The day before Purim is a fast day “Taanit Esther.” We do not eat or drink from dawn to dark.
At night, we read the Megillah, immediately after dark.
One should not eat a meal before the evening Megillah reading, however eating a snack (not bread) and drinking is permitted
The Megillah is repeated the next morning on the day of Purim.
Men, women, and children are required to hear the Megillah reading.
It is important to read and hear the Megillah with the correct pronunciations of each word, or you must have it repeated.
It is ideal to hear the Megillah in a Minyan, a group of ten men, although it is OK to read it alone.
During Prayers and Grace After Meals we say “Al Hanissim.” If you forget, it should not be repeated.
Mishloah Manot is the requirement for each person to give two food items to a friend on Purim day.
Matanot La’Evyonim is the requirement for each person to give two items to two poor people. These items can be food or money.
There is an additional requirement of having a Seudah on Purim. This refers to a party celebrating the miracles of Purim. As a component to this party we should eat bread, have an enjoyable feast, and we should be happy. Included in this happiness there is the requirement to drink wine until we are so intoxicated, that we cannot tell the difference between the cursing of Haman and the blessing of Mordechai. At the same time, we must not bring ourselves to an intoxication that may cause us to transgress any sins, that may make us sad rather than happy, or that may be unhealthy. In our present time, this fine line is almost impossible to achieve. It is recommended that we limit our alcoholic intake to a minimal and controlled amount, in order to become somewhat carefree and happy, yet not to, God forbid, have the opposite effect, of transgressing a sin.
michael aryeh