By the Grace of G-d
7th of Adar, 5721
Brooklyn, N.Y.
To: Rabbis, Principals, Teachers and Parents -
Greeting and Blessing:
In connection with the approaching Purim festival, we are directed by the Lubavitcher Rabbi (Shlito) to call your kind attention to the fact that there is a widespread misconception on the part of Jewish children and teenagers regarding the Mitzvos of Mishloach Monos (sending food-gifts to friends) and Mattonos loEvyonim (donations to the poor), namely, that they have no personal obligation to fulfill them, in the belief that they are included in the performance of these Mitzvos by their parents.
Rabbis, Principals, Teachers and Parents are therefore respectfully urged to remind their students and children that:
- In addition to listening to the reading of the Megillah on Purim (both at night and in the morning), boys of thirteen years and older, and girls of twelve and older, have a personal obligation to fulfill also the Mitzvos of Mishloach Monos and Mattonos loEvyonim during the day of Purim.
- Note: From the educational and experiential point of view, younger children should also be encouraged to fulfill these Mitzvos.
These Mitzvos can easily be fulfilled. In the case of Mishloach Monos - by two kinds of edibles (e.g. an apple and a candy, or a piece of cake and soda, or juice): Mattonos loEvyonim - by two pennies, one penny to each of two poor men.
With best wishes for a happy and inspiring Purim,
Sincerely yours,
SECRETARIAT OF RABBI MENACHEM M. SCHNEERSON the Lubavitcher Rabbi
