A Halachic Discussion of Women’s Obligation in Megillat Esther

In this video (08:40), Rabbi Joel Finkelstein summarizes the various Orthodox perspectives in the halachic discussion regarding a women’s obligation to hear the reading of Megillat Esther on Purim, as well as whether or not it is permissible for women to read the Megillah for men. Rabbi Finkelstein is the rabbi of the Modern Orthodox Anshei Sphard Beth El Emeth Congregation in Memphis, Tennessee. It is important to note that, just as women read from the Torah throughout the year in many more liberal Jewish communities, they are also permitted to read Megillat Esther for their communities on Purim. Many Orthodox communities arrange “Women’s Readings,” where women read the Megillah for a female-only crowd.