PURIM SCHEDULE & MEGILLAH READING REGISTRATION
We are excited to see everyone for Purim this year either in-person or by zoom. For those attending Megillah reading in-person we ask that you fill out the attached registration form specifying which reading you will be attending. FOR SAFETY MEASURES WE NEED ALL RESPONSES BACK NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, FEB. 21. If you do not submit your registration form by then, you will not be able to attend this year’s Megillah reading. There will be a maximum of 100 people allowed to attend each Megillah reading. Reminder- Children must be able to sit with a parent for the entire service while wearing a mask in order to attend. 
PURIM SCHEDULE:

THURSDAY, FEB. 25- FAST OF ESTHER
Fast of Esther begins at 5:25am
Shacharit/Selichot - 6:30am
Mincha - 5:20pm
Ma'ariv followed by first Megillah Reading Indoors - 6:25pm
Second Megillah Reading Indoors - 7:30pm
Outdoor Megillah Reading (Location TBD) - 8:00pm 
 
FRIDAY, FEB. 26 - PURIM DAY
Shacharit/Megillah Indoors - 6:30am
Second Megillah Reading - Indoors - 9:00am
Outdoor Megillah Reading (Location TBD) - 10:00am

Megillah reading will also be available by Zoom (Zoom link to follow)

WE HAVE THE FOLLOWING GUIDELINES IN PLACE FOR OUR MINYANIM:
*If you are not registered for the minyan, you may not attend. 
*Children must be able to sit with a parent for the entire service while wearing a mask. 
*Only the designated chairs may be used to maintain proper distancing.  
*Masks must be worn over the nose and mouth by those davening at all times. 
*Anyone who feels ill or has fever will not be allowed to join. 
*Those who have other health issues or who may be at risk, we ask that you consult with your physician before attending the Minyan.
*Please wait 14 days to attend davening if you are returning from any state or territory beyond the immediate region (New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Delaware). 
Matanot L'Evyonim
There are four distinct Mitzvot to fulfill on the day of Purim. One has to hear the reading of the Megillah, give a food gift known as Mishloach Manot to a friend, partake of a festive meal or Seuda, and give monetary gifts to the poor, or what is known as Matanot L'Evyonim.
 
The last mitzvah mentioned is different from the usual mitzvah of tzedakah that we have during the rest of the year. In fact, the Shulchan Aruch states (O.C. 694,3) that on Purim one must give to anyone who asks without question.
 
I will be helping the congregation in fulfilling this mitzvah by making sure that all donations collected until the day of Purim will be distributed on the actual day of Purim to those who are needy. It is one of the easiest mitzvot you will be able to do. 
 
Just send in your donations to the Etz Chaim Benevolent Fund and I will handle the rest. I will be distributing funds to local needy families and to needy families in Israel through Yad Eliezer.  
 
Please remember to send in your contributions the latest by Friday morning, February 26th.
 
Purim is more festive when we help those who are less fortunate. Thank you for your generous participation.
 
Rabbi Klibanoff