QUESTION

Chicago, IL
Are we permitted to announce the perek (chapter) in between the perakim (chapters) of Megilat Esther, or would this be considered a hefseik (halakhic interruption)? These announcements will certainly help some people follow along.

ANSWER

This is not considered a hefseik, and is totally permissible. It’s l’tzorekh (for the sake of the megillah reading) and helps people fulfill the mitzvah. (Shulchan Arukh OC 670:13, Mishnah Berurah 670:47, Shaar HaTziun 670:43, Mishnah Berurah 672:9)