Purim Feast

Laws and Customs | February 28, 2026

It is a mitzvah to have a festive meal on Purim day.
One may have this meal in the morning, if one wishes.
One who is having the meal later in the day should, preferably, pray Mincha before the meal.
It is best to start this meal with some Torah study. This is based on the verse “Layehudim haytah orah vesimcha – The Jews had light and joy.” Light is referring to Torah which should precede the joy of the feast of Purim.
Some have the custom to learn some of the Pesach laws at this meal.
Preferably, this meal should include bread and red meat or chicken.
It is an Ashkenazi custom to eat kreplach (meat dumplings) at this meal. The fact that the meat in this dish is covered by the dough alludes to the fact that this Yom Tov is (somewhat) concealed.
Some have a custom to light candles for this meal.

It is a mitzvah to have a festive meal on Purim day.
One may have this meal in the morning, if one wishes.
One who is having the meal later in the day should, preferably, pray Mincha before the meal.
It is best to start this meal with some Torah study. This is based on the verse “Layehudim haytah orah vesimcha – The Jews had light and joy.” Light is referring to Torah which should precede the joy of the feast of Purim.
Some have the custom to learn some of the Pesach laws at this meal.
Preferably, this meal should include bread and red meat or chicken.
It is an Ashkenazi custom to eat kreplach (meat dumplings) at this meal. The fact that the meat in this dish is covered by the dough alludes to the fact that this Yom Tov is (somewhat) concealed.
Some have a custom to light candles for this meal.

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Laws and Customs | February 28, 2026