The Customary Tradition of Giving Mishloach Manot On Purim

Posted by cora diaz on April 3rd, 2019

Gifts of food or drink are send to friends and family during Purim. The mitzah giving mishloach manot gifts to someone in Israel derives from the Book Of Esther (9:22). It is meant to ensure that everyone has enough food for the Purim feast held later in the day, and to increase love and friendship among Jews and their neighbors. According to halacha, the Jewish holy laws derived from the Torah, anyone above the age of Bar and Bat Mitzvah is required to present a food gift consisting of two food types to at least one recipient.

In actual practice, many individuals fulfill the first mitzvah themselves (by sending food gifts to friends, neighbors, relatives, etc.), and the second mitzvah by contributing to charitable organisations which distribute money or food to the poor on Purim day. As a result, it has become a popular fundraising event.Synagogues, Jewish schools and youth organizations run "Mishloach Manot Fundraisers" which coordinate the sending of food baskets to their various members, accompanied by a card listing the names of other members who contributed toward the gift.

Rules And Tradition

The following halachot apply to the giving of mishloach manot:

Mishloach manot must be sent and delivered during the daylight hours of Purim. When sending mishloach manot to Israel, keep in mind the shipping dates.

According to most opinions, the sender and recipient should be observing the same day of Purim. Since the same date has to be observed, the speedy delivery process of distributors is advantageous.

Children over the age of six or seven are also encouraged to send mishloach manot to their friends as training for the performance of a mitzvah. Gift your friends mishloach manot to your friends in Israel as a symbol of friendship, with a selection of Belgian chocolates and drink.

Mishloach manot are not sent to a mourner. The mourner himself is obligated to send mishloach manot, but the package should not be too elaborate. According to some opinions, a mourner should send to only one person.

Mishloach manot can be delivered personally, but it is customary to deliver the food packages via a third party. Children are often involved in this mitzvah as the go-betweens between the giving parties, and are rewarded with sweets and treats for their efforts.

One is not obligated to send mishloach manot as a reciprocal gesture to the sender, make peace with your neighbors.

While the halacha only calls for the giving of two food gifts to one friend, a person who gives mishloach manot to more than one person is called praiseworthy. However, it is better to give more charity on Purim day than to spend more money on elaborate mishloach manot.

Author’s Bio- The writer’s an avid blogger. This article is about mishloach manot gifts to Israel.