Why we opened this campaign
On Purim, without exception, we all celebrate the great turning point in the fate of our people. Initially, this day was meant to be one of destruction for the Jewish people—a day of sorrow, mourning, and grief. But with G-d’s help, everything turned around! It became a day of great joy and celebration!
On this festive day, there are four mitzvot that every Jew must fulfill:
- Reading the Megillat Esther (the Scroll of Esther)
- Sending Mishloach Manot (delicious gifts to friends)
- Seudah (a festive meal)
- Matanot La’evyonim (gifts to the poor)
The mitzvah of Matanot La’evyonim is especially important—it unites the Jewish people and ensures that even families in need can have a festive meal. Here are some key points to properly fulfill this mitzvah:
- This mitzvah is obligatory for men, women, and children over bar/bat mitzvah age. Younger children (from 6-7 years old) are traditionally encouraged to participate.
- One must give at least two gifts to two people in need, but the more, the better. According to Rambam, it is more important to give to the poor than to send gifts to friends.
- Even those who are struggling financially are still required to fulfill this mitzvah.
- The mitzvah can be fulfilled by giving either food sufficient for one meal or money equivalent to the cost of a meal. There are different opinions among halachic authorities about the minimum required amount, so it’s best to check with your rabbi.
- Funds set aside for Maaser (tithing) cannot be used for Matanot La’evyonim, as these are two separate mitzvot.
- The mitzvah must be fulfilled on the day of Purim, as early as possible, so that those in need can buy food and prepare their meal. Gifts to the poor should not be given before Purim, as there is a risk they might be spent or consumed before the holiday. If you fulfill the mitzvah through an intermediary (such as our organization), this concern does not apply, as we ensure the mitzvah is carried out properly according to halacha.
- While giving directly is allowed, to avoid embarrassment and preserve dignity, it is customary nowadays to fulfill this mitzvah through a communal fund, a rabbi, or a charity organization.
This year, Purim (14th of Adar) falls on Friday, and Shushan Purim (15th of Adar) falls on Shabbat. There is a special order for performing all Purim mitzvot, which must not be disrupted! This year, Jerusalem residents will fulfill Matanot La’evyonim on the same day as other cities.
You can fulfill this mitzvah through us until the 14th of Adar, no later than an hour before Shabbat (March 14, by 16:00).
The Yad Yitzhak Foundation annually distributes gifts to the poor in Jerusalem and other cities in Israel in full accordance with halachic requirements. Every shekel you donate for this project will go directly to needy families on Purim. By entrusting us to fulfill the mitzvah on your behalf, you can be sure it will be done in the best possible way.
.png)