Question
Rabbi It was so kind of you to drop off a Mishloach Manot box in my mailbox. The hamentashen were great and brought back great memories. As you know I won’t be able to make it to the purim parties :(. Can you tell me more about the significance of the “purim mitzvot”?
Nopart E. Forme
Answer
Dear Nopart E.,
In the Purim Story Haman (the bad guy) goes to the king and claims “There is one people scattered and dispersed among the nations." (Esther 3:8). They are always fighting. They have no unity among themselves.
On Purim we prove this false – We do two of the Purim Mitzvot that celebrate unity.
1) Mishloach Manot – Sharing a gift of 2 ready to eat kosher food items, with at least one Jewish neighbor (or friend).
2) Matanot Levyonim - Give 1 gift to the two poor people (don’t know a poor person? Make a donation here and we will forward it to 2 poor people in Israel on your behalf)
The other two Mitzvot are
3) The whole megillah - Listen to the public reading twice: once on Purim night, and again on Purim day.
4) Feast - To have a sit down meal with washing for bread and celebrate the miracle
Rabbi Kushi Schusterman
P.S. If your plans change feel free to join us at the Purim parties