During the recitation of the Beracha of " Shehecheyanu" before the Megillah reading on Purim night, one should have in mind for the Bracha to apply not only to the Megillah reading, but also to the other Mitzvot of Purim. Namely, one should have in mind the Mitzvot of Mishloach Manot, Matanot Laevyonim, and the Purim meal, which he will fulfill the next day. Both the one who reads the Megillah, and the congregation who hears the reading, should have this intention during the recitation of " Shehecheyanu" before the Megillah reading. A number of recent scholars noted that when the Mishna mentions this Halacha, he curiously omits the Mitzvah of Matanot Laevyonim. He writes that one must have in mind the Mitzvot of the Megillah reading, Mishloach Manot and the Purim meal, but not Matanot Laevyonim. Some suggest that the Mishna Berura omits Matanot Laevyonim because the Mitzvah of charity applies every day. Unlike the other Mitzvot of Purim, the Mitzvah of Matanot Laevyonim – or at least the essential aspect of the Mitzvah – is not unique to this day. The standard Mitzvah of charity is simply expanded on Purim to require one to proactively find a Jew in need and give him charity. But since fundamentally this is the same Mitzvah that we fulfill all year round, it does not require the Beracha of "Shehecheyanu" which is recited over a Mitzvah performed only on rare occasions. Others, however, including the Peri Megadim, Magen Abraham and Kaf HaChaim, maintain that this Halacha applies to Matanot Laevyonim, as well. In their view, the Mitzvah of Matanot Laevyonim on Purim is separate from the standard obligation of charity, and thus one must have in mind for the Beracha of "Shehecheyanu" to apply to this obligation. This is, indeed, the accepted Halacha. When one hears the Brachot recited before the Megillah reading, he should not answer "Baruch U’baruch Shemo," and should answer only "Amen." Nevertheless, one who mistakenly answered "Baruch U’baruch Shemo" has nevertheless fulfilled his obligation of the Brachot, even though it is proper not to answer "Baruch U’baruch Shemo" to the Brachot recited before the Megillah reading.
By Rabbi Eli Mansour
Intentions During the Recitation of the Brachot Before the Megillah Reading
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