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>From today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis</div>
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<p><strong><strong>Q. During a leap year, when there are two months of <em>Adar</em>, Purim is celebrated on the 14th day of the second
<em>Adar</em>. Nonetheless, the 14th day of the first <em>Adar</em> is celebrated as a minor Purim, known as Purim<em> Katan</em> (the small Purim). Today is Purim<em> Katan</em>. Is there anything special that one should do today in honor of Purim<em> Katan</em>?</strong></strong></p>
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<p>A. Shulchan Aruch (OC 697:1) writes that we do not recite <em>tachanun</em> or
<em>Lamenatzai’ach mizmor l’Dovid</em> on Purim<em> Katan</em>, 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<em> Katan</em>. 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.
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<p>Similarly, the Rema quotes the opinion of the Rif that one should eat a special
<em>seuda</em> on Purim<em> Katan</em>, but the Rama concludes that this is not the accepted
<em>minhag</em>. 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<em> Katan</em>. In the final statement of the Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, the Rema concludes this discussion
about Purim <em>Katan</em> by citing the verse in Mishlei (15:15) “<em>v’tov lev mishteh tamid</em>” (“And one who has a good heart will feast continuously”). What does the Rema mean to convey with this
<em>pasuk</em>? 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 “<em>tov lev</em>” 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
<em>seuda</em> on Purim<em> Katan</em>, it is admirable for a “<em>tov lev</em>” to do so. (See also Kesav Sofer on Chumash, end of Titzaveh)</p>
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Professor Yitzchok Levine<br>
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