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The Megillah of Esther is a scroll made from a parchment (made from a
kosher animal), written on by a scribe. It contains ten chapters of text from the Book of
Esther (in Hebrew - "Megillat Esther" (scroll of Esther)), located in
"Ketuvim" (Hagiograph). The Megillah of Esther contains The story of Purim. Megillot (scrolls) of varying quality and
beauty are available, some with illustrations and crowns in them, and some with the word
"Ha-Melech" (The King) at the beginning of each column. Traditionally, the
Megillah is written with 11, 21 or 28 rows per column.
Megillat Esther is read twice on Purim, the 14th day of the Jewish month
of Adar. In Jerusalem, walled-in cities, and Shushan (in Iran, formerly Persia), Purim is
celebrated on the 15th day of Adar and hence the Megillah is read then.
All men and women, over the ages of 13 and 12 respectively, must hear the Megillah two
times, once in the evening of Purim and once in the next morning. We dress in Sabbath
garments and go to synagogue, to hear the reading. Listeners must hear every word of the
Megillah and speech is forbidden from the time the reader starts the blessings until after the blessing following the Megillah.
Traditionally, when the name of Haman (the villain of the Purim
story) is read, we "boo" him and shake Gragers (noisemakers) to herald his
downfall.
Unlike the mitzvah of Mezuzah, which is performed by INSTALLING it in one's own home, the
mitzvah of the Megillah is performed through HEARING the reader recite the story of Purim
from a handwritten parchment, in an audible voice. The Mitzvah of reading the Megillah is
of Rabbinical origin, while Mezuzah, Tefillin and Sefer-Torah are of Biblical origin.
The mitzvah of Megillah is just one of the seven mitzvot of Purim, a joyous day of
feasting and celebration for Jews worldwide.
Call the Mezuzah Doctor for information on purchasing Megillot!
1-800-MEZUZAH
1-800-639-8924
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MEGILLAH SAMPLES
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