Q. This particular year, while we may still be in a partial lock-down, it is very likely that the amounts of people allowed for Megila reading is going to be restricted. This would affect specially women since they were not present in many shuln from the beginning of the pandemic. Some have suggested that women make their own minyan at a more convenient time for them. Since it is sometimes difficult to find one man who can read the Megila for them, could a woman that has learned how to do it read for that group of only women?
A. Shulchan Aruch (O.H. 689: 1) rules that women are obliged to read or hear the Megila on Purim. Mishna Berura (1) explains that although, it is a mitzva that has an appointed set time and women are usually exempt from them, since they were part of the miracle and the salvation, they are also included in the obligation of complying with the reading.
Remah (ibid) mentions that is a woman reads the Megila for herself, she should recite the brocho of Lishmoa Megila or to hear the Megila since some Poskim maintain that they are only obliged on listening to it and not reading it. Mishna Berura (7) adds that she should therefore not read for a man, but she can read for another woman. Shaar Hatzion (ibid 15) quotes Korban Nessanel, that a woman should not read to many others, since it is considered inappropriate.
Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that in need, if that is the only option available it can be done. (See next questions).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit’a