They are to observe these as days of feasting and gladness, and for sending delicacies to one another, and giving gifts to the poor (Esther 9:22).

How do we observe Purim? With hilarity, of course. With dressing up (or dressing down). With games and skits and shpiels.

But among the most easily forgotten obligations of the chag (festival) are mishloach manot, sending portions to one another, and matanot l’evyonim, giving to the poor.

Both practices come, of course, from the Book of Esther (see above verse!). The rabbis say that the first, mishloach manot, proves that a community whose individuals give to one another is connected; its members clearly care for each other. They also point out that no one should go hungry on Purim. Sending baskets of food to other families assures that everyone will enjoy a festive meal.

The second obligation, mishloach manot, is meant for each and every Jew, the rabbis insist. The halakha (Jewish law) is specific and clear: This is not understood as one mitzvah per family, but one each individual fulfills. Nor may this particular act of tzedakah be included as part of the money we set aside to offer for charity otherwise during the year . Matanot le’evyonim is a special mitzvah, and deserves particular attention. 

Temple Or Olam has made it a tradition to ask its members to bring canned or boxed food items to our Purim celebration each year so that we may fulfill this important mitzvah. And each and every year, what we collect is brought to a local food bank.

Spring may be around the corner, but it is still cold and often dreary. Let us celebrate Purim with the knowledge that we ourselves are responsible for bringing light and joy into the world. Please join us for our Purim celebrations and please, bring matanot le’evyonim with you.

Chag sameach!

Rabbi Barbara