1) It is a Mitzvah to send "Mishloach Manos" on Purim day. It should not be sent on Purim eve. (Ram"a Siman 695:4)
As with all Mitzvos, there is the concept of "Zerizim Makdimin L'Mitzvos- zealous people run to do Mitzvos", thus it is best to send Mishloach Manos right away on Purim morning, right after davening. (Terumas HaDeshen Siman 110)
[ There are 2 key reasons cited in the Poskim for this Mitzvah. 1) So that each Jewish person should have the necessary food in order to be able to partake of a Purim meal (Terumas HaDeshen Siman 111, Levush 695:4 and others) 2) To promote "Ahava V'Achva- love and friendship" and to show that we [Jews] are one united nation, as opposed to how Haman referred to us as "Am Mefuzar U'Meforad- a nation that is spread out and separated" (Manos HaLevi from Rav Shlomo Alkabetz , Esther Perek 9:16-17, The MaHaral in Ohr Chadash Esther 9:22 and others)]
Every Jew- man and woman- must send [at least] 2 "manos" to one person. Sending only one "maneh" is not sufficient to satisfy your obligation.
The more people that one sends "Mishloach Manos" to, the more praiseworthy he/she is. However, it is better to give extra "Matanos L'Evyonim" rather than to splurge on Mishloach Manos and the Purim meal.
2) The food items that are sent should preferably be ready to eat as they are, without needing preparation or cooking. (Maharil, quoted in Mogen Avraham 695:11, Chayei Adam 155:31, Gr"a brought in Ma'aseh Rav Os 249 and others). Some Poskim maintain that if it is a raw item that is ready to cook [as opposed to a live chicken], it is also acceptable. (Leket Yosher, Pri Megadim and others. See Mishna Berura 695:20)
Any food items are acceptable, such as meat, bread, cake, wine,fruits, and vegetables.
The Mishna Berura (695:20), Mogen Avraham, Shl"a and others maintain that beverages are acceptable for Mishloach Manos. The Gaon of Vilna maintained [based on the Psak of some Rishonim, and the Girsa of the Rabeinu Chananel in the Gemara Megilah 7b] that beverages are not sufficient.
Canned food is considered ready to eat and is 100% acceptable (Moadim U'Zmanim Vol. 2 Siman 186)
Men should not send Mishloach Manos to women and women should not send Mishloach manos to men (Ram"a 695:4)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today's Halachos have been sponsored by:
Realize Purim's potential for miracles through 40 days of prayer at the Kotel (Western Wall). Dedicated Torah students will beseech Hashem on your behalf for income, marriage, health, children, and other blessings, everyday from Purim through Pesach. 100's of Success Stories. We hope you are next.
To sponsor a future issue of Halacha For Today for your business or in honor of a loved one or any occasion, please contact me at Halacha For Today
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER:
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and my Answers. Taken from the Q & A page on the Halacha For Today website. For study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha. Questions can be emailed to Halacha For Today)
Reader's Question:
Not that I consider myself worthy but the latest current events have got me thinking......when one is chosen to die Al Kidush Hashem and has time to prepare themselves what should they do, say etc?
My Answer:
More important than preparing to die Al Kiddush Hashem, is "living" Al Kiddush Hashem.
We are all here on this earth to be Mekadesh Shem Shamayim each and every day through our actions. You are a Jew. A child of Hashem. People look at you and observe your every move. Make sure your every move reflects the will of Hashem. Dress appropriately. Talk appropriately. Daven appropriately. Act appropriately.etc.
One who lives Al Kiddush Hashem, will always be ready to die Al Kiddush Hashem no matter when/if that time comes in their life.
Our holy sages, the Chazal tell us
תנא דבי אליהו כל השונה הלכות בכל יום מובטח לו שהוא בן עולם הבא, שנאמר הליכות עולם לו, אל תקרי הליכות אלא הלכות - one who studies [at least two] Halachos daily is assured a portion in Olam Haba - the world to come. (:מגילה כ"ח )
Important Numbers
