Of of the 613 Mitzvot in the Torah is to obey the Torah Sages. The Sages instituted Purim and its Mitzvos. One of the Mitzvos of Purim is Matonos L'evyonim - to send gifts to at least two needy people. This gift is usually money. Even somebody who lives off charity needs to fulfill this Mitzva. One needn't hand the gifts directly to the needy; one can send them via messenger (or charity organization). Purim is the only day of the year one does not check credentials; anybody who asks for charity on Purim is given something. Both men and women have an obligation to give Matonos L'evyonim. Men may send Matonos L'evyonim to women and vice versa. Source: Kitzur Shulchan Oruch 142:3-4
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
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Somebody asked:
ReplyDeleteIs matonas l'evyonim a seperate mitzvah than mishloach manos or is that the same mitzvah?
I responded:
Thanks for writing in.
My guess is that it's 2 separate mitzvos:
- They have their own halochos
- On a Purim Meshulosh we give Matonas L'evyonim on Friday and Mishloach Manos on Sunday
Stay tuned for the details as we get closer to Purim and invite your friends to join us.
Have a joyful Adar,
- Danny