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Why we opened this campaign
This campaign is intended for the fulfillment of the mitzvah of Matanot La’Evyonim on Shushan Purim — 15 Adar (March 4), which is observed in Jerusalem and other cities that were surrounded by walls from the time of Joshua bin Nun.
The Yad Yitzchak Foundation guarantees that the assistance will be delivered to families in need strictly on the day of Shushan Purim, 15 Adar, in full accordance with Halacha.
⚠️ THE CAMPAIGN CLOSES ON 15 ADAR (MARCH 4) AT 15:30 ISRAEL TIME, IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE AID IS DELIVERED ON THE PROPER DAY.
On Purim, all of us without exception celebrate a great reversal of fate for our people. This day was originally meant to be a day of destruction for the Jewish nation — a day of sorrow, mourning, and grief. But with G-d’s help, everything was turned upside down, and it became a day of great joy and celebration.
On this festive day, there are four mitzvot that every Jew is obligated to observe:
the reading of Megillat Esther, sending Mishloach Manot (food gifts to friends), the Purim seudah (festive meal), and Matanot La’Evyonim (gifts to the poor).
The mitzvah of Matanot La’Evyonim is especially important, as it unites the Jewish people and makes it possible even for families with no financial means to hold a festive Purim meal. This year, we have identified more than 200 families from different regions across Israel who urgently need help with their holiday table.
There are several important points to keep in mind in order to fulfill this mitzvah in the most proper way:
– The mitzvah is obligatory for men, women, and children who have reached bar or bat mitzvah age. Children younger than that are customarily taught to participate in this mitzvah from the age of 6–7.
– One must give at least two gifts to two people in need. In practice, the more, the better. According to Rambam, it is considered more important to give generously to the poor than to send food gifts to friends.
– The mitzvah applies even to someone who is personally in financial need.
– The mitzvah may be fulfilled either by giving food sufficient for one meal or by giving money, provided the amount is enough to purchase a minimal meal. Contemporary rabbinic authorities differ on what exact amount qualifies as the minimum, and it is advisable to consult your rabbi.
– Funds set aside for ma’aser (tithing) may not be used for Matanot La’Evyonim, as these are two separate and independent mitzvot.
– The proper time to fulfill the mitzvah is on the day of Purim itself, as early as possible, so that those in need have time to purchase food and prepare their meal. Giving gifts to the poor before Purim is not permitted, out of concern that the money or food might be used before the holiday begins. When fulfilling the mitzvah through a trusted intermediary (such as our foundation), this concern does not apply, since we ensure that the mitzvah is carried out fully in accordance with Halacha.
– While it is permissible to fulfill the mitzvah personally, in order to avoid embarrassment or discomfort for those in need, it is customary today to give Matanot La’Evyonim through a community fund, a rabbi, or a charitable organization.
Every year, the Yad Yitzchak Foundation organizes the distribution of gifts to the poor in Jerusalem and other cities throughout Israel, in strict accordance with all halachic requirements. All funds donated through this project go directly to families in need on Purim. This year alone, we are supporting over 200 families, and additional lists continue to arrive.
By entrusting us to fulfill this mitzvah on your behalf, you can be confident that everything will be done properly, respectfully, and in the best possible way.
