a wording of wonderment. See Karban Heida.]

[43] Kaf Hachaim ibid concludes to read on the 15^th without a blessing and so rules Piskeiy Teshuvos 688/10 [p. 535] although he brings the dissenting opinion. So rules also Chazon Ish 152; Or Letziyon 1/46; Har Tzevi 2/118; Minchas Yitzchak 10/54; Kinyan Torah 3/101; Moadim Uzmanim 184/5

[44] Minchas Yitzchak ibid; Kinyan Torah ibid; Ir Hakodesh Vihamikdash 3/26 [Even if on the 14^th he planned to return to Jerusalem on the 15^th] Nevertheless in such a case the following Poskim [in addition to the previous Poskim] are lenient: Chazon Ish 152; Har Tzevi ibid; Piskeiy Teshuvos 688 p. 531; Shvus Yaakov [1/40 brought in Shaareiy Teshuva 693/4] rules if one who lives in an area that celebrates on the 15^thand he arrived on the day of the 14^th to an area which celebrates on the 14^th, and is planning to return before Alos of the 15^th back to his home town, then he does not celebrate Purim on the 14^th but the 15^th.