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Beit Midrash
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- Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions
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- Purim & The Month of Adar
- The Laws of Purim
Answer: The gemara (Berachot 27a) says that one may accept the opinion that Ma’ariv can be prayed after plag hamincha. Rabbeinu Tam (Berachot 2a) says that the same is true of Kri’at Shema of the evening. Based on these opinions, the Terumat Hadeshen (109), accepted by the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chayim 692:4), says that in a case of need, one may read Megillat Esther from plag hamincha. Since you describe a case of significant need, this seemingly gives you permission to make the reading from plag hamincha.
However, not everyone accepts the Terumat Hadeshen/Shulchan Aruch. The Pri Chadash (ad loc.) strongly disagrees. He argues that we do not accept Rabbeinu Tam’s opinion about reading Kri’at Shema fromplag haminchan (see Shulchan Aruch, OC 235:1). Also, the gemara(Megilla 4a) derives the night reading from, "I will call out to You in the day … and at night" (Tehillim 22:3). The Pri Chadash says that since night is needed, plag hamincha, which is only close to night, is insufficient, and the time begins with tzeit hakochavim. The Gra (to Shulchan Aruch ibid.) cites the Pri Chadash, and the Chayei Adam (155:5) and the Aruch Hashulcan (692:8) rule like him.
The Mishna Berura (692:14 and Be’ur Halacha) does not clearly decide between the opinions but says that in a case of great need (not the moderate need the Shulchan Aruch refers to), one can read before nightfall. Rav Ovadia Yosef (Yabia Omer I, OC 42) ruled to rely on the lenient opinion, under the following fascinating circumstances – the British placed a strict dusk-to-dawn curfew in Yerushalayim on Purim of 1947, making reading Megilla from plag hamincha the most feasible option. One of the factors he weighed was that according to prominent (although far from unanimous) opinions, the main reading, as mandated by the Megilla itself, is in the daytime, with the night reading being only Rabbinic and thus more lenient.
From a purist halachic perspective, it is hard to quantify what number of extra people coming for early Megilla reading (with morepirsumei nisa) over at the classic time justifies the change. However, your community has a strong kiruv element, which is an overriding consideration, certainly when the lenient position you want to rely upon is accepted by no less than the Shulchan Aruch. You should consider such things as the extent to which, if at all, this leniency affects the community in other ways (e.g., will it dampen the resolve to continue keeping mitzvot carefully if practices that were not previously practiced locally are now accepted?).
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions (651)
Rabbi Daniel Mann
215 - Halachic Status of Bitcoin
216 - Early Reading of Megillat Esther
217 - Returning a Loan Complicated by Currency Changes
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From a purist perspective, there is ample halachic basis to do an early reading without a beracha, as the fulfillment of the mitzva at that time is uncertain. However, the correct desire to have the reading carry its full spirit and impact presumably includes the berachot (see Rav Ovadia’s formulation, ibid.), and the lenient opinions include making them. It is appropriate for you to reread the Megilla at the normal time, without a berachot. Subjective communal/educational factors, which you know better than we, should determine if and whom you should invite to join you.
May you continue to bring "ora v’simcha sason viy’kar" to your community.
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions Ask the Rabbi: Using Replacement Mezuzot When They Are Being Checked?
Bemare Habazak - Rabbis Questions Ask the Rabbi: Having a Non-Jew Build a Sukka and Assemble Arba’a Minim
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
