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There is a mitzva for every Jew to read Megillat Esther aloud (or to listen to it being read) twice on Purim: once at night, and once by day. The goal of the reading is to publicize the miracle, as the Megilla’s story demonstrates how God supervises the world, guiding everything in a positive direction. Even the worst tragedies, such as the genocide planned by Haman, can ultimately be transformed. Three blessings are recited before reading the Megilla: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who has sanctified us with His mitzvot and commanded us concerning the reading of the Megilla”; “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the Universe, Who performed miracles for our ancestors in those days, at this time”; and “Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, Who has given us life (She-heĥeyanu), sustained us, and brought us to this time.” After the reading, it is customary to recite Ha-rav et Rivenu, a blessing of thanks and praise.
It is preferable to read the Megilla in a large group. Minimally, there should be a minyan. If this is not possible, the Megilla may be read even without a minyan.
One should read from a scroll written in ink on parchment. If the reader skipped a word or made a mistake which changed the meaning of the word, the reader must go back to the point where the mistake was made. A person listening to the Megilla must hear every word. If even one word is missed, the listener has not fulfilled the obligation. To avoid this problem, people generally follow the reading in their own copy of the Megilla. This way, if they miss hearing a word, they can read it themselves.
Once children are old enough to understand the Megilla and sit quietly to listen to it, they should be brought to the Megilla reading. Typically, this is around age nine. It is a good idea to bring younger children as well, if they will not be disruptive.
During the Middle Ages, primarily in Ashkenazic countries, a custom began among children – and even adults – to make noise when Haman’s name is read in the Megilla. Perhaps they viewed Haman as a stand-in for the antisemites who made them suffer. Today, some do not follow this custom, and some even oppose it because the noise makes it difficult to listen to the Megilla with the proper concentration. Nevertheless, it remains the standard custom, and is permitted as long as everyone can hear the entire Megilla properly.
