Summary Hilchos Purim-Part 5-Mishloach Manos & Matanos Laevyonim

1. Mishloach Manos:

• Who is obligated to send Mishloach Manos? Both men and women are obligated in the Mitzvah of sending Mishloach Manos.
  • Married women are to be stringent to give Mishloach Manos on behalf of themselves, in addition to the Mishlaoch Manos sent by their husband.
  • All family members must send their own personal Mishloach Manos and cannot rely on their parents, even if they are still being supported by them and live in their home.
  • Children above the age of Chinuch are likewise to be educated to give Mishloach Manos.
  • If one is in doubt as to whether the child has reached the age of Chinuch one is to be stringent.
  • A mourner is obligated to send Mishloach Manos however he is not to send foods of festivities, such as sweets and superfluous delicacies. Rather he is to send meat [and simple foods of the like].
• When is it to be sent? Mishloach Manos must be sent on Purim during daytime.
  • It is best to give Mishloach Manos after Shacharis in order so the blessing of Shehechiyanu count also for this Mitzvah.
  • One who sent Mishloach Manos on the night of Purim does not fulfill his obligation.
  • Likewise, one who sent Mishloach Manos on Motzei Purim does not fulfill his obligation.
• How many people is one to send to? One is to send to at least one person.
  • One who sends to more than one person is praised for doing so.
• Who should the gifts be sent to? The gifts may be sent to any Jew whether wealthy or poor.
  • However, men should only give to men and women to women.
  • However, Matanos Laevyonim may be given from a man to a woman and vice versa.
  • One may not send gifts or Mishloach Manos to a mourner.
• What gifts is one to send? One needs to send at least two gifts of meat or other foods to one person.
  • Both foods sent must be ready to eat without any further preparation.
  • Sending a drink with a food is also valid.
  • One may not send clothing or money, as only foods are considered valid gifts.
  • Sending raw meat is invalid as it is not ready to eat.
  • Today the custom is to send sweets as Mishloach Manos.
  • There is no requirement that the gifts be of two different blessings.
  • If possible, each food should contain a Kezayis [by foods] or Revius [by beverages]. If this is not possible it is proper that both foods together contain a total of a Kezayis.
  • At the very least each gift is to be worth at least one Peruta.
  • One who does not have what to send, is to switch his meal with his friend and by doing so he fulfills the obligation.
• Must one send the gifts through a messenger? Practically, the custom is to send the gifts through a messenger.
  • The custom is to appoint one’s children to deliver the Mishloach Manos and Matanos Laevyonim in order to educate them in Mitzvos.

2. Matanos Laevyonim:

• The Mitzvah: Every Jew is obligated to give at least two presents to two paupers, [one present to each pauper].
• Who is obligated? Both men and women are obligated in the Mitzvah of Matanos Laevyonim.
  • Married women are to be stringent to give Matanos Laevyonim on behalf of themselves, in addition to the Matanos Laevyonim sent by their husband.
  • All family members must send their own personal Matanos Laevyonim and cannot rely on their parents, even if they are still being supported by them and live in their home.
  • Children above the age of Chinuch are to be educated to give Matanos Laevyonim.
  • If one is in doubt as to whether the child has reached the age of Chinuch one is to be stringent.
• May men distribute Matanos Laevyonim to female paupers and vice versa? The gifts may be sent to any Jew whether male or female.
  • Thus, a man may give to a woman that is a pauper and vice versa.
  • It is permitted for even food to be given as Matanos Laevyonim from a man to a woman and vice versa.
• When on Purim is one to distribute the Matanos Laevyonim? Matanos Laevyonim is to be given on Purim during daytime.
  • One who sent Matanos Laevyonim on the night of Purim does not fulfill his obligation.
  • Based on Kabala it is to be given after the Megillah reading, as opposed to beforehand. However, others write it is to be distributed before Davening.
  • One may send Matanos Laevyonim to a pauper before Purim if the charity will arrive to him on Purim. If, however, it will arrive before Purim, one does not fulfill his obligation.
• To how many paupers must one give a present? One is obligated to give at least two presents to two poor people, one present to each pauper.
  • It is a greater Mitzvah to increase in giving Matanos Laevyonim than to increase in Mishloach Manos.
• What must one give each pauper and how much must it be worth? The present should initially consist of something which can be readily used by the pauper, such as food or money.
  • One is obligated to give one present to each of the two paupers.
  • Some rule that as long each present contains the equivalent of a peruta worth he has fulfilled his obligation. However other Poskim rule that the present must contain a minimum worth of three Kibeitzim of food [165 grams]. Meaning, if one gives money, it must be enough money for each pauper to buy three Kibeitzim worth of food. If he gives food, then each present given must consist of three Kibeitzim. Practically, one is to be stringent like this latter opinion.
• Who is a pauper? Practically, anyone who cannot afford today’s normal monthly expenses is considered poor and may be given Matanos Laevyonim. Likewise, anyone who has extra necessary expenses that he cannot afford, such as heavy medical bills, or the marrying off of children, is considered poor in this regard.
• What is one to do if there are no paupers available? If there are not any [Jewish] paupers available in one’s vicinity to distribute to them Matanos Laevyonim, then one is to set aside the money and give it to a pauper when the opportunity presents itself.
• Distributing charity on Purim to all those that request: One is not to be particular regarding distributing Purim money. Rather all those that spread open their hand to request donations are to be given.