The Mitzvah of Gifts to the Poor

The mitzvah of giving gifts to the poor is the primary mitzvah on Purim.

Both men and women must give at least two gifts to two poor people. This mitzvah is very important. The sages ruled that it is better for a person to give more gifts to the poor than to increase his own feast or gifts to his friends, as there is no greater joy than to gladden the hearts of the poor, orphans, widows, and converts. The value of each gift should be sufficient to purchase simple foods that are filling for a small, simple meal.

Who is considered poor? A poor person is someone who does not have enough money for their family’s basic needs. In other words, their expenses exceed their income, and they cannot continue to make ends meet.

Purim is a special day for the poor, who eagerly await the reading of the Megillah, knowing that they will receive a generous gift on this day. The mitzvah of giving gifts to the poor specifically applies on the day of Purim. At Tuv Lev, the Kupat Hazedaka Hamerkazit, we distribute gifts to the poor from donations collected in the days leading up to Purim and on Purim itself, to the poor who are known to be struggling. Every year, we distribute generous gifts to hundreds of families, bringing them joy and fulfilling the mitzvah of giving gifts to the poor in the most honorable way.

Additional Mitzvot on Purim

Mitzvah of Mishloach Manot (sending gifts to friends)

he reason for this mitzvah is so that everyone will have food for their Purim feast and to increase love and affection among the Jewish people. Mishloach Manot should primarily consist of food items, preferably suitable for a festive meal. Tuv Lev distributes hundreds of Mishloach Manot packages to needy families every year, enabling them to enjoy a bountiful Purim feast. Additionally, we distribute sweets to delight the children.

Mitzvah of Zakhor (remembering) the Half-Shekel

Every Jew is obligated to give a “zakhor” (memorial) half-shekel. The reason for this is that when the Temple stood, a sum of money equivalent to two dinars of silver, weighing three grams of pure silver, had to be given according to the current price of silver. Therefore, every year, the exact amount to be given as a zakhor half-shekel must be determined.

Purim Feast

Tuv Lev holds a Purim feast at the soup kitchen for lonely and needy individuals, fulfilling the main mitzvah of providing food for the poor on Purim itself. It is a great privilege to be partners in this mitzvah.