Fulfill your mitzvah of Matanot L’evyonim with JGIFTS
Matanot L’evyonim, or providing monetary support for the poor, is one of the most important mitzvot of Purim. JGIFTS will distribute these funds to people in need. To ensure the funds can get distributed appropriately, the deadline for contributing towards Matanot l’Evyonim is Purim day at 3 pm. Any additional funds and donations that are received after the deadline are used to support during the rest of the year.
About the mitzvah of Matanot L’evyonim
After the Jews were saved from the decree of Haman, they agreed “to observe [the days of Purim] with…donations to the needy” (Esther 9:22)
- Matanot La’evyonim is fulfilled by giving money to at least two poor people on the day of Purim. The gift should at least equal the value of a fast-food meal.
- This is not a “family” obligation, but rather each person should perform the mitzvah themselves. Women, too, are required to send give gifts to the poor
- The money needn’t be given directly to a poor person, but can be given to a community representative — as long as the money is actually distributed to the poor on Purim day.
- Matanot La’evyonim is a special mitzvah, not to be included in the amount of money a person sets aside for charity during the rest of the year.
- Maimonides writes that it is inappropriate to buy expensive Mishloach Manot, if this will come at the expense of larger gifts to the poor.
- Giving gifts to the poor must be done during the daytime
- Everybody, even the poorest, who is a recipient of charity, is required to give at least two gifts to two poor people, that is, one gift to each person, for it is written, Matanos l’evyonim “And gifts to the poor,”
- We are not selective when giving charity on Purim; whoever holds out his hand to ask for charity should be given a donation