How Big Is Your Jewish Heart? What to Know About Purim Gifts to the Needy

The mitzvah of gifts to the poor (Matanot La’Evyonim) was established by Mordechai the Jew in the letter he sent to all the Jews of the 127 provinces, announcing the observance of Purim for future generations, including the commandment of giving to the poor.

When the Mitzvah Was First Practiced

The first time this mitzvah was practiced was exactly one year after the Jews celebrated in Shushan the capital. A year earlier, the days of feasting and joy filled the streets of King Achashverosh’s provinces as a natural expression of gratitude to God after Haman’s hanging and the salvation of the Jewish people. In that year, Mordechai had not yet written the letter that taught the mitzvah of gifts to the poor.

Only on Purim Day

The mitzvah of Matanot La’Evyonim can be fulfilled, just like the reading of the Megillah and the other mitzvot of the day, only on Purim itself. In halachic language: “on that very day.”

The idea behind the mitzvah is the Jewish heart, which cannot truly rejoice and celebrate while ignoring those who are sad due to lack and hardship.

Giving to the Poor as the Highest Joy

The mitzvah of gifts to the poor is considered one in which it is preferable to invest more on Purim than in sending food gifts or even in the festive meal. As the Rambam explained: “It is better for a person to increase gifts to the poor than to expand his feast or send many food portions to friends,” because “there is no greater or more glorious joy than bringing happiness to the hearts of the poor, orphans, widows, and converts; one who gladdens these distressed souls resembles the Divine Presence.” In other words, true Jewish joy is giving to others.

Who Is Obligated in the Mitzvah

According to halachah, every Jew is obligated in this mitzvah. Leading halachic authorities, including Maran the Beit Yosef and the Rambam, ruled that “even a poor person who receives charity is obligated in gifts to the poor.” Their advice is that two poor individuals can give each other the little they have and thereby fulfill the mitzvah.

Regarding whom to give to, the halachic decisors wrote that on Purim especially “we do not scrutinize Purim funds,” meaning one should not be overly calculating about who qualifies. Naturally, it is proper to give more to those who truly lack. The custom is to give at least one gift to two poor individuals, for a minimum of two gifts in total.

The gifts are intended to help purchase food for the Purim meal, and therefore they may be given either as money or as food.

Preparing in Advance Through a Messenger

Because the mitzvah applies only on Purim itself, a well known question arises: Is there a way to prepare in advance, both to avoid forgetting during the busy day of Purim and to ensure that the poor receive the funds in time to buy supplies and prepare their meal?

The answer is yes. One may arrange the mitzvah in an enhanced way by appointing a messenger beforehand who receives the donation in advance but transfers the money only on Purim day itself. This method of appointing a trustworthy agent who knows the needy is considered especially praiseworthy, since it ensures the gifts reach the right people at the right time and place.