לעשות אותם ימי משתה ושמחה ומשלח מנות איש לרעהו ומתנות לאביונים
The day of Purim is a day of celebration and joy, thanking HaShem for our miraculous salvation. This joy should lead us mainly to be more grateful to HaShem for having delivered us from the hand of our enemies, as we say this explicitly in the prayer “al haNisim” that we recite in Purim.
There are 4 Mitsvot that express our celebration. 1. Megillat Esther, public reading of the story of Purim. 2. Mishloah Manot, gifts to our friends. 3. Matanot laEbiyonim, gifts to the poor. 4. Seuda, the Purim banquet that takes place on Thursday, March 1 in the afternoon.
Let’s start by explaining today the first three Mitsvot
MEGILAT ESTER
The most characteristic Mitsva of Purim is the reading or listening to the reading of Megillat Esther. Megillat Esther is read twice during Purim. The first time during the night (Wednesday Feb 28th) and the second time during the day (Thursday March 1st). Women —who are usually exempt from all Mitsvot performed at a specific time, for example, Tefilin or Talit, since they are used only during the day, or Suka, which only occurs during that holiday — have to participate in the reading of Megillat Esther. Why? Because Jewish women were part of this miracle. That is to say (I) they were saved from the imminent danger of extermination, and (II) it was a woman, Queen Esther, who had the most important role in the salvation of the Jews. Children are not required to listen to Megillat Esther, but they are expected to attend the synagogue during Purim. Parents, however, must take care that our young children do not interrupt the reading of the Megilla.
MISHLOAH MANOT
During the day of Purim, this coming Thursday, March 1st, we send two or more gifts to one or more friends. These “gifts” are specifically edible products. No clothing or jewelry or flowers, but food: foods and drinks. Ideally, we should give food or drinks that would be used during the Purim banquet. Thus, when celebrating the Purim banquet, one will have at his or her table the food or drink that was given to him by his friends. Knowing that our friends thought of us obviously increases our joy, promotes friendship between families and strengthens our unity as a people. That is why these gifts should not be sent anonymously.
We must include at least two different types of food, usually a beverage and a baked product.
The Mishlohe Manot should NOT be given before Purim or during Purim night (Wednesday, February 28 at night). The gifts should be delivered during the Purim day, that is Thursday, March 1st.
MATANOT LAEBYONIM
Matanot laebiyonim or “presents for people in need”, also consists of sending food to those who need help to celebrate and enjoy the Purim banquet. The Mitsva consist of giving two foods or a food product and a beverage, to two or more poor people. This Mitsva can also be fulfilled by giving two people in need the monetary equivalent of two meals for each one.
Unlike mishloah manot, where the intention is to promote friendship and unity, and therefore, the person who receives the gifts should know who is the person who sent those gifts, in the case of the gifts for the poor, anonymity is a virtue. Because the intention of this Mitsva is to help those who don’t have the means to enjoy a good festive meal and celebrate Purim with joy.
The Sages said “en medaqdeqim bema’ot Purim”, which means that although normally when someone asks for monetary help we must corroborate the credibility and reputation of the recipient of our charity, during Purim, we give at least a minimum of Tsedaqa to everyone who extends his hand asking for help.
When our means are limited, our Rabbis indicated that we should be more generous in giving to the poor and needy than in spending for our own Purim banquet. Inviting poor and needy people to our festive meal of Purim is considered the greatest merit of Purim. The rabbis say: “There is no greater happiness [for a Jew than that the joy felt] when one gladdens the hearts and spirits of the poor, the orphans and the widows.”
