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Must one send the gifts through a messenger?
Some Poskim [1] question whether the gifts must be given through a messenger or not.[2] Others[3] rule it is not necessary. Others[4] however rule that it should specifically be given by one directly and it is a mere leniency that one also fulfills his obligation when giving it through a messenger. Practically the custom is to send the gifts through a messenger.[5] [A child can be used as a valid messenger.[6] Practically the custom is to appoint one’s children to deliver the Mishloach Manos and Matanos Laevyonim in order to educate them in Mitzvos.[7] ]
Q&A
If one sent Mishloach Manos through a messenger and the messenger did not reach the destination, does he fulfill his obligation?[8]
No. In order for one to fulfill his obligation the gift must reach the recipient and contribute to his rejoicing of Purim.
May a child be trusted as a messenger to send the Mishloach Manos?
Yes.[9] Practically the custom is to appoint one’s children to deliver the Mishloach Manos and Matanos Laevyonim in order to educate them in Mitzvos.[10]
[1] Binyan Tziyon 44 brought in M”B 695/18; See Teshuvos Eliezer brought in Yagdil Torah Jerusalem 13/99
[2] The reason: As the verse states “Mishloach” which implies that it is sent through a messenger.
[3] Mahariy Asad 27; Kaf Hachaim 695/41 argues that one certainly does not have to send it through a messenger as the term “Vayishlach/send” is a general term and does not only mean sending through a messenger. He concludes that if possible one should send through a messenger although it is not necessary. So rules also Makor Chaim 695 and Piskeiy Teshuvos 695/16; See Mishneh Halachos 6/121
[4] Ashel Avraham Butshasher 695
[5] Nemukei Orach Chaim 695/7
[6] Chasam Sofer; Yehuda Yaaleh 204; Chelkas Yaakov 1/103 [however one is to verify that the gift was delivered]; Piskeiy Teshuvos 695/16; Kedushas Levi Kedusha Sheniya; Kinyan Torah 1/132; Sichas 1988 p. 302; Teshuvos Eliezer brought in Yagdil Torah Jerusalem 13/99; The Rebbe Rashab once sent the Mishloach Manos through a child. [Otzer Minhagei Chabad 154]
Other opinions: There are Poskim that question this matter. [Rav Akiva Eiger; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 695 footnote 84]
[7] Kedushas Levi Kedusha Sheniya; Kinyan Torah 1/132; Sichas 1988 p. 302; Teshuvos Eliezer brought in Yagdil Torah Jerusalem 13/99; The Rebbe Rashab once sent the Mishloach Manos through a child. [Otzer Minhagei Chabad 154]
[8] Shaareiy Teshuvah 695/6; Ashel Avraham on Shulchan Aruch 694; Maasas Moshe 2/4; Birkeiy Yosef 695/6; Kaf Hachaim 695/43-45
Other Opinions: The Ashel Avraham quotes the Bnei Chayiy to rule that he does fulfill his obligation. The Shaareiy Teshuvah ibid however argues that even according to the Bnei Chayiy one does not fulfill his obligation.
[9] Chasam Sofer; Yehuda Yaaleh 204; Chelkas Yaakov 1/103 [however one is to verify that the gift was delivered]; Piskeiy Teshuvos 695/16; Kedushas Levi Kedusha Sheniya; Kinyan Torah 1/132; Sichas 1988 p. 302; Teshuvos Eliezer brought in Yagdil Torah Jerusalem 13/99; The Rebbe Rashab once sent the Mishloach Manos through a child. [Otzer Minhagei Chabad 154]
Other opinions: There are Poskim that question this matter. [Rav Akiva Eiger; See Piskeiy Teshuvos 695 footnote 84]
[10] Kedushas Levi Kedusha Sheniya; Kinyan Torah 1/132; Sichas 1988 p. 302; Teshuvos Eliezer brought in Yagdil Torah Jerusalem 13/99; The Rebbe Rashab once sent the Mishloach Manos through a child. [Otzer Minhagei Chabad 154]
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