Mishloach Manot

Mishloach manot (Hebrew: משלוח מנות), meaning: sending of portions, are gifts of food that are sent to friends, relatives, neighbors and any other acquaintances on the Holiday of Purim. Sending Mishloach Manot is a great Mitzvah as mentioned in the Book of Esther 9:22:

“…לַעֲשׂוֹת אוֹתָם, יְמֵי מִשְׁתֶּה וְשִׂמְחָה, וּמִשְׁלֹחַ מָנוֹת אִישׁ לְרֵעֵהוּ, וּמַתָּנוֹת לָאֶבְיֹנִים.”

“…that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.”

This Mitzvah meant to ensure that everyone has enough food for the Purim feast and also to increase love and friendship among all the Jews.

According to the Halakha, every Jew over the age of Bar and Bat Mitzvah should send a food gift to at least one person.

There are a few requirements for making Mishloach Manot: it is sent in any container: a basket or a gift box. However, each mishloach manot must contain at least two different kinds of food that are ready to eat.

In addition to food items, you can also put fun knickknacks or small gifts in a Mishloach manot basket. Groggers (noisemakers) or even small toys like cars and puzzles are also appropriate, especially if children will be receiving the basket. The children receive these baskets on Purim evening or on the morning of Purim.