13 Questions
How many mishloach manot should one give to their friends during Purim?
Two foods to one person
According to Rav Yosef, what should be prioritized: giving gifts to the poor or spending on the Purim feast?
Giving more gifts to the poor
What is Rabbi Moshe Sofer's other well-known name?
Chasam Sofer
Where did Rabbi Moshe Sofer serve as a rabbi in 1806?
Pressburg
What is the purpose of the mitzvah of mishloach manot according to Terumat HaDeshen?
To ensure there is plenty to eat for the Purim Seudah and to avoid embarrassing those in need.
According to Manot HaLevi, why was the mitzvah of mishloach manot instituted?
To increase peace and brotherly love among the Jewish people.
Who are Rav Yosef Caro's rulings in the Shulchan Arukh primarily for?
Sefardim.
Who do the opinions of Rav Moshe Isserles in the Shulchan Arukh primarily cater to?
Ashkenazim.
What should one do if they don't have enough to send mishloach manot to a friend?
They can swap their Seudah with their friend to fulfill the mitzvah.
Are women obligated to participate in the mitzvah of mishloach manot?
Yes, women are obligated just like men.
Who should women send mishloach manot to, according to Jewish tradition?
Women should send to women, and men should send to men, but not to each other.
When should one send mishloach manot in order to fulfil the mitzva?
On Purim day not Purim night
If someone doesn't want the mishloach manot, has the sender fulfilled their mitzva?
Yes
Study Notes
Observance of Purim
- Village Jews, who live in unwalled towns, observe the 14th day of the month of Adar and make it a day of merrymaking and feasting, and as a holiday and an occasion for sending gifts to one another.
Mishloach Manot
- Rav Yosef taught that each person should give two gifts to one friend, and gifts to the poor.
- It is better to give more gifts to the poor than to spend more on one's Purim feast or on sending portions to one's friends.
Reasons Behind Mishloach Manot
- According to Rabbi Moshe Sofer, there are two reasons for the mitzvah of mishloach manot:
- To ensure that there is plenty to eat for the Purim Seudah, and to avoid embarrassing those who don't have enough (Terumat HaDeshen).
- To increase peace and brotherly love among the Jewish people, and to bring about the opposite of what Haman said about us (Manot HaLevi).
Halakhic Rulings
- According to the Shulchan Arukh, there is an obligation to send to one's friend two portions of meat or any other type of food.
- One should send the present during the day and not at night.
- If one sends mishloach manot to his fellow and that person doesn't want to receive it, he has still fulfilled the mitzvah.
- A woman is obligated in the mitzvoth of matanot la'evyonim and mishloach manot, just like a man.
- Women should send to women, while men should send to men, but not to each other.
Learn about the traditions and customs of Purim as observed by village Jews living in unwalled towns, including merrymaking, feasting, and exchanging gifts. Explore the teachings of Rav Yosef on giving gifts to friends and the importance of giving to the poor during Purim celebrations.
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