[Avodah] Today is Purim Katan. Is there anything special that one should do today in honor of Purim Katan?

[Prof. L. Levine]

>From today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis


Q. During a leap year, when there are two months of Adar, Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of the second Adar. Nonetheless, the 14th day of the first Adar is celebrated as a minor Purim, known as Purim Katan (the small Purim). Today is Purim Katan. Is there anything special that one should do today in honor of Purim Katan?

A. Shulchan Aruch (OC 697:1) writes that we do not recite tachanun or Lamenatzai’ach mizmor l’Dovid on Purim Katan, nor are we permitted to fast or deliver a eulogy. The Rema adds that some maintain that one must eat a special meal and be joyful on Purim Katan. This is the opinion of the Rif (cited by the Tur 697). Tosfos (Megila 6b) quotes this position as well but argues that it is not correct.


Similarly, the Rema quotes the opinion of the Rif that one should eat a special seuda on Purim Katan, but the Rama concludes that this is not the accepted minhag. Still, in deference to those who are strict, the Rema writes that it is proper to add something extra to the meal in honor of Purim Katan. In the final statement of the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, the Rema concludes this discussion about Purim Katan by citing the verse in Mishlei (15:15) “v’tov lev mishteh tamid” (“And one who has a good heart will feast continuously”). What does the Rema mean to convey with this pasuk? Many suggestions have been proposed, and the Mishnah Berurah (sif katan 5) offers a brief comment as well. Perhaps the Mishnah Berurah understands that a “tov lev” is a person who recognizes G-d’s miraculous supervision and intervention in the world. Such a person invites guests and shares with them his acknowledgement of the Divine providence. Even if there is no formal obligation to have a seuda on Purim Katan, it is admirable for a “tov lev” to do so. (See also Kesav Sofer on Chumash, end of Titzaveh)

Professor Yitzchok Levine
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