Please take a moment to review the enclosed info about Purim that will help you celebrate the holiday the right way.

Some of you are still fasting, then please scroll down this page to see a video about the meaning of the fast and the laws (Halacha) of the fast including the laws of Purim.

The first Mitzvah we are requested to do is Machatzit Hashekel.

A few quick points:

• On Taanit Esther – the “fast of Esther,” before the Mincha prayer, we give the Machatzit HaShekel to charity. A Machatzit HaShekel is half of the standard currency of that particular country. In the USA would be approx $5-$7. In Israel is approx 25 Shekels.

• It is customary to give three coins, since the word Terumah (lit. an offering) is mentioned three times in the beginning of Parshat Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35). If one did not manage to give it before Mincha, then he can give it after Mincha, or before the Megillah reading on Purim night or before the Megillah reading on Purim morning.

• One should not use money from his/her Maaser (tithes) for Machatzit Hashekel

• A father who started giving on behalf of his young children, must continue giving on their behalf every year until the child becomes responsible to give on his own, unless he explicitly made a condition [the first time that he gave for his children] that he is not accepting it upon himself as a vow. A father should also give the Machatzit Hashekel on behalf of his unborn child (during the mother’s pregnancy)

• It is customary to give the donation money to Torah learning institutes

To donate on line for Machatzit Hashekel follow the link to the right >>>

Next Mitzvah we need to do is listen to the Megila twice. Once in the evening after the fast and once in the morning (or during the day)

The next two Mitzvot we need to do are giving gifts on Purim. A few rules to remember:

1) Mishloach Manot is fulfilled by sending two types of ready-to-eat food to at least one friend. This mitzvah should be performed on Purim day itself.

2) There is a custom to send Mishloach Manot through a third person messenger, since the word Mishloach is related to the word for messenger, Shaliach.

3) Matanot La’evyonim is fulfilled by giving money to at least two poor people on the day of Purim. The gift should at least equal the value of a fast-food meal.

4) This is not a “family” obligation, but rather each person should perform the mitzvah themselves.

5) The money needn’t be given directly to a poor person, but can be given to a community representative — as long as the money is actually distributed to the poor on Purim day.

6) Matanot La’evyonim is a special mitzvah, not to be included in the amount of money a person sets aside for charity during the rest of the year.

7) Maimonides writes that it is inappropriate to buy expensive Mishloach Manot, if this will come at the expense of larger gifts to the poor.
Every year Rabbi Anava distributes on the day of Purim money and food to hundreds of people who rely on us. Old people, poor people, holocaust survivors, single mother and more.

Please join us on this AMAZING Mitzvah so we can light up the world of many people who are less fortunate and may this Mitzvah stand to us as a merit to bless us and protect us!

The last Mitzvah we need to do is a festive meal with great joy and Happiness!

(There is no video for that….)

May Hashem bless us all with a Happy Purim for of Joy and Laughter!

Rabbi Alon Anava
The entire Atzmut team!