This article is an excerpt from our Sefer
Buy me on Amazon.com
Working on Purim [1]
From the letter of the law it is permitted to do work on Purim.[2] However the accepted custom is to refrain from work on Purim.[3] One who does work on Purim will not see blessing from that work.[4]
The 14th and 15th:[5] The custom of refraining from work only applies on the date that a city celebrates Purim. Thus on the 15th in un-walled cities, and the 14th in walled cities there is no such custom to refrain from work. [Nevertheless there are those that rule one is to avoid doing Melacha on both the 14th and 15th.[6] Practically this matter is dependent on one’s custom.[7] The custom today is only to be stringent on the date that one celebrates Purim.]
The definition of work:[8] The definition of work is any action which takes a lot of one’s attention. Thus those matters which can be done without much concentration are permitted to be done. [Nevertheless even when doing such actions one is to beware not to involve himself in them for a lengthy period of time, in order that he not nullify the Mitzvah of rejoicing on Purim.[9]]
Writing: Based on the above one may write a letter to a friend, or jot down his debts and the like.[10] One may write Halachic rulings.[11]
Buildings of Simcha:[12] It is permitted to build buildings of Simcha, such as a house for a Chasan and Kallah, and the like. It is likewise permitted to plant an Avurnaki[13] tree.
Buying and selling:[14] One may buy and sell on Purim being that this is considered a joyous activity. [Nevertheless some Poskim[15] rule that one is not to do actual business on Purim even if it only involves buying and selling.]
Actions done for the need of a Mitzvah:[16] All Mitzvah related activities may be done. Thus one may write Halachic rulings.[17]
Actions done for the need of Purim:[18] One may do any action or work, even if it takes much of one’s attention, if it is needed to be done for Purim.
May a gentile do work for a Jew:[19] All forms of work may be done through a gentile.
Preventing loss:[20] It is permitted to do work on Purim in order to prevent a loss.
One who does not have what to eat:[21] If one does not have money to eat he may perform any type of work to attain the means of providing himself his daily meal.[22]
Q&A
May one do work on the night of Purim?[23]
Some Poskim[24] rule it is permitted to do work on the night of Purim and the prohibition only applies by the day of Purim starting from sunrise. Others[25] rule the prohibition applies equally to the night of Purim.
May one cut nails on Purim?[26]
No.[27] However a woman may cut her nails for the need of a Mitzvah.
Purim that falls on Erev Shabbos: One may cut his nails on Purim that falls on Erev Shabbos being that it is a Mitzvah to cut one’s nails in honor of Shabbos.
May one cut his hair on Purim?
Some Poskim[28] rule it is permitted to get a haircut on Purim as it is not considered a Melacha. Others[29] rule that it is forbidden [and so is the practical ruling]. Nevertheless a gentile may cut give one a haircut.[30] A woman may cut her hair for the need of a Mitzvah.[31]
Purim that falls on Erev Shabbos: This is subject to the same dispute mentioned above. Practically one is to only do so through a gentile barber.[32]
May one do laundry?[33]
It is forbidden to do laundry on Purim.
May one do construction in his house on Purim?[34]
One may not do construction in his house on Purim. This applies even regarding having gentile workers perform the work.
May one do construction in a Shul on Purim?[35]
Yes.[36]
May one do construction in a store on Purim?[37]
Some Poskim rule it is allowed.
May one write an essay on Purim?
Any essay which involves much concentration is forbidden to be written on Purim.
May one write a Megillah on Purim?
Some Poskim[38] rule one may not write a Megillah on Purim.[39] Others[40] rule it is allowed. If one does not have a Megillah available and plans to use it for reading that day then it may be written according to all.[41]
May one write Tefillin or Mezuzahs or a Sefer Torah on Purim?
No, as it is considered a Melacha.[42]
May one open his store on Purim?
Yes.[43] However some Poskim[44] are stringent. Practically every G-d fearing Jew should refrain from doing so unless they sell items which people need for Purim, such as food or drink.[45]
Are the inhabitants of cities which keep Purim on both the 14th and 15th due to doubt, to refrain from Melacha on both days?[46]
Yes. All the cities that are stringent to celebrate and fulfill the Mitzvos of Purim also on the 15th, are to refrain from work on both days, the 14th and 15th.
On Purim Meshulash may Melacha be done on Erev Shabbos and Sunday?[47]
Erev Shabbos: One may not do Melacha on Erev Shabbos.[48] Nevertheless it is permitted to get a haircut in honor of Shabbos.[49] However one is to only do so through a gentile barber.[50]
Sunday: Melacha is permitted on Sunday.[51] Nevertheless it is proper to refrain from Melacha starting from midday.[52]
[1] 696/1
Background:
Mordechai had originally instituted a decree against doing work on Purim similar to other Holidays, although this decree was not accepted and hence has no legal status. The Megillah first states “Yimei Mishteh Vesimcha Veyom Tov” which implies they accepted upon themselves not to do Melacha. Nevertheless in truth this was not accepted as is seen from the continuation which states “Laasos Osam Yimei Mishteh Vesimcha” and the word Yom Tov is omitted. Nevertheless certain areas accepted this as a custom upon themselves. [Tractate Megillah 5b; Beis Yosef; Levush; M”B 696/1; Kaf Hachaim 696/1; See Torah Or Megillah Chayav Inish Lebesumei 2; Sichas Purim 5718]
[2] Michaber ibid
[3] Rama ibid; Michaber brings that there are some communities which are accustomed not to do Melacha, and the Rama concludes that this is the accepted custom in all places today. So rules also Kneses Hagedola 696/2; Kaf Hachaim 696/7
[4] Michaber ibid
To which areas does this statement apply? The above statement only applies in those areas in which the custom is to refrain from doing work. [simple reading of Michaber; Beis Yosef as learned by M”A 696/2] However some Poskim learn from the Rambam that even in areas where there is no such custom to refrain from work on Purim, there will be no sign of blessing from work done on Purim day. [Rieim; Smag; brought in M”A 696/2]
What is the meaning that one does not see a Siman Bracha? If one for example planted seeds they will not grow. [Beis Yosef] However the Reim writes that although he will not profit from his work [through investing its proceeds] he also will not lose the work done. [M”A 696/3; P”M 696 A”A 3; M”B 696/4] In 251/1 [regarding Erev Shabbos] and 468/3 [regarding Erev Pesach] Admur rules that this means one will lose out the same amount of money from another source.
Is one who works on Purim ostracized? Although regarding other instances that it is forbidden to do Melacha one who transgresses is places in excommunication [see 468/3 regarding Erev Pesach], nevertheless regarding Purim we do not rule that one who transgresses the custom is placed in excommunication. [Shiyureiy Kneses Hagedola 696/2; Shulchan Gavoa 696/4; majority of Poskim brought in Birkeiy Yosef 696/5 and Erech Hashulchan 696/2] However there are opinions that rule one is to be excommunicated for transgressing the custom. [Rav Acha Gaon in Sheilasos; Hagahos Maimanis; Razah in Maor; Orchos Chaim brought in Birkeiy Yosef 696/5 and Erech Hashulchan 696/2] Practically we rule that there is no excommunication extracted for this transgression. [Kaf Hachaim 696/7] Nevertheless some Poskim rule that if he transgressed advertently he is to be fined. [Ruach Chaim 696/3; Kaf Hachaim 696/8]
[5] Michaber 696/2 and so rules Birkeiy Yosef 696/7; Kaf Hachaim 696/14
[6] Drashos Mahril Purim; Abudarham; Peri Chadash brought in Kaf Hachaim ibid and 696/16. The Abudarahm ibid writes that the women are accustomed not to do work on the 15th. [brought in Darkei Moshe 696/1; Yad Efraim]
[7] M”B 696/7
[8] Beis Yosef in name of Orchos Chaim; Mateh Moshe 1016; M”A 696/4; Chayeh Adam 154/34; M”B 696/6
[9] Siddur Yaavetz; M”B 696/6; Kaf Hachaim 696/13
[10] Beis Yosef in name of Orchos Chaim; Mateh Moshe 1016; M”A 696/4; Taz 696/1; Chayeh Adam 154/34; M”B 696/6
[11] Rama ibid
[12] Michaber ibid
[13] This refers to trees that are planted for their shade and serve as a resting place for the kings to eat under in the summer. [Rashi Megillah 5b]
[14] Taz 696/1; M”B 696/3
[15] Shiyurei Kneses Hagedola 696/5; Shulchan Gavoa 696/3; Ruach Chaim 696/2; Kaf Hachaim 696/5
[16] Rama ibid
[17] However see Kaf Hachaim 690/73 that one may not write a Megillah unless it is needed for reading on Purim.
[18] Rama ibid
[19] M”A 696/1; Elya Raba 696/1; Erech Hashulchan 696/1; P”M 696 A”A 1; Chayeh Adam 154/34; M”B 696/2
[20] P”M 696 A”A 1; Shaar Hatziyon 696/2; Kaf Hachaim 693/3
[21] P”M 696 M”Z 1; Shaar Hatziyon 696/3; Kaf Hachaim 693/3
[22] The reason: As doing work for the above purpose is considered a matter of joy. [ibid]
[23] Biur Halacha 696 “Ein Osin”; Kaf Hachaim 696/2
[24] Peri Megadim M”Z 697/1
[25] Chasam Sofer 195
[26] Piskeiy Teshuvos 696/1 in name of Piskeiy Teshuvah 150 and Divrei Malkiel 5/237
[27] See 468/6 regarding Erev Pesach that a dispute is brought in this matter.
[28] Beis David 496; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 696 footnote 1
[29] Mahariy Algazi 9; Dvar Moshe 44; Ben Ish Chaiy Tetzaveh 21; Pnei Adam 1/44; Kaf Hachaim ibid
[30] Ben Ish Chaiy Tetzaveh 21; Some rule one may also give himself a haircut and the entire prohibition according to the stringent opinion is to have another Jew cut his hair. [See Beis David ibid; Piskeiy Teshuvos 696 footnote 1]
[31] Piskeiy Teshuvos 696 footnote 3
[32] Mahariy Algazi ibid; Dvar Moshe 44; Ben Ish Chaiy Tetzaveh 21; Pnei Adam 1/44; Kaf Hachaim 696/11
[33] Ben Ish Chaiy Tetzaveh 1/21
[34] Beis Dovid 495 brought in Birkeiy Yosef 696/3; Erech Hashulchan 696/1; Shaareiy Teshuvah 696/1; Kaf Hachaim 696/4
[35] Ruach Chaim 696/1; Moed Lekol Chaiy 31/31; Kaf Hachaim 696/4
[36] As it is done for the sake of a Mitzvah.
[37] Chikrei Leiv 2/20 [Shiyurei Orach Chaim]; Kaf Hachaim 696/40
[38] Kaf Hachaim 690/73; There he explains the ruling of Michaber 690/13 to refer to this case or a case of Bedieved.
[39] Now although the Rama 696/1 rules that all work may be done for the sake of a Mitzvah, seemingly this only applies in a case that a Mitzvah will be done with the Melacha on Purim.
[40] M”B 696/6 in name of Peri Megadim and Yerushalmi
[41] As is the law on Chol Hamoed [545/3]
[42] See Kaf Hachaim ibid; If however it is being written for a person that will not be able to put on Tefillin until it is written or will not be able to have a Mezuzah in house until it is written, seemingly it is permitted. [See 545/3 regarding writing Tefillin on Chol Hamoed; and certainly here that it is only a custom not to do work and all Mitzvah related work is permitted.]
[43] Taz 696/1
[44] Shiyurei Kneses Hagedola 696/5; Shulchan Gavoa 696/3; Ruach Chaim 696/2; Kaf Hachaim 696/5
[45] Aruch Hashulchan 696/2
[46] Beis Oved 696/6; Yad Efraim brought in Kaf Hachaim 696/15; Piskeiy Teshuvos 696/3
[47] Kaf Hachaim 688/49; 696/11; Piskeiy Teshuvos 696/3
[48] From the letter of the law there is no prohibition to do work on Erev Shabbos [Ran; Ritva; P”M 696 M”Z 1], although the custom is to be stringent. [Mahariy Algazi 9; Sheim Chadash; Mahrasha Alfandri brought in Kaf Hachaim 688/49; Piskeiy Teshuvos 696 footnote 11 ]
Other Opinions: The Yabia Omer 6/47 rules that there is no prohibition to do work on Erev Shabbos.
[49] Beis David 496; Erech Hashulchan 696/3; Yifei Lalev 5/1
[50] Mahariy Algazi ibid; Dvar Moshe 44; Ben Ish Chaiy Tetzaveh 21; Pnei Adam 1/44; Kaf Hachaim ibid
[51] Piskeiy Teshuvos ibid based on that all Poskim omit this prohibition on Sunday.
[52] Based on a proclamation of the Badatz Yerushalayim 1927.
Leave A Comment?
You must be logged in to post a comment.