- Question: [Thursday, 2nd Teves 5781]
I was wondering if I am allowed to write a Megillah on Erev Shabbos and if so until what time? I don’t have much time during the week to do so and therefore Friday is one of my most opportune times to write it. I am writing it on behalf of payment to fulfill an order from an individual.
Answer:
You may write it up until the time of Mincha Ketana.
Explanation: It is forbidden to perform Melacha on Erev Shabbos past the time of Mincha, and although it is debated as to whether this refers to Mincha Gedola or Ketana, practically we rule that one may be lenient until Mincha Ketana. Now, although the writing of a Megillah is considered a Mitzvah activity which is permitted to be done even past the time of Mincha Ketana, nonetheless this only applies if one is doing it for free or for himself and not for the sake of payment, and therefore in your case you must stop writing when the time of Mincha Ketana arrives and there is even a good stringency to avoid writing and starting from Mincha Gedola.
Sources: See Admur 251:2-3; Mishneh Berurah 251:6; Kaf Hachaim 251:17
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