Matanot LeEvyonim: Difference between revisions

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It is preferable to increase in giving gifts to the poor rather than increasing one's [[seudah]] and mishloach manot as there is no greater happiness than making the poor and less fortunate happy. <ref> The source for Matanot Laevyonim is found in the Megillah 9:22; Mishna Brurah 694:3, Rambam Hilchot [[Megillah]] 2:17, Masechet Sofrim 21:4 </ref>
It is preferable to increase in giving gifts to the poor rather than increasing one's [[seudah]] and mishloach manot as there is no greater happiness than making the poor and less fortunate happy. <ref> Rambam Hilchot [[Megillah]] 2:17, Mishna Brurah 694:3, Aruch Hashulchan 694:2, Masechet Sofrim 21:4. The source for Matanot Laevyonim is found in the Megillah 9:22 </ref>  
==Who is obligated to give Matanos L'Evyonim?==
# Both men and women are obligated to give Matanot L'evyonim. <Ref> Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Brurah 694:1, Piskei Teshuvot 695:15; ; The Aruch Hashulchan 694:2 explains that although women are obligated, they can fulfill their obligation with their husbands since a man and his wife are considered one entity. He adds that children under bar mitzvah also must give and cannot rely on their father’s giving to exempt themselves </ref>
# Even a poor person who relies on [[charity]] to support himself is obligated to give Matanot L'evyonim. <Ref> Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Brurah 694:1; The Aruch Hashulchan 694:2 quotes the Bach, Taz, and Pri Migadim explaining that this obligation of the poor person to give to other poor people is similar to his obligation to sell his possessions in order to buy Chanukah candles and four cups of wine for the Pesach Seder. M.B. 694:2 quotes the Pri Migadim explaining that the poor person can switch meals with two other poor people in order to fulfill his obligation without having to lose money </ref>


==When should Matanot L'evyonim be given?==
==Who is Obligated to Give Matanot L'Evyonim?==
# Matanot LeEvyonim should be given during the day and not the night of [[purim]]. <Ref> Rama 695:5, Magen Avraham 695:13, Mishna Brurah 695:22. Rav Moshe Feinstein is quoted in Balayla Hahu page 19 that if one cannot give during the day one can give at night even before the megilla is read. </ref>
# Both men and women are obligated to give Matanot L'evyonim. <Ref> Rama 695:4, Mishna Brurah 694:1, Aruch Hashulchan 694:2, Piskei Teshuvot 695:15, Ben Ish Chai Parashat Tetzaveh Halacha 17. <br>
# If one gives Matanot LeEvyonim before [[purim]] and is sure that the poor person won’t use it before [[Purim]] one fulfilled one’s obligation and some are strict to give it on the day of [[Purim]] itself. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 694:8, Piskei Shemuot pg 144 quotes Rav Elyashiv who permits lechatchila; Aruch Hashulchan 694:2 says to be stringent and only give on the day itself. </ref> Similarly, before [[Purim]] one can give it to a messenger (Shaliach) who will give it on [[Purim]] itself. <Ref>Piskei Shemuot pg 144 quoting Rav Nassim Karelitz, Sh"t Mahari Assad 207, Daat Torah 695:4, Sh"t Chelkat Yaakov 1:102, Piskei Teshuvot 694:8 </ref>
* Ohr Letzion 4:58: note 3 writes that ideally the husband should give his wife some money of her own which she can use for the fulfillment of the mitzva. 
# One is permitted to give a check.<ref> Mishnah Halachot 6:122, Rivevos Efraim 5:455:2 and Halichos Shlomo Purim page 342 </ref>. Some poskim claim that this is only as long as one can draw the money on [[Purim]], meaning the check is not postdated and the banks are open. <ref> Mishnah Halachot 6:122. Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo Purim page 342) and Rav Belsky (Piskei Harav Belsky pg. 124) explains that one can use a check even if the bank is not open on Purim. Rav Belsky does agree that one should not use a post-dated check.  </ref>
* The Aruch Hashulchan 694:2 explains that although women are obligated, they can fulfill their obligation with their husbands since a man and his wife are considered one entity. </ref>
# Some say that those are financially dependent on their parents and don't have their own money, even if they are above the age of Bar/Bat Mitzva are exempt from Matanot L'evyonim.<ref>Ohr Letzion 4:58:3. Nevertheless, he adds that ideally the father should give them money to allow them to fulfill the mitzva. see however Aruch Hashulchan 694:2 who says that even if children are financially dependent, they have their own obligation to give Matanot Levyonim.</ref> Nonetheless, it is proper that their parents grant them their own money so that they can be yotzei on their own.<ref>Or Letzion 4:58:3</ref> However, some say that it is fine for the parents to give on their behalf without first making an acquisition to make the money belong to the child.<ref>Dirshu 695:56 quoting Rav Nissim Karelitz (Shalmei Todah Purim p. 289 siman 28)</ref>
# Children from the age of 6 and above should be taught to give Matanot Laevyonim.<ref> Ohr Letzion 4:58:3</ref>
# Even a poor person who relies on [[charity]] to support himself is obligated to give Matanot L'evyonim.<Ref> Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Brurah 694:1. The Aruch Hashulchan 694:2 quotes the Bach, Taz, and Pri Megadim explaining that this obligation of the poor person to give to other poor people is similar to his obligation to sell his possessions in order to buy Chanukah candles and four cups of wine for the Pesach Seder. </ref> Two poor people can give money to each other in order to fulfill this mitzva.<ref>Mishna Brura O.C. 694:2 quotes the Pri Megadim explaining that the poor person can switch meals with two other poor people in order to fulfill his obligation without having to lose money. Ben Ish Chai Tetzaveh Halacha 15 agrees </ref>
 
==When Should Matanot L'evyonim be Given?==
# Matanot LeEvyonim should be given during the day and not the night of [[Purim]],<Ref>Magen Avraham 695:13, Mishna Brurah 695:22, Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 169.
<br> Rav Moshe Feinstein is quoted in Balayla Hahu page 19 that if one cannot give during the day one can give at night even before the megilla is read. </ref> and after the reading of the Megilla.<ref>Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 169 </ref>
# If one gives Matanot LeEvyonim before [[Purim]] and is sure that the poor person won’t use it before [[Purim]] one fulfilled one’s obligation. Some are strict to give it on the day of [[Purim]] itself. <Ref>Piskei Teshuvot 694:8, Piskei Shemuot pg 144 quotes Rav Elyashiv who permits lechatchila; Aruch Hashulchan 694:2 says to be stringent and only give on the day itself. </ref> Similarly, before [[Purim]] one can give it to a messenger (Shaliach) who will give it on [[Purim]] itself.<Ref>Piskei Shemuot pg 144 quoting Rav Nassim Karelitz, Sh"t Mahari Assad 207, Daat Torah 695:4, Sh"t Chelkat Yaakov 1:102, Piskei Teshuvot 694:8 </ref>
# Does it work to donate Matanot Levyonim in America on Purim for people in Israel if it was already given out before one donated it? Some say that it is effective if the distributor of the Matanot Levyonim does as follows: the distributor can make the money he has belong to the person who will donate the money and then use it for giving Matanot Levyonim. That concept involves having something be effective after the fact but it is effective for Matanot Levyonim.<ref> Mishnat Hamishpat (Hilchot Tzedaka Biurim 251:2 p. 144) quotes Rav Elyashiv saying that it is effective for the distributor of the tzedaka to be mezakeh the money to the eventual donors and then give it as matanot levyonim and since it is rabbinic we can rely on berierah.
# Does it work to donate Matanot Levyonim in America on Purim for people in Israel if it was already given out before one donated it? Some say that it is effective if the distributor of the Matanot Levyonim does as follows: the distributor can make the money he has belong to the person who will donate the money and then use it for giving Matanot Levyonim. That concept involves having something be effective after the fact but it is effective for Matanot Levyonim.<ref> Mishnat Hamishpat (Hilchot Tzedaka Biurim 251:2 p. 144) quotes Rav Elyashiv saying that it is effective for the distributor of the tzedaka to be mezakeh the money to the eventual donors and then give it as matanot levyonim and since it is rabbinic we can rely on berierah.
* However, Chevel Nachalato 16:24 p. 143 has a lengthy essay on the topic and concludes that it is ineffective since it involves bereirah and potentially matanot levyonim is divrei kabbalah. Also, since the donor who is supposed to be the recipient of the donation isn't known berierah may not be effective. See there at length.</ref>
* However, Chevel Nachalato 16:24 p. 143 has a lengthy essay on the topic and concludes that it is ineffective since it involves bereirah and potentially matanot levyonim is divrei kabbalah. Also, since the donor who is supposed to be the recipient of the donation isn't known berierah may not be effective. See there at length.</ref>
# One can give money to a distributor of tzedaka which will give out the money to poor people on the 14th and 15th of Adar.<ref>Piskei Shemuot p. 147 quotes Rav Chaim Kanievsky saying that it is effective and berierah is irrelevant here, while Rav Karelitz is quoted as holding that one should initially avoid it by splitting up the money for the 14th and 15th.</ref>
# One can give money to a distributor of tzedaka which will give out the money to poor people on the 14th and 15th of Adar.<ref>Piskei Shemuot p. 147 quotes Rav Chaim Kanievsky saying that it is effective and berierah is irrelevant here, while Rav Karelitz is quoted as holding that one should initially avoid it by splitting up the money for the 14th and 15th.</ref>
# If one can't find a poor person to give matanot l'evyonim on Purim, some poskim hold that it is permitted to acquire to them (זוכין לאדם) the money not in their presence. In that case, the poor person should be told about that they're receiving money so that they're happy on Purim.<ref>Piskei Teshuvot (siman 694 fnt. 44) quoting Mahari Asad and Shraga Hameir</ref>


==How much does one have to give for Matanot L'evyonim==
==How Much is Given for Matanot L'evyonim?==
# One is obligated to give two gifts of [[charity]] to two poor people, one to each person. <Ref>In the Gemara [[Megillah]] 7a, Rav Yosef says that one should give two gifts to two poor people for Matanot LeEvyonim. Rashi explains that one should give one gift to each poor person. He says that this is derived from the word Matanot, which being in plural means at least 2 gifts, and Evyonim, which being in plural at least 2 poor people. Tur and S”A 694:1 codify this as halacha. Esther 9:22 states, “U’matanos La’evyonim,” in the plural form implying that one is obligated to give to more than one person. M.B. 694:2 quotes the Chidushei Ha’ritva saying that the
# One is obligated to give two gifts of [[charity]] to two poor people, one to each person.<Ref>In the Gemara [[Megillah]] 7a, Rav Yosef says that one should give two gifts to two poor people for Matanot LeEvyonim. Rashi explains that one should give one gift to each poor person. He says that this is derived from the word Matanot, which being in plural means at least 2 gifts, and Evyonim, which being in plural at least 2 poor people. Tur and S”A 694:1 codify this as halacha. Esther 9:22 states, “U’matanos La’evyonim,” in the plural form implying that one is obligated to give to more than one person. M.B. 694:2 quotes the Chidushei Ha’ritva saying that the
minimum shiur to give is at least two prutah’s worth, as anything less is not considered a gift. M.B. 694:3 explains that this obligation to give one matanah to two people is only to fulfill the lowest level of the obligation. However, one should try to give as much tzedakah as possible on the day of Purim “for there is no greater simcha than being mesameach a poor person.”</ref>
minimum shiur to give is at least two prutah’s worth, as anything less is not considered a gift. M.B. 694:3 explains that this obligation to give one matanah to two people is only to fulfill the lowest level of the obligation. However, one should try to give as much tzedakah as possible on the day of Purim “for there is no greater simcha than being mesameach a poor person.”</ref>
# Some say that the amount one should give for each of the poor people is at least [[Measurements#Prutah| Prutah]] <ref>Mishna Brurah 694:2 quotes the Ritva saying that one fulfills one's obligation even with two prutot (one [[Measurements#Prutah|prutah]] per poor person). Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 7:27(7) (at end) seems to agree that this is the accepted halacha. Prutah is 4 Agurot or 1/25 of a Shekel.</ref> whereas others say the minimum amount is how much it would cost to buy a meal of 3 [[Measurements#KeBaytzah| KeBaytzim]] of bread. <Ref>Shaarei Teshuva 694:1 quoting the Zera Emet 1:11, Maharsha ([[Megillah]] 7a), Kaf HaChaim 695:7, Teshuvot VeHanhagot 3:231, Piskei Teshuvot 694:6 </ref> It’s proper to be strict for the second opinion. <Ref>Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 694:1). Similarly, Yeme Mishteh VeSimcha pg 244 quotes Rav Elyashiv as saying that even though one fulfills one's obligation with a [[Prutah]], nonetheless, it's proper to give each poor person about 5 shekalim  which is an amount which would make the poor person happy. Halichot Shlomo (chap 19, note 62) quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman as having said that in order to fulfill all opinions one should give an amount which is significant by the giver and by the taker's standards. </ref>
# Some say that the amount one should give for each of the poor people is at least[[Measurements#Prutah| Prutah]]<ref>Mishna Brurah 694:2 quotes the Ritva saying that one fulfills one's obligation even with two prutot (one [[Measurements#Prutah|prutah]] per poor person). Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 7:27(7) (at end) seems to agree that this is the accepted halacha. Prutah is 4 Agurot or 1/25 of a Shekel.</ref> whereas others say the minimum amount is how much it would cost to buy a meal of 3[[Measurements#KeBaytzah| KeBaytzim]] of bread.<Ref>Shaarei Teshuva 694:1 quoting the Zera Emet 1:11, Maharsha ([[Megillah]] 7a), Kaf HaChaim 695:7, Teshuvot VeHanhagot 3:231, Piskei Teshuvot 694:6 </ref> It’s proper to be strict for the second opinion.<Ref>Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 694:1). Similarly, Yeme Mishteh VeSimcha pg 244 quotes Rav Elyashiv as saying that even though one fulfills one's obligation with a [[Prutah]], nonetheless, it's proper to give each poor person about 5 shekalim  which is an amount which would make the poor person happy. Halichot Shlomo (chap 19, note 62) quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman as having said that in order to fulfill all opinions one should give an amount which is significant by the giver and by the taker's standards. </ref>
# If you give money to someone who distributes money for Matanot Levyonim enough for two poor people one fulfills one's obligation. Even if the distributor really pools all of the money and gives a small percent of all of the money to each poor person and it turns out that one's donation didn't result in an appreciatable amount to two people one still fulfills one's obligation.<ref>Mishnat Hamishpat (Hilchot Tzedaka Biurim 251:2 p. 144) writes that we can rely on berierah for the derabbanan mitzvah of matanot levyonim to say it is was as though one gave to two poor people a significant amount. He cites Rav Elyashiv to this effect.
# If you give money to someone who distributes money for Matanot Levyonim enough for two poor people one fulfills one's obligation. Even if the distributor really pools all of the money and gives a small percent of all of the money to each poor person and it turns out that one's donation didn't result in an appreciatable amount to two people one still fulfills one's obligation.<ref>Mishnat Hamishpat (Hilchot Tzedaka Biurim 251:2 p. 144) writes that we can rely on berierah for the derabbanan mitzvah of matanot levyonim to say it is was as though one gave to two poor people a significant amount. He cites Rav Elyashiv to this effect.
* Chevel Nechalato v. 16 p. 143 quotes Rav Nevinsal who says that matanot levyonim is effective with berierah whether it is derabbanan or deoritta since there’s no need for a specific accomplishment with one person. The goal is just that you gave tzedaka and Hashem considers it as a mitzvah. </ref>
* Chevel Nechalato v. 16 p. 143 quotes Rav Neventzal who says that matanot levyonim is effective with berierah whether it is derabbanan or deoritta since there’s no need for a specific accomplishment with one person. The goal is just that you gave tzedaka and Hashem considers it as a mitzvah. </ref>
# One should not use money from Maaser for Matanot Laevyonim.<ref> Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 170 based on Rama Y.D. 249:1 </ref> However, one who has already fulfilled the mitzva and would like to give additional money to charity on Purim, may do so from Maaser money.<ref> Chazon Ovadia pg. 170</ref>


==Who should one give Matanot L'evyonim to?==
==Who Should be Given Matanot L'evyonim?==
# Nowadays, someone who doesn’t have a stable income that can support one’s family for normal expenses and doesn’t have property that’s not usually used and could be sold or if one has abnormal expenses such as for medical bills, or making a wedding for which one can not afford, is considered a poor person regarding this mitzvah. <ref>Piskei Teshuvot 694:2 </ref>
# Nowadays, someone who doesn’t have a stable income that can support one’s family for normal expenses and doesn’t have property that’s not usually used and could be sold or if one has abnormal expenses such as for medical bills, or making a wedding for which one can not afford, is considered a poor person regarding this mitzvah.<ref>Piskei Teshuvot 694:2 </ref>
# The mitzvah can be fulfilled by giving money to men, women or children. However, if the women and children rely on the father for sustenance, then giving to a father and his child or a husband and his wife would only be viewed as giving to one person <ref> Aruch Hashulchan 694:2 </ref>.
# The mitzvah can be fulfilled by giving money to men, women or children. However, if the women and children rely on the father for sustenance, then giving to a father and his child or a husband and his wife would only be viewed as giving to one person.<ref> Aruch Hashulchan 694:2 </ref>
# One should not check if the poor person is really in need of money, but one should be willing to give to anyone who asks throughout the entire day of Purim. <ref> S.A. 694:3. The Aruch Hashulchan 694:3 actually learns this statement of the Shulchan Aruch to be a leniency within the obligation of Tzedaka that one can fulfill his obligation of giving Matanos Le’evyonim by giving to almost anyone and he does not have to check to see if they really need money. According to this understanding of the S.A one need not give to every person that asks. </ref>
# One should not check if the poor person is really in need of money, but one should be willing to give to anyone who asks throughout the entire day of Purim.<ref> S.A. 694:3. The Aruch Hashulchan 694:3 actually learns this statement of the Shulchan Aruch to be a leniency within the obligation of Tzedaka that one can fulfill his obligation of giving Matanos Le’evyonim by giving to almost anyone and he does not have to check to see if they really need money. According to this understanding of the S.A one need not give to every person that asks. </ref>
# One who gives charity to a non-Jewish person has not fulfilled the mitzva of Matanot Laevyonim.<ref> Kaf Hachaim 694:3 </ref>  


==What should one give for Matanot Laevyonim?==
==What to Give for Matanot Laevyonim?==
# One can give either money or food as long as these things can be easily used on Purim. <ref> M.B. 694:2 explains that it is best to give the poor person specifically for his needs on the day of Purim. Thus, food can often be better than money. </ref>
# One can give either money or food as long as these things can be easily used on Purim.<ref> Mishna Berura 694:2 explains that it is best to give the poor person specifically for his needs on the day of Purim. Thus, food can often be better than money. </ref>
==Customs related to Matanot Laevyonim==
# One is permitted to give a check.<ref> Mishneh Halachot 6:122, Rivevos Efraim 5:455:2, Chazon Ovadia pg. 170-171 and Halichos Shlomo Purim page 342 </ref> Some poskim claim that this is only as long as one can draw the money on [[Purim]], meaning the check is not postdated and the banks are open.<ref> Mishnah Halachot 6:122.</ref> Others are lenient.<ref> Chacham Ovadia Yosef (Chazon Ovadia pg. 170-171), Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo Purim page 342) and Rav Belsky (Piskei Harav Belsky pg. 124) explain that one can use a check even if the bank is not open on Purim. Rav Belsky does agree that one should not use a post-dated check. </ref>
# In addition to Matanos Le’evyonim, there is a minhag to give Machatzis Hashekel on erev Purim, before Mincha. In order to fulfill this mitzvah, one should give half a coin of the common currency of his country. <ref> Rama 694:1. The Rama explains that this custom serves as a zecher to the machatzis hashekel that was collected during the month of Adar. </ref>
# Giving clothing or other items is not sufficient to fulfill the mitzva.<ref> Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 166 </ref>
# There is a custom to give three half coins since it says “Terumah” three times in parshas Shekalim. <ref> Rama 694:1 </ref>
 
# Machatzis Hashekel is only an obligation for men over the age of 20 because they were the ones who gave the half shekel in the midbar. However, it is customary for everyone to give Machatzis Hashekel. <ref> The Rambam in Hilchos Shekalim 9:7 says that anyone over the age of bar mitzvah should give the half shekel. M.B. 694:5 writes that this is to fulfill the absolute obligation, but the minhag is that everyone should give the half shekel, even a pregnant woman for her fetus. </ref>
==Related Pages==
* [[Zecher_LeMachatzit_HaShekel|Zecher LeMachatzit HaShekel]]


==Links==
==Links==
* [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/56811 Yalkut Yosef Hilchot Purim (Hebrew 5773)]
* [http://www.hebrewbooks.org/56811 Yalkut Yosef Hilchot Purim (Hebrew 5773)]
* [https://www.yutorah.org/lectures/lecture.cfm/742522/rabbi-aryeh-lebowitz/ten-minute-halacha-matanos-levyonim/ Ten Minute Halacha - Matanos Levyonim] by Rabbi Aryeh Lebowitz
* Article on [https://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/general/1477831/matanos-levyonim-a-halachic-analysis.html Matanos Levyonim - A Halachic Analysis] by Rabbi Yair Hoffman
==Sources==
==Sources==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{reflist|30em}}

Latest revision as of 02:24, 21 March 2024

It is preferable to increase in giving gifts to the poor rather than increasing one's seudah and mishloach manot as there is no greater happiness than making the poor and less fortunate happy. [1]

Who is Obligated to Give Matanot L'Evyonim?

  1. Both men and women are obligated to give Matanot L'evyonim. [2]
  2. Some say that those are financially dependent on their parents and don't have their own money, even if they are above the age of Bar/Bat Mitzva are exempt from Matanot L'evyonim.[3] Nonetheless, it is proper that their parents grant them their own money so that they can be yotzei on their own.[4] However, some say that it is fine for the parents to give on their behalf without first making an acquisition to make the money belong to the child.[5]
  3. Children from the age of 6 and above should be taught to give Matanot Laevyonim.[6]
  4. Even a poor person who relies on charity to support himself is obligated to give Matanot L'evyonim.[7] Two poor people can give money to each other in order to fulfill this mitzva.[8]

When Should Matanot L'evyonim be Given?

  1. Matanot LeEvyonim should be given during the day and not the night of Purim,[9] and after the reading of the Megilla.[10]
  2. If one gives Matanot LeEvyonim before Purim and is sure that the poor person won’t use it before Purim one fulfilled one’s obligation. Some are strict to give it on the day of Purim itself. [11] Similarly, before Purim one can give it to a messenger (Shaliach) who will give it on Purim itself.[12]
  3. Does it work to donate Matanot Levyonim in America on Purim for people in Israel if it was already given out before one donated it? Some say that it is effective if the distributor of the Matanot Levyonim does as follows: the distributor can make the money he has belong to the person who will donate the money and then use it for giving Matanot Levyonim. That concept involves having something be effective after the fact but it is effective for Matanot Levyonim.[13]
  4. One can give money to a distributor of tzedaka which will give out the money to poor people on the 14th and 15th of Adar.[14]
  5. If one can't find a poor person to give matanot l'evyonim on Purim, some poskim hold that it is permitted to acquire to them (זוכין לאדם) the money not in their presence. In that case, the poor person should be told about that they're receiving money so that they're happy on Purim.[15]

How Much is Given for Matanot L'evyonim?

  1. One is obligated to give two gifts of charity to two poor people, one to each person.[16]
  2. Some say that the amount one should give for each of the poor people is at least Prutah[17] whereas others say the minimum amount is how much it would cost to buy a meal of 3 KeBaytzim of bread.[18] It’s proper to be strict for the second opinion.[19]
  3. If you give money to someone who distributes money for Matanot Levyonim enough for two poor people one fulfills one's obligation. Even if the distributor really pools all of the money and gives a small percent of all of the money to each poor person and it turns out that one's donation didn't result in an appreciatable amount to two people one still fulfills one's obligation.[20]
  4. One should not use money from Maaser for Matanot Laevyonim.[21] However, one who has already fulfilled the mitzva and would like to give additional money to charity on Purim, may do so from Maaser money.[22]

Who Should be Given Matanot L'evyonim?

  1. Nowadays, someone who doesn’t have a stable income that can support one’s family for normal expenses and doesn’t have property that’s not usually used and could be sold or if one has abnormal expenses such as for medical bills, or making a wedding for which one can not afford, is considered a poor person regarding this mitzvah.[23]
  2. The mitzvah can be fulfilled by giving money to men, women or children. However, if the women and children rely on the father for sustenance, then giving to a father and his child or a husband and his wife would only be viewed as giving to one person.[24]
  3. One should not check if the poor person is really in need of money, but one should be willing to give to anyone who asks throughout the entire day of Purim.[25]
  4. One who gives charity to a non-Jewish person has not fulfilled the mitzva of Matanot Laevyonim.[26]

What to Give for Matanot Laevyonim?

  1. One can give either money or food as long as these things can be easily used on Purim.[27]
  2. One is permitted to give a check.[28] Some poskim claim that this is only as long as one can draw the money on Purim, meaning the check is not postdated and the banks are open.[29] Others are lenient.[30]
  3. Giving clothing or other items is not sufficient to fulfill the mitzva.[31]

Related Pages

Links

Sources

  1. ↑ Rambam Hilchot Megillah 2:17, Mishna Brurah 694:3, Aruch Hashulchan 694:2, Masechet Sofrim 21:4. The source for Matanot Laevyonim is found in the Megillah 9:22
  2. ↑ Rama 695:4, Mishna Brurah 694:1, Aruch Hashulchan 694:2, Piskei Teshuvot 695:15, Ben Ish Chai Parashat Tetzaveh Halacha 17.
    • Ohr Letzion 4:58: note 3 writes that ideally the husband should give his wife some money of her own which she can use for the fulfillment of the mitzva.
    • The Aruch Hashulchan 694:2 explains that although women are obligated, they can fulfill their obligation with their husbands since a man and his wife are considered one entity.
  3. ↑ Ohr Letzion 4:58:3. Nevertheless, he adds that ideally the father should give them money to allow them to fulfill the mitzva. see however Aruch Hashulchan 694:2 who says that even if children are financially dependent, they have their own obligation to give Matanot Levyonim.
  4. ↑ Or Letzion 4:58:3
  5. ↑ Dirshu 695:56 quoting Rav Nissim Karelitz (Shalmei Todah Purim p. 289 siman 28)
  6. ↑ Ohr Letzion 4:58:3
  7. ↑ Shulchan Aruch and Mishna Brurah 694:1. The Aruch Hashulchan 694:2 quotes the Bach, Taz, and Pri Megadim explaining that this obligation of the poor person to give to other poor people is similar to his obligation to sell his possessions in order to buy Chanukah candles and four cups of wine for the Pesach Seder.
  8. ↑ Mishna Brura O.C. 694:2 quotes the Pri Megadim explaining that the poor person can switch meals with two other poor people in order to fulfill his obligation without having to lose money. Ben Ish Chai Tetzaveh Halacha 15 agrees
  9. ↑ Magen Avraham 695:13, Mishna Brurah 695:22, Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 169.
    Rav Moshe Feinstein is quoted in Balayla Hahu page 19 that if one cannot give during the day one can give at night even before the megilla is read.
  10. ↑ Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 169
  11. ↑ Piskei Teshuvot 694:8, Piskei Shemuot pg 144 quotes Rav Elyashiv who permits lechatchila; Aruch Hashulchan 694:2 says to be stringent and only give on the day itself.
  12. ↑ Piskei Shemuot pg 144 quoting Rav Nassim Karelitz, Sh"t Mahari Assad 207, Daat Torah 695:4, Sh"t Chelkat Yaakov 1:102, Piskei Teshuvot 694:8
  13. ↑ Mishnat Hamishpat (Hilchot Tzedaka Biurim 251:2 p. 144) quotes Rav Elyashiv saying that it is effective for the distributor of the tzedaka to be mezakeh the money to the eventual donors and then give it as matanot levyonim and since it is rabbinic we can rely on berierah.
    • However, Chevel Nachalato 16:24 p. 143 has a lengthy essay on the topic and concludes that it is ineffective since it involves bereirah and potentially matanot levyonim is divrei kabbalah. Also, since the donor who is supposed to be the recipient of the donation isn't known berierah may not be effective. See there at length.
  14. ↑ Piskei Shemuot p. 147 quotes Rav Chaim Kanievsky saying that it is effective and berierah is irrelevant here, while Rav Karelitz is quoted as holding that one should initially avoid it by splitting up the money for the 14th and 15th.
  15. ↑ Piskei Teshuvot (siman 694 fnt. 44) quoting Mahari Asad and Shraga Hameir
  16. ↑ In the Gemara Megillah 7a, Rav Yosef says that one should give two gifts to two poor people for Matanot LeEvyonim. Rashi explains that one should give one gift to each poor person. He says that this is derived from the word Matanot, which being in plural means at least 2 gifts, and Evyonim, which being in plural at least 2 poor people. Tur and S”A 694:1 codify this as halacha. Esther 9:22 states, “U’matanos La’evyonim,” in the plural form implying that one is obligated to give to more than one person. M.B. 694:2 quotes the Chidushei Ha’ritva saying that the minimum shiur to give is at least two prutah’s worth, as anything less is not considered a gift. M.B. 694:3 explains that this obligation to give one matanah to two people is only to fulfill the lowest level of the obligation. However, one should try to give as much tzedakah as possible on the day of Purim “for there is no greater simcha than being mesameach a poor person.”
  17. ↑ Mishna Brurah 694:2 quotes the Ritva saying that one fulfills one's obligation even with two prutot (one prutah per poor person). Sh”t Tzitz Eliezer 7:27(7) (at end) seems to agree that this is the accepted halacha. Prutah is 4 Agurot or 1/25 of a Shekel.
  18. ↑ Shaarei Teshuva 694:1 quoting the Zera Emet 1:11, Maharsha (Megillah 7a), Kaf HaChaim 695:7, Teshuvot VeHanhagot 3:231, Piskei Teshuvot 694:6
  19. ↑ Yalkut Yosef (Kitzur S”A 694:1). Similarly, Yeme Mishteh VeSimcha pg 244 quotes Rav Elyashiv as saying that even though one fulfills one's obligation with a Prutah, nonetheless, it's proper to give each poor person about 5 shekalim which is an amount which would make the poor person happy. Halichot Shlomo (chap 19, note 62) quotes Rav Shlomo Zalman as having said that in order to fulfill all opinions one should give an amount which is significant by the giver and by the taker's standards.
  20. ↑ Mishnat Hamishpat (Hilchot Tzedaka Biurim 251:2 p. 144) writes that we can rely on berierah for the derabbanan mitzvah of matanot levyonim to say it is was as though one gave to two poor people a significant amount. He cites Rav Elyashiv to this effect.
    • Chevel Nechalato v. 16 p. 143 quotes Rav Neventzal who says that matanot levyonim is effective with berierah whether it is derabbanan or deoritta since there’s no need for a specific accomplishment with one person. The goal is just that you gave tzedaka and Hashem considers it as a mitzvah.
  21. ↑ Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 170 based on Rama Y.D. 249:1
  22. ↑ Chazon Ovadia pg. 170
  23. ↑ Piskei Teshuvot 694:2
  24. ↑ Aruch Hashulchan 694:2
  25. ↑ S.A. 694:3. The Aruch Hashulchan 694:3 actually learns this statement of the Shulchan Aruch to be a leniency within the obligation of Tzedaka that one can fulfill his obligation of giving Matanos Le’evyonim by giving to almost anyone and he does not have to check to see if they really need money. According to this understanding of the S.A one need not give to every person that asks.
  26. ↑ Kaf Hachaim 694:3
  27. ↑ Mishna Berura 694:2 explains that it is best to give the poor person specifically for his needs on the day of Purim. Thus, food can often be better than money.
  28. ↑ Mishneh Halachot 6:122, Rivevos Efraim 5:455:2, Chazon Ovadia pg. 170-171 and Halichos Shlomo Purim page 342
  29. ↑ Mishnah Halachot 6:122.
  30. ↑ Chacham Ovadia Yosef (Chazon Ovadia pg. 170-171), Rav Shlomo Zalman Auerbach (Halichos Shlomo Purim page 342) and Rav Belsky (Piskei Harav Belsky pg. 124) explain that one can use a check even if the bank is not open on Purim. Rav Belsky does agree that one should not use a post-dated check.
  31. ↑ Chazon Ovadia Purim pg. 166
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