וChelek 6
- Before reading the Megilla say 3 berachos: “al mikra Megilla”, “she’osa nissim”, and “shehecheyanu”. For the morning reading say those 3 berachos again having in mind during “shehecheyanu” – the shalach monos and seuda. (ShA – MB )
- Inform the baal koray and the listeners to have the above kavana for “shehecheyanu”. (MB )
- A mourner can read for the public but someone else should recite aloud the berachos of the “shehecheyanu”. (MB )
- After both readings that are with a minyan, the beracha “horav ess rivaynu” is recited. (ShA )
- At night, after “horav ess rivaynu”, we customarily recite the piyut Asher Haynee. (Rama )
- A baal koray who has already fulfilled his obligation of Megilla can still read to be motzi others. He will say the berachos as well, even if the listeners know how to say the berachos themselves. (ShA – MB )
- A baal koray for a later women’s kria should be yotzay his own obligations earlier with the tzibbur. The nusach of the first beracha for women should be changed to “lishmoa Megilla”. (MB )
- Normally, it is forbidden to eat even a little bit before hearing Megilla reading. Someone who has had difficulty fasting Taanis Esther or is a little sick, is allowed to eat or drink no more than a kebaytza before Megilla reading. This is preferred over the option of beginning reading early even during bain hashmoshos. (MB )
- The same applies in the morning – it is ossur to eat before Megilla reading even if you have already daavened. (MB )
- If you are weak and postponing eating will harm your health and you will fall ill, you are allowed to eat a proper meal – just get someone to remind you to read the Megilla after your meal. (MB )