Matanot LaEvyonim

It is a mitzva for each and every Jewish man and woman to give matanot la'evyonim on Purim. 

In order to fulfill this mitzva, one must give a minimum of two gifts – one each to two poor people – but it is praiseworthy to give more. Traditionally the money is given after the morning megillah reading. However, HaRav Moshe Feinstein, ztz"l ruled that if one cannot give during the day one can give at night even before the megilla is read [Balayla Hahu p. 19]. In addition, a person may give money for matanot la'evyonim to a shaliach before Purim, in order that it distributed on Purim [Chelkat Yaakov 1:102, Piskei Teshuvot 694:8]

While there is a debate as to how much money must be given, whether a few cents or enough to purchase food for a meal [Mishna Brurah 694:2] the custom is to be strict and give an amount which is significant both by the giver and the receiver's standards [Halichot Shlomo chapter 19, note 62]. 

One may not give matanot la'evyonim from the ma’aser money, as one may not fulfill this obligation with money that one is already required to give to charity [Rama Yore Deah 249:1]. 

An poor person is defined by halacha as a poor person who has insufficient funds for his family’s essential needs, as defined by the time and place in which he lives. There were times when a person who had bread to eat and two sets of clothes to wear was not considered poor, whereas nowadays, people who doesn’t have an income that can support one’s family and their normal expenses is considered an "evyon" [Piskei Teshuvot 694:2].

If one does not know two poor people, or is embarrassed to give them gifts, one should give one's matanot la'evyonim to a reputable gabbai tzedaka to distribute to the poor on their behalf.  At Congregation K.I.N.S. we serve as gabbai tzedakah, and will distribute all of the money collected in person or online to poor people on Purim day. Click here to donate via our website - by clicking here.