1,410. Celebrating on Purim

Hilchos Megillah v’Chanukah 2:14

There is a mitzvah for the residents of villages and unwalled cities to view 14 Adar as a day of celebration, sending portions of food to one’s friends and giving gifts to the needy; the same is true for the inhabitants of walled cities regarding 15 Adar. It is permitted to work on these days but it is not appropriate to do so. The Sages said that one who works on Purim will never see any benefit from his labors. If the residents of villages read the megillah earlier, on the Monday or Thursday preceding Purim, if they gave gifts to the needy on the day they read, they have fulfilled their obligation. The celebrations associated with Purim holiday, however, may be held only on 14 Adar. If these celebrations are held earlier, one does not fulfill his obligation. If someone has his Purim meal at night, he does not fulfill his obligation.

Hilchos Megillah v’Chanukah 2:15

Regarding the Purim meal, one should eat meat and prepare as nice a meal as his circumstances allow. One should drink wine until he falls asleep.* Similarly, a person is required to send two portions of meat, two cooked dishes, or two other portions of food to a friend as per Esther 9:22, “sending portions of food to one another,” from which we see that one must send two portions to one friend (called “mishloach manos”). However, sending portions to many friends is considered praiseworthy. If one does not have sufficient funds to send food to a friend, he should exchange Purim meals with him. In this way, each of them will be sending the other what they prepared for the Purim meal, thereby fulfilling the mitzvah of mishloach manos.

*Please consult your own rabbi for guidance as to how much one should – or should not – imbibe on Purim.