Shushan Purim Katan

Q. People who live in walled cities celebrate Purim on the 15th of Adar. This is known as Shushan Purim. We discussed previously the custom to celebrate Purim Katan, the 14th day of Adar 1, by adding something special to one’s meal. Today is Shushan Purim Katan, the fifteenth of Adar I. Should we add something special to today’s meal as well?

A. Shulchan Aruch (OC 697:1) writes that on Shushan Purim Katan, like on Purim Katan, one does not recite tachanun or Lamenatzai’ach mizmor l’Dovid, nor is one permitted to fast or to deliver a eulogy. The Rema implies by omission that there is no need to increase rejoicing or celebration on Shushan Purim Katan in any additional way. Some poskim write that Rema was only referring to those who do not live in walled cities. However, for those who live in walled cities (e.g., Yerushalayim), Shushan Purim Katan would be the same as Purim Katan, and it is proper to add something extra to the meal. However, the Mishnah Berurah (697:4) writes that even those who live in walled cities need not add anything on the 15th of Adar I. Although most follow the ruling of the Rema, it is interesting to note that the Levush (OC 679:1) writes that on both the 14th and 15th of Adar I, it is proper to add something extra to the meal in honor of the miracles that took place on those days. The Minchas Yitzchak (10:58) proves that the intent of the Levush is that all Jews, even those who do not live in walled cities, should celebrate both the 14th and the 15th of Adar I.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.