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Why we opened this campaign
The Yad Yitzchak Foundation guarantees that the assistance will be delivered to families in need on the day of Purim itself, 14 Adar (March 3), in full compliance with all halachic requirements.
⚠️ THE CAMPAIGN CLOSES ON 14 ADAR (MARCH 3) AT 15:30 ISRAEL TIME, SO THAT WE CAN ENSURE THE FUNDS ARE TRANSFERRED ON TIME.
On Purim, we all, without exception, celebrate a great turn of fate for our people. Originally, this day was intended to be a day of destruction for the Jews—a day of sadness, mourning, and grief. But with G-d's help, the events were overturned! It was transformed into a date of great joy and celebration!
On this festive day, there are four commandments (mitzvot) that every Jew must fulfill: reading Megillat Esther (the Scroll of Esther), sending Mishloach Manot (tasty food gifts to friends), Seudah (a festive meal), and Matanot La'evyonim (gifts to the poor).
The commandment of Matanot La'evyonim is especially important—it unites the Jewish people and enables even those families with no means at all to hold a festive meal. This year, we have identified more than 200 families from various regions of Israel who desperately need help with their holiday table. There are several important points to consider in order to fulfill this commandment in the most proper way:
- The commandment is obligatory for men, women, and children above the age of Bar and Bat Mitzvah; it is customary to train younger children to perform this mitzvah starting from age 6-7.
- One must send at least 2 gifts to 2 needy individuals. In practice—the more, the better. According to the Rambam, it is considered more important to give more to the poor than to spend excessively on food gifts for friends.
- The commandment is mandatory even for those who are in need themselves.
- The mitzvah can be fulfilled by sending food sufficient for one meal or by giving money. The amount must be enough to purchase a minimal meal. Modern authorities differ on the exact minimum amount; it is best to clarify this with your rabbi.
- One may not use money set aside for the tithe (Maaser) to fulfill the commandment of Matanot La'evyonim, as these are two independent and different mitzvot.
- The time for fulfilling the commandment is on the day of Purim itself, as early as possible, so that the needy have time to buy groceries and prepare their meal. However, gifts cannot be handed over to the poor before Purim starts, out of concern that they might spend the money or eat the food before the holiday arrives. If you fulfill the commandment through an intermediary (such as our foundation), this is not an issue, as we will ensure the actual fulfillment of the mitzvah according to all halachic requirements.
- While it is permitted to fulfill the mitzvah personally, in our times it is customary to give gifts to the poor through a community fund, a rabbi, or a charitable foundation to avoid awkwardness and ensure the dignity of those in need.
Each year, the Yad Yitzhak Foundation organizes the distribution of gifts to poor residents of Jerusalem and other cities in Israel in accordance with all halachic requirements. The money you donate to this project will go entirely to needy families on Purim—currently over 200 families, and lists continue to arrive. By entrusting us to fulfill the commandment on your behalf, you can be sure that everything will be done in the best possible way.
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