Megillah Pesukim Read Aloud
Hands down, this is my favorite Sephardic Purim practice. But first, a little background…
As is well known, the Rama (Orach Chaim 690:17) records that when we publicly read Megillat Esther, the congregation customarily recites aloud four pesukim of Geula (2:5, 8:15, 8:16, 10:3), which the reader then repeats. Although the Gemara does not mention the practice of the kahal (congregation) reading aloud certain pesukim from the Tanach, it is mentioned in prominent sources from the Geonic era—in both the siddur of Rav Saadia Gaon and Rav Amram Gaon.
Interestingly, Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik stated (in a shiur delivered at Yeshiva University in 1985) that even though the Gemara does not record a specific practice, it does not mean it was not followed during the time of the Gemara. The Geonim may have documented an ancient procedure we followed during Talmudic times, which the Gemara does not record.
The Sephardic Practice
Sephardic synagogues follow the practice of the Ben Ish Chai and Yalkut Yosef to read an additional pasuk aloud. This pasuk is perek six, pasuk one, “Balayla hahu nadeda shenat hamelech,” on that night, the king could not sleep and ordered his book of records be brought before him. This is the beloved minhag to which I refer. Although the minhag to read this pasuk is not mentioned in the Geonim or Rishonim, it is nevertheless a most powerful custom.
I was struck by this tradition’s poignancy when I encountered it at Congregation Shaarei Orah, for the first time. This practice reflects the Gemara’s (Megillah 15b) interpretation that the king who could not sleep refers not only to Achashverosh but, more importantly, to Hashem!
This pasuk constitutes Megillat Esther’s turning point. Before this pasuk, Haman was riding high and encountered no significant resistance to his plan to exterminate the Jewish people. However, the King/king’s insomnia was the first in a string of divinely orchestrated events that led to Haman’s defeat and demise. At this point, we begin to discern divine intervention to save us from Haman.
Megillah as Hallel
A crucial goal of Megillah reading is to discern Hashem’s subtle role in saving the Jews from Haman. Interestingly, the Gemara (Megillah 14a) describes the Megillah reading as a Hallel. Of course, the Megillah is not a direct praise of Hashem—especially since His holy name is not mentioned in the Megillah. It is, though, a subtle praise of Hashem that challenges the reader to notice it.
Reading aloud the pasuk, “Balayla hahu nadeda shenat hamelech,” announces Hashem’s subtle hand beginning to manipulate the Megillah’s unfolding events in our favor. By reading this pasuk aloud, we follow Shir Hashirim (2:9), “Hinei zeh omed achar kotleinu mashgiach min hachalonot meitzitz min haharakim—behold here He is standing behind the wall, watching from the windows, peering through the latticework.”
Kavana and Megillah Reading
It is, for this reason, the Rambam (Hilchot Megillah 2:5) requires us to have kavana (intent) for the mitzvah of Megillah reading—even though he does not do so for other mitzvot, such as eating matzah (Hilchot Chametz Matzah 6:3). This distinction fits with the Rambam (Hilchot Chanukah 3:6) citing the Megillah serving as a Hallel as the reason for why we do not recite Hallel on Purim. Transforming and elevating Megillah reading into a Hallel demands kavana.
Interestingly, we recite the bracha of “Sheasa nisim lavoteinu,” blessing Hashem, Who made miracles on behalf of our ancestors, on Chanukah and Purim. Understandably, we repeat this bracha on Chanukah when an obvious miracle occurs (the menorah oil lasts eight days, instead of the expected one day).
On Purim, though, what obvious miracle occurred? None! However, the Megillah is replete with subtle miracles. We need to be alert and notice them. By reciting “Sheasa nisim” before reading the Megillah, we declare Megillat Esther’s many hidden miracles. The Sephardic practice of reading, “Balayla hahu nededa shenat hamelech,” also goes a very long way to highlight and alert us to the concealed role of Hashem in Megillat Esther.
Conclusion
May our Jewish eyes and hearts notice Hashem’s hand in the Megillah, enhancing our perception of His presence daily.
Rabbi Jachter serves as the rav of Congregation Shaarei Orah, rebbe at Torah Academy of Bergen County and a get administrator with the Beth Din of Elizabeth. Rabbi Jachter’s 18 books may be purchased at Amazon and Judaica House.
