Matanot La'Evyonim: The Mitzvah of Giving on Purim

Of the four mitzvot of Purim, which one do you think the great Rambam (Maimonides) considered the most important? It was not hearing the Megillah, not sending food gifts, and not the festive meal. It was matanot la'evyonim, giving gifts to the poor. Why? Because, he wrote, there is no greater joy than bringing happiness to the hearts of the downtrodden. Let us explore this beautiful and essential Purim obligation.

What Is Matanot La'Evyonim?

Matanot la'evyonim literally means "gifts to the poor." It is a specific mitzvah established by the Sages as one of the four obligations of Purim. The requirement is to give monetary gifts to at least two poor people on Purim day. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, can participate in the joy of the holiday.

The Basic Requirements

Who must give? Every Jewish adult, both men and women, is obligated to give matanot la'evyonim. Even someone who is themselves poor and receives charity should try to give something, even a small amount, to fulfill this mitzvah.

How many recipients? The minimum is two poor people. You can certainly give to more, and doing so is praiseworthy.

How much? The minimum amount should be enough to purchase a basic meal, which in practical terms today means at least a few dollars per recipient. However, the more you give, the better. Many people give significantly more than the minimum, especially to organizations that distribute funds to the needy.

When? Matanot la'evyonim should be given on Purim day itself, not the night before. The gifts should reach the recipients on Purim so they can use them for their holiday celebration.

What form? Money is the standard form. Unlike mishloach manot (food gifts to friends), matanot la'evyonim is specifically monetary. You can give cash, a check, or donate through a charitable organization that distributes funds on Purim.

Why Is This Mitzvah So Important?

The Rambam's emphasis on matanot la'evyonim reflects a core Jewish value: true joy is not selfish. The Purim celebration is meant to be universal within the community. If some people cannot afford a festive meal while others celebrate lavishly, the joy is incomplete.

This connects directly to the Purim story itself. Haman's plot threatened all Jews equally, rich and poor. The salvation affected everyone. Therefore, the celebration must include everyone too. By ensuring that the poor have what they need to celebrate, we complete the circle of redemption.

The Rambam went so far as to say that one should prioritize spending on matanot la'evyonim over spending on mishloach manot or even the Purim feast. If your budget is limited, directing more resources to the poor is the highest form of Purim observance.

Practical Ways to Fulfill the Mitzvah

Give directly: If you know people in your community who are struggling financially, you can give directly to them. Discretion is important; the highest form of tzedakah is when the giver and receiver do not know each other's identities.

Donate through an organization: Many synagogues and charitable organizations collect matanot la'evyonim funds before Purim and distribute them on the day itself. This is an efficient and dignified way to fulfill the mitzvah, as the organization can identify those in need and distribute funds discreetly.

Online platforms: In today's digital world, several reputable Jewish organizations offer online matanot la'evyonim collection and distribution. You can fulfill the mitzvah with a few clicks, and the organization handles everything. Just make sure the funds will be distributed on Purim day itself.

Give generously: While the minimum is modest, the spirit of the mitzvah encourages generosity. Consider what a meaningful Purim celebration would cost for a family in need and try to contribute accordingly.

Teaching Children About Giving

Purim is a wonderful opportunity to teach children the value of generosity. Here are some ideas:

Set aside matanot la'evyonim money together: Let children participate in counting out and setting aside the money. Explain why this mitzvah matters.

Let children choose: If you give to multiple causes, let each child choose one recipient or organization. This gives them a sense of ownership and agency in the mitzvah.

Talk about empathy: Use the Purim story to discuss what it means to care for others. Esther risked her life for her people. We can sacrifice a bit of our comfort for those in need.

Combine with mishloach manot: When preparing mishloach manot packages, discuss the difference between giving food to friends and giving money to the poor. Both are important, but they serve different purposes.

The Deeper Meaning

Matanot la'evyonim embodies one of the most beautiful aspects of Jewish life: the insistence that no one is forgotten. In a world that often celebrates individual success, Purim reminds us that true celebration is communal. Joy that is not shared is diminished; joy that includes everyone is elevated.

On a deeper level, matanot la'evyonim also reflects the Purim theme of reversal. Just as the Purim story turned mourning into joy and despair into celebration, our gifts can transform someone's difficult situation into an occasion for happiness. When we give to the poor on Purim, we become partners with God in the ongoing work of bringing light to dark places.

There is also a special principle on Purim: kol haposhet yad, notnim lo, meaning "anyone who extends their hand, we give to them." On Purim, we do not investigate whether someone truly qualifies as poor. If they ask, we give. This extraordinary generosity of spirit is what makes Purim unique.

For more about the Purim observances, see our guides to the four mitzvot of Purim, hearing the Megillah, and understanding Purim.