1) Upon the completion of the reading of the Megilah, it is customary to recite the Bracha of "Baruch Ata... HaRav Es Riveinu"
One who is reading the Megilah alone, and not with a Minyan does not recite this Bracha (Ram"a 692:1)
However, an individual may recite this Bracha if he wants to, without Shem U'Malchus (Hashem's name), as there are opinions that an individual does indeed recite it ( Elya Raba citing the opinion of the MaHaril and others. See Biur Halacha 692 Dibur Hamaschil Ela B'tzibur)
2) The one reading the Megilah must have in mind to satisfy his obligation to do the Mitzvah.
Likewise, he must have in mind to exempt those listening to his reading, with the Brachos as well as with the reading.
The ones listening must also have in mind to exempt themselves with the reading, and the Brachos, of the Ba'al Koreh.
If one came to Shul specifically in order to read or hear the Megilah even though he didn't have specific intent, we consider the fact that he came for this reason, as his Kavanah, and he has satisfied his obligation ,even L'Chatchilah according to some Poskim (See Mishna Berura Siman 589:16 and Siman690:49)
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and my Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Today website. For study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be sent to Halacha For Today)
Reader's Question:
Is one allowed to drink pure orange juice without a Hechsher (Kosher Certification)?
My Answer:
Although it is best not to eat or drink any processed product that does not have a Hechsher, according to many Kashrus agencies, 100% pure Orange Juice made in the USA doesn't require a Hechsher, due to the fact that if it wasn't 100% pure orange juice, it would not be able to be called "juice" according to USDA standards.
It is still best to seek out a brand with a Hechsher and not rely on this, as it is hard to know which machines it was packaged in etc.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Important Numbers
