1) At least one Mishloach Manos should, if possible, be sent with a Shliach, a messenger.
However, if it was given by yourself, you are Yotzei. (The reason for this is based on the question of the Shu"t Binyan Tzion Siman 44, quoted in the Mishna Berura Siman 695:4 if the fact that the Posuk calls it "Mishloach" Manos, necessitates it being given through a Shliach. Most Poskim maintain that it isn't necessary, but to be Yotzei the safek, at least one package should be sent with a Shliach.)
Mishloach Manos may be sent via a minor (under the age of 13) or a non Jew. (See Piskei Teshuva Siman 148 what he quotes from Rav Akiva Eiger Zatzal. See also Chasam Sofer to Gitin 21b that it may be sent with a minor, as even if it does require a Shliach, it does not have all the requirements of Hilchos Shlichus)
2) There are varying opinions in the Poskim if one satisfies his/her obligation by sending Mishloach Manos to a minor, as a minor may not be considered a "friend" (and the Posuk requires to send "Mishloach Manos Ish L'Re'ayhu- man to his friend". See Ben Ish Chai Parshas Tetzaveh Os 16 and Kaf HaChaim Siman 694:12 who are machmir. The Aruch HaShulchan Siman 695 on the other hand permits it)
However, according to all opinions, a Rav satisfies his obligation by sending to a Talmid and a father by sending to his son and vice versa, as for halachic purposes they are considered "friends".
Minors, who have reached the age of Chinuch, should be taught to give Mishloach Manos (Pri Megadim 695:14)
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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:
My question is about standing at "Baruch Hash-m L'olom" at Maariv.
My father always got up for this. I see a few others in shul who do as well. I believe i once saw in sefer Tefillah b'tzibur - that there is a minhag to stand but not face mizrach. this shows that it is NOT in place of shemonah esreh. What are your comments please?
My Answer:
The Rama in Siman 236:2 says that it is a good mihag to stand when saying "Baruch Hashem L'Olam". The Mishna Berura However brings from many Achronim that it is best not to stand.
Many people, including your father, followed the Rama and many people follow the Mishna Berurah, that is why you see varying customs for this by different people.
Even if saying it standing, you should not keep your feet together or face the wall, so it shouldn't seem like you are davening Shemona Esrei (Shaar Hatzion ibid. Os 7 and Aishel Avraham(Butchatch) Siman 236)
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
