Mishloach Manot (Sending Food Portions to a Friend on Purm)

Find out how and when to observe all the mitzvot and tradition of Purim.

When we are united, we merit G‑d's blessing and salvation. We give gifts of food on Purim to strengthen our bonds of friendship with our fellow Jews...

On Purim we emphasize the importance of Jewish unity and friendship by sending gifts of food to friends. We send a gift of at least two kinds of ready-to-eat foods (e.g., pastry, fruit, beverage), to at least one friend on Purim day.

Since I only have eyes for kosher, homemade and natural, Purim is perfect time to send a select few some fabulous, homemade, fun and useful goodies...

One of the exciting elements of Purim is the obligatory giving of food gifts to friends and family. We are commanded to give at least two food items to at least one person . . .

Why must the mishloach manot comprise of two foods, each with a separate blessing, like a cluster of grapes and a cookie? Why can't I just send two items with the same blessing?

In a recent meeting of our temple sisterhood, the issue was raised that the giving of gifts at Purim, mishloach manot, is really only meant for the poor and that the modern way of giving doesn’t benefit anyone.

The nuances of Purim's mitzvot reveal many levels

The laws and customs for the purim mitzvot of mishloach manot—sending food gifts, matanot la’evyonim—charity for the poor, and the festive feast.