Thursday
11 Adar II, 5771; Ta'anis Esther Mukdam; 3 Days until Purim
March 17, 2011
1) It is a Mitzva to give "Matanos L'Evyonim- gifts to the poor" on Purim day.
If the money was given to the poor person before Purim for use on Purim [for his meal], according to many Poskim, you have satisfied your obligation, B'Dieved. (See Pri Megadim based on Mogen Avraham Siman 694:1 that the whole reason not to give before Purim day is that the poor person may use it before Purim)
Every Jew- male and female- is required to give 2 "Matanos- gifts" to 2 separate "Evyonim- poor people" (i.e. one gift to each poor person). By giving 2 gifts to one poor person, you do not satisfy your obligation of this Mitzvah.
Matanos L'Evyonim may not be given from Ma'aser money. However, once 2 gifts were given to 2 poor people, any additional gifts that you give to poor people on Purim may be given from Ma'aser money. (Mishna Berura Siman 694:3)
The more Tzedaka you give to poor people on Purim, the more praiseworthy you are! It is better to give additional Matanos L'Evyonim than to give extra Mishloach Manos or to increase the Seudas Purim, because ..."There is no greater or loftier Simcha than to gladden the hearts of the poor, widows, orphans and converts. One who gladdens the hearts of these downtrodden people is likened to the Shechina (!)" (Words of the Rambam Hilchos Megilah Perek 2 Halacha 17, which we referenced a few times already in our review of Hilchos Purim, but due to their importance they warrant repetition)
You may not combine the Mitzvos of Mishloach Manos and Matanos L'Evyonim, by giving Mishloach Manos to a poor person. They each must be given independently of each other. (See Turei Even to Megilah 7b, quoted in Biur Halacha Siman 695 Dibur HaMaschil O Shel Minei Ochlin and Ksav Sofer Siman 139 that B'dieved it is possible that you are indeed Yotzei. )
2) Matanos L'Evyonim does not necessarily need to be with money, as one can satisfy the obligation by giving the poor person food which he can eat on Purim.
However, giving clothing or other non food gifts to a poor person, is not an acceptable form of Matanos L'Evyonim according to most Poskim (See Ohr SaMeach Hilchos Megilah Perek 2 Halacha 16. See Turei Even Megilah 7b. See Mishna Berura Siman 694:2)
When it comes to giving Matanos L'Evyonim, it is best not to be too scrupulous in determining if the poor person is truly deserving of Tzedaka, as on Purim we stick to the tradition of "Kol HaPoshet Yad Nosnim Lo- whoever stretches out their arm [asking for help] we give them". (Shulchan Aruch Siman 694:3).
The Sefarim say that Hashem, too, abides by this method on Purim and all who stretch out their hands to Him [i.e. whatever we daven for] will be answered!
Purim is an extremely opportune time to daven for things that we need. It is advisable not to squander this opportunity by focusing too much on "getting drunk" and having fun at the expense of not utilizing the spiritual powers of this holy day properly.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers. Taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Yahoo.com
Reader's Question:
Is is permitted to listen to music on Ta'anis Esther- being that it is a fast day?
Answer:
Yes, although it's a fast day, it isn't a fast day based on our mourning of the destruction of the Bais HaMikdash, and thus listening to music, showering. taking a haircut and other things that bring pleasure are allowed.
CHIZUK CORNER
As a Zechus for the Refuah Shelaima of one of the Gedolei HaDor, the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva , HaRav Chaim Stein Shlita, R' Chaim Yaakov ben Chasya Miriam, B'soch Sha'ar Cholei Yisroel, we will B'Ezras Hashem post here each day a short inspirational thought to help us all improve our lives and grow in our service of our Father in heaven, HaKadosh Baruch Hu.
IF YOU HAVE SOMETHING MEANINGFUL FOR THIS SECTION, PLEASE EMAIL IT TO ME. THANK YOU AND TIZKEH L'MITZVOS!
אל תתיאש מן הרחמים
Chizuk For Today:
At his Hakhel Shiur on the meaning of Purim, Rabbi Zev Smith Shlita, made many great points, including the following:
1. The essence of Purim is the realization that "Ain Od Melvado." This means that everything that preceded this world's existence, that everything that currently exists, and that everything that will exist forever and ever is Hashem and His Will. Indeed, the name of the Holiday Purim, indicates that something as "by chance" as a lottery is under the sole and complete jurisdiction of Hashem.
2. HaRav Yeruchem Levovitz, Z'tl, taught that one should not only give Mishloach Manos to friends--but to his "ex-friends" as well.
3. The Chofetz Chaim, Z'tl, writes in a published letter (Michtevei Chofetz Chaim 20): "We all know very clearly that Hashem can bring the Geulah BeChol Regah V'Regah--at any moment--as in the times of Mordechai and Esther the complete Geulah happened overnight. This is actually an explicit Posuk recorded in the last Navi, Malachi: 'Ki Pisom Yavoh El Heichalo--for He will suddenly come to His Sanctuary.' We have to be ready always!" Hakhel Note: Teshuva Bechol Yom--for each and every one of us!
4. An essential part of Purim Day is "Kiymu VeKiblu." This does not only refer to all of Klal Yisroel's voluntary acceptance of the Torah--but to each individual's rededication to Torah as well. Every person should view it as part of his Simchas Purim, as part of his Purim mandate, to rededicate himself to Torah study. Rabbi Smith cited two examples: One--His favorite Siyum--a subway rider who was not capable of learning Gemara and who completed Mishnayos in English on his back and forth commute every day. What an accomplishment! Two--an elderly gentlemen who "did not have time" to come to a Shiur that Rabbi Smith was giving because he was studying with tremendous diligence for a Dirshu test. Hakhel Note: We will all be pressured for time over the next month, with many demands and obligations upon us. The Chofetz Chaim notes that when one keeps his set time for study without fail, and in the case of a 'Dochak Gadol' makes up his studies within the day, then a "Kedusha Gedolah Venora'ah--a great and awesome Kedusha rests on him every single time he learns in this way. Let us not forget this Kedusha Gedolah Venora'ah every time that we keep our set time for learning. We suggest that our Kiymu VeKiblu this Purim involve a special effort in this regard. Remember the words of the Chofetz Chaim--Kedusha Gedolah Venora'ah--on you!
Submitted by daily reader C.S.; Taken from www.Hakhel.info
Important Numbers
