Matanot La’evyonim

Laws and Customs | February 28, 2026

It is an obligatory mitzvah for men, women, and children of the age of education, to give gifts to at least two poor people on this day.
Rav Chaim Palagi explains that Haman tried to obliterate the Jewish people using the power of his evil eye. The best way to counter the evil eye is by giving Tzedakah. This is the reason the sages instituted this particular mitzvah.
One should preferably give enough money or food to each poor person that enables him or her to purchase food for the Purim meal.
The money that one gives to fulfill the basic obligation of matanot la’evyonim may not be taken from one’s ma’aser (tithe) money. But the money that one gives beyond their obligation may be taken from ma’aser.
One may give cash or a check that can be cashed on that day.
The money should reach the poor person on the day of Purim.
The Rambam writes that it is better to spend more money on gifts to the poor than to increase in Mishlo’ach manot and one own party expenses. The greatest joy is to gladden the hearts of widows, orphans and the poor. In doing so, one is similar to the Shechinah (Divine presence).
On Purim, one should not be particular but should give to whoever asks.
The poor people who receive the money need not spend it on Purim expenses but may use it however they see fit.

It is an obligatory mitzvah for men, women, and children of the age of education, to give gifts to at least two poor people on this day.
Rav Chaim Palagi explains that Haman tried to obliterate the Jewish people using the power of his evil eye. The best way to counter the evil eye is by giving Tzedakah. This is the reason the sages instituted this particular mitzvah.
One should preferably give enough money or food to each poor person that enables him or her to purchase food for the Purim meal.
The money that one gives to fulfill the basic obligation of matanot la’evyonim may not be taken from one’s ma’aser (tithe) money. But the money that one gives beyond their obligation may be taken from ma’aser.
One may give cash or a check that can be cashed on that day.
The money should reach the poor person on the day of Purim.
The Rambam writes that it is better to spend more money on gifts to the poor than to increase in Mishlo’ach manot and one own party expenses. The greatest joy is to gladden the hearts of widows, orphans and the poor. In doing so, one is similar to the Shechinah (Divine presence).
On Purim, one should not be particular but should give to whoever asks.
The poor people who receive the money need not spend it on Purim expenses but may use it however they see fit.

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Laws and Customs | February 28, 2026