There are two basic reasons given in the poskim for the mitzvah of mishloach manos, and as we will see there are many halachic ramifications that are based on these reasons.
Food for the Purim Seuda
The Terumas Hadeshen writes that the purpose of this mitzvah is to provide everyone with food for the Purim seuda. The Terumas Hadeshen was asked if a person can give clothing for mishloach manos, and he responded that that is not an option. Since the purpose of this mitzvah is to provide everyone with food for the Purim seuda, it must be specifically food.
The Chasam Sofer adds that even if the recipient of the mishloach manos has more than enough food for the seuda, giving him is still a fulfillment of the mitzvah of mishloach manos. He explains that this is because the mitzvah was instituted across the board, in order not to embarrass those who are in need.
Bringing Friendship
The Bach and the Manos Halevi explain the reason for the mitzvah of mishloach manos is to bring friendship and closeness between a person and his fellow Jew. Haman had made the claim that the Jews were an “am mefuzar umeforad” – they are a nation splintered into many different groups and not living in unity – and were able to be annihilated. To counteract this accusation, Esther told Mordechai – “Leich kenos es kol haYehudim” – gather together all the Jews in unity” and that will help us overcome the enemy.
To commemorate this important factor in bringing about our salvation and victory over the enemy, they instituted the mitzvah of mishloach manos, which brings friendship and closeness between all Jews. This power of unity and harmony will serve to continue to bring us great salvations.
Nafka Mina Between the Two Reasons – If Receiver Says “No Thank You”
The Rama writes that if someone sends a mishloach manos and the receiver says “no thank you,” he still fulfills the mitzvah. The Pri Chodosh wonders why this should be true. He may have had good intentions, but if nothing was received how is this a fulfillment of the mitzvah?
The Chasam Sofer explains that this machlokes between the Rama and the Pri Chodosh is based on the two ways of understanding the mitzvah of giving mishloach manos. The Rama understood that the reason for the mitzvah is to create unity and friendship between fellow Jews, and the gesture itself of wanting to give a present creates feelings of friendship. Even if the receiver doesn’t accept the present, he will still see that this person is caring about him.
The Pri Chodosh, however, questions that premise. Since there are two ways to understand the mitzvah, how did the Rama know to follow that reason? Maybe the reason for the mitzvah is to provide food for the receiver for the Purim seuda, and since he did not actually receive anything, the mitzvah was not fulfilled.
Summary
There are 2 basic reasons for the mitzvah of mishloach manos: to provide food for the seuda, or to add to friendship, and a possible nafka minah will be if the receiver says “no thank you.” If the reason is to add to the friendship, he fulfilled the mitzvah, but if the reason is to provide food for the seuda, he did not.
Rabbi Scheiner
