Customs What are the mitzvot of Purim

There are five special mitzvot of Purim:

1. We listen to the reading of the Scroll of Esther (Megila) in the evening and during the day.
2. We send gifts of food--at least two kinds of ready-to-eat foods--to at least one friend on Purim day.
3. We give charity to at least two needy individuals on Purim day.
4. We eat a festive meal during the day (kreplach and hamentashen are traditional Purim foods).
5. We add the special Al HaNissim prayer ("Concerning the Miracles") to our prayers.