Purim scheduling, including Megillah Reading, is open to members of Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim ONLY.
All COVID regulations will be strictly adhered to as in the past. Thank you for keeping each other safe.
Due to an uptick in cases:
If one has been infected with COVID-19 or has self-quarantined because of exposure to an individual infected or suspected to have been infected with COVID-19, must be symptom-free for at least 14 days before attending in-person meetings.
Virtual Purim Corner 5781/2021
Watch the Shiviti Night Kollel's Purim preparation classes.
7:30am - Shacharit with Torah reading (with Tefillin) At Schwartz Family Residence - Open To All
5:20pm - Mincha with Torah reading (without Tefillin) At Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim Temporary Location - Open to Members and Regulars ONLY
Followed by Arvit and Megillah Reading (Schedule below)
NOTE: If you are interested in sponsoring break-the-fast refreshments at the Bet Knesset for $126, kindly respond to this email. Tizku L'Mitzvot!
Fast of Esther - Halachic Times
Fast Begins
5:07am dawn degrees or at: 5:08am dawn fixed minutes Eating of a settled character may not be started during the half hour immediately preceding dawn. Please consult the Rabbi for details.
Fast Ends
Rabbi Tukaccinsky The fast ends no later than the emergence of three average stars at: 6:11pm
Rabbi Moshe Feinstein One who finds fasting difficult may eat at: 6:14pm One who does not find fasting difficult should wait until the time for Motzaei Shabbat at: 6:20pm
Purim Schedule and Celebration!
Thursday, February 25th
6:10pm - Megillah Reading Come in your holiday clothing (or costumes) and hear the Megillah read for the first time this year! We will begin promptly as many will be fasting!
6:40pm - Break-The-Fast Celebration (if you wish to sponsor this break-the-fast Purim celebration for $126, kindly reply to this email)
No Late Megillah Reading with Rabbi Dr. Shalom Halevy Please let us know if you plan to attend the late reading
Friday, February 26th
7:00am - Shacharit
8:00am (approx.)- Regular Megillah Reading Please come early - we will read as soon as we reach the reading and not wait for the time above
No Late Megillah Reading
5:20pm - Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat/Arvit
Virtual Purim Corner - Fulfill all the Mitzvot here!
Welcome to Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim's Virtual Purim Corner!
There are three Mitzvot and one Minhag (custom) we must fulfill for Purim!
For your convenience, you can perform two of them online via our convenient website!
1. Megillah Reading
The Megillah must be read from an actual hand-written scroll on Kosher parchment.
Please see our Purim schedule for Megillah reading times.
The Megillah recordings in the links on our page are meant for educational purposes only - not to fulfill the Mitzvah with them.
We must give two gifts of food to at least one friend on Purim. This can easily be done on your own.
3. Matanot LaEvyonim - Gifts to the Poor
We are obligated to perform the Mitzvah of “Matanot La’Evyonim” on Purim day which is the distribution of two monetary gifts, one to each needy person.
If you would like to appoint Rabbi Yonatan as your messenger, you can use the convenient form at this link to perform this holy Mitzvah.
It is customary to donate money before Purim as “a commemoration of the Half-Shekel” which was donated by the entire Jewish nation when the Bet Hamikdash stood.
If you would like to perform this Minhag with actual silver coins, you are welcome to come to Kehillat Shaar HaShamayim any day before Purim, or before Megillah reading on Wednesday. We have three silver coins (generously donated by the Savin family) for this purpose.
If you will be unable to do so, you can use the convenient form at this link to perform this precious custom.