If it is impossible for someone to come to the synagogue on Shabbat Zakhor to listen to Parashat Zakhor, it is possible for him to compensate for it when parashat Ki Tetze is read from the Torah [in the month of Elul]. He should ask the cantor to have in mind to recite this passage on his behalf so that he can fulfill the mitzvah of remembering Amalek. On Shabbat Zakhor, it is proper that he at least read Parashat Zakhor out loud from a printed book.

As on all other Taanit Esthers, anyone who has the status of a choleh, or pregnant and nursing women, do not have an obligation to fast. Please contact Rabbi Tal for more information.
It is permissible to eat and drink in small amounts to reduce hunger between the end of the fast and the Megillah reading. (we will take a 10 minutes break Outdoors after צאת הכוכבים).

MATANOT LA'EVYONIM - CHARITY FOR THE POOR

Our Sages instituted a mitzvah to give charity to at least two poor people during Purim day. This mitzvah can be fulfilled during Purim day only, and not during the night of Purim. Ideally, one should fulfill this mitzvah soon after having recited the Megillah.
For Matanot L'Evyonim, checks (made out for Congregation Etz Ahaim Rabbi's Charity Fund) may be mailed to the shul or given to Rabbi Tal at any point before Purim day for distribution on Purim to needy members of our community.
The custom is to collect money from each member of the synagogue on the night of Purim before the recitation of Megillat Esther. This is a reminder of the mitzvah of Mahatzit HaShekel, the half-shekel everyone must pay for the purchase of the sacrifice offered in the Bet Hamikdash. One must give an amount equal to the value of three drams (9 grams) of pure silver, for this year it's equal to a bit less than nine dollars. We will have a separate basket in the synagogue for Mahatzit Hashekel.

MISHLOACH MANOT

During the day of Purim, each person must give another Jew two portions of food, meaning a portion of each of two different foods. The two portions may be both the same type of food as long as they are cooked in two different manners, or two different cuts of meat. This obligation is stated in Megillat Esther (9:22): "To make these days ones of feasting and celebration and of each person sending portions to his fellow man and of gifts for the destitute."
Some Poskim ruled that one must give portions of food that are cooked and ready to eat, but other Poskim ruled that one can fulfill this mitzvah by sending raw meat as well. All Poskim agreed that one cannot fulfill the mitzvah by sending a live chicken, expecting the recipient to have it slaughtered. In practice, we follow the second opinion.
The mitzvah is to give two portions of two different foods. One cannot fulfill the mitzvah by giving two portions of the same food, even if one gives them in separate dishes. One can give two cuts of meat even if they are parts of the same animal since they have different flavors and textures. This is certainly so if one gives the cuts of meat while they are still raw, since they can be cooked into two dishes all togethe
If someone mails a gift of mishlo'ah manot to someone in the Eretz Yisrael some time before Purim and ascertains that the package will be delivered to it intended recipient on Purim day, they thereby fulfills the mitzvah of mishlo'ah manot.

It is a mitzvah to enjoy a festive meal on Purim day. It is sufficient to have one meal only, and the proper way to fulfill the mitzvah is to eat bread.
The Purim Feast is a mitzvah to do on Purim day and not at night.

I want to wish to all of our dear members and Friends Purim Shamech happy Purim may we be all healthy and safe with prosperity and long life

Amen

Rabbi Tal