Is a Megila valid for use for the Purim Megila reading if the Sofer (scribe) added Nekudot (vowels) or Te'amim (cantillation notes) to assist the reader? Assuming the words of the Megila were written correctly on parchment, as required, does the addition of the vowels or notes disqualify the Megila for use?

This question was addressed by the Rashba (Rabbi Shlomo Ben Aderet, Spain, 1235-1310) in one of his responsa (238), where he rules that although these additions disqualify a Torah scroll for use, they do not disqualify a Megila. The Torah scroll must be written in the same fashion in which it was given to Benei Yisrael at Mount Sinai; thus, just as the original Torah presented at Sinai contained only letters, without any notes or vowels, so must the scroll used for reading contain only letters. This requirement does not apply to the Megila, and hence a Megila containing Nekudot or Te'amim is valid for use for the Mitzva of the Purim Megila reading.

Chacham Ovadia Yosef, in his Chazon Ovadia (Purim, p. 240), follows this ruling of the Rashba, but adds that it is far preferable to use for the Mitzva a Megila that contains only words. Although technically speaking a Megila with Nekudot or Te'amim is valid for the Mitzva, one should endeavor to use a Megila containing nothing but words.

This Halacha applies as well to a Megila with illustrations. Although such a Megila is not, technically speaking, invalid for use, it is considered less preferable and should preferably not be used. Similarly, one should preferably avoid using a Megila in which the Sofer added the Berachot recited before and after the text of the Megila. Such a Megila, too, is not invalid for use, but is less preferable than a Megila containing only the actual text of the Megila.

Needless to say, a Sefer Torah containing illustrations, Berachot, or anything besides the actual text of the Torah may not be used for the Torah reading.

Summary: It is preferable that the Megila used for the Purim Megila reading contain nothing other than the actual text of the Megila. If a Megila contains vowels, cantillation notes, illustrations, Berachot, or any other extraneous material, it is nevertheless valid for use, but one should endeavor to use a Megila that contains only the text of the Megila.