Taanis Esther
• More lenient than other fasts.
• Pregnant and nursing women don’t have to fast.
• Showering and listening to music is allowed even according to those that don’t allow it on other fasts.
• If you know that you’ll be sick on Purim if you fast then you don’t have to fast.
• Shabbos clothing should be worn for the megila.
• No food should be eaten before the megila, even though you’re fasting. No sleeping either.
• Those that aren’t fasting must stop eating at sunset.
• One who’s weak can taste a little food or have something to drink (not alcohol) before.
• Women may eat a small amount and drink before hearing the Megillah.
• If one is permitted to eat, he should appoint someone else to remind him to hear the Megillah.
Machtzis Hashekel
• The minhag is to give a half shekel before Purim as a remembrance of the times of the Beis Hamikdash when everyone had to give a half shekel.
• Since it says the word “Trumah (donation)” three times, therefore we give three half shekel.
• We give half of whatever currency is normally used (in the U.S. it’s half a dollar).
• It’s preferable not to say “this money is for machtzis hashekel” or “this is a remembrance for the machtzis hashekel”.
• The basic minhag is for men above the age of twenty to give machtzis hashekel.
• Many say that it should be given for any male over the age of thirteen.
• Many have the minhag to give on behalf of women too.
• Many have a minhag to give on behalf of children and even on behalf of unborn children.
• Once you start giving on behalf of all of the above then you must continue giving on subsequent years.
• Since machtzis hashekel has become accepted as a requirement, therefore maaser money can’t be used.
