Mourning Practices on Purim

Mourners

Mourners during shiva (may G-d have mercy) may go to Shul to hear the Megillah on Purim day. At night, they should stay home if they can organize a minyan for the Megillah reading. According to Ashkenazi custom they may wear regular clothes and shoes and sit on regular chairs when in public. Sefardim follow the rules of mourning on Purim.

During Shloshim, a mourner should have his own Purim feast. During the first year of mourning after a parent, a mourner may attend the feast of a friend if there will not be music there.

• A mourner must give mishlo’ach manot, but not one that will bring excessive joy.
• It is customary not to give mishlo’ach manot to a mourner. One may, however, give to members of the family that are not in mourning.