1. One must send his friend two portions of meat or other food on Purim, as the posuk says, “ומשלוח מנות איש לרעהו.” The more one sends to others, the more praiseworthy it is (שו"ע סי' תרצ"ה ס"ד ). There are two main reasons given for mishloach manos. The acharonim discuss the various ramifications of the different reasons, as will be explained below. Lechatchilah, one should send mishloach manos that satisfies both opinions to at least one person (שו"ת כת"ס סי' קמ"א ).
2. Reason 1. The first reason is to ensure that every Jewish family has its Purim seudah’s needs met with abundance, enabling them to rejoice fully and properly (תרומת הדשן סי' קי"א ). Chazal did not distinguish between the poor and those who already have what they need or the wealthy so as not to embarrass the needy (שו"ת חת"ס או"ח סי' קצ"ו ).
3. Reason 2. The second reason is to increase peace, friendship, love, and brotherhood in Klal Yisroel, in contrast with what our enemy, Haman, said, that the Jews were “מפוזר ומפורד בין העמים.” We were saved when we came together with friendship and brotherhood, not division (מנות הלוי אסתר פ"ט ).
