- Shabbat and Holidays
- Mishloach Manot and Presents to the Poor
Tzeddaka in lieu of Mishlochei Manot?
Question
There are various charities that advertise the possibility of donating to their charity and receiving gift cards to give in lieu of Mishlochei Manot- will I fulfil the Mitzva if I only send these cards?
Answer
As known there is the Mitzvah of Mishloach Manot and giving charity to the poor. The Mitzvah of Mishloach Manot can be fulfilled only with two ready to eat foods (Shulchan Aruch 695:4). One does not fulfill the Mitzvah by giving charity instead. (Trumat Hadeshen 111).Therefore, by sending cards only, you will not be fulfilling the Mitzvah. On the other hand, the Rambam in Hilchot Megilla (2:17) writes that it is better to give more Matanot La'evyonim than to spend on the Se'uda and Mishloach Manot. So if the arrangement is that you spend a little money on the Mishloach Manot and spend more money for the poor which will be given on Purim you will fulfill two Mitzvot at once and you will be doing exactly what the Rambam prescribed. Have a happy Purim!

Mishloach Manot at night
Various Rabbis | 7 Adar 5766

Mishloach Manot
Various Rabbis | 18 Shevat 5767

Mishloach Manot Delivery Time
Rabbi David Sperling | Adar 12, 5772

Rabbi Yoel Lieberman

L’Dovid Hashem Ori
Elul 11, 5769

Yerushalmi
Av 27, 5769

is a cruise ship considered its own domain
Elul 4, 5769

Swimming together with siblings
Av 29, 5769

Non-Jew in the Temple.
Rabbi Jonathan Blass | 15 Tevet 5763

How can a cohen marry a convert
Rabbi David Sperling | Kislev 26, 5773

How to choose a spouse
Rabbi Ari Shvat | Av 20, 5782

Prove originality of the Hebrew language in Bible
Rabbi Ari Shvat |

Preparation for Davening
Rabbi David Sperling | Av 7, 5782
