Why Do We Send Gifts of Food to Other People on Purim?

RAM Q&A is a regular WireNews column addressing questions on Torah, ethics, faith, culture, and the practical challenges of modern life.

Question: Why do we send gifts of food to other people on Purim?

RAM: The practice of giving food on Purim comes directly from מגילת אסתר (Megillat Esther, the Scroll of Esther). After the Jewish people were saved from destruction, the day was established as one of joy, feasting, and sending portions one to another.

The mitzvah is called משלוח מנות (Mishloach Manot, sending of portions). At its simplest level, it ensures that every Jew has enough food to participate in the Purim feast. No one should sit alone, and no one should lack what is needed to celebrate.

However, the deeper reason is unity.

The decree of Haman was able to take hold because the Jewish people were described as “scattered and divided.” The spiritual weakness was disunity. The rectification was the opposite: gathering together, fasting together, praying together, and finally rejoicing together.

When we give משלוח מנות, we are not merely delivering food. We are repairing division. We are declaring that we are one people. A single nation bound not by politics or geography, but by Torah and covenant.

There is also another gift commanded on Purim: מתנות לאביונים (Matanot LaEvyonim, gifts to the poor). If משלוח מנות builds friendship, מתנות לאביונים builds responsibility. Together they ensure that joy is shared, not hoarded.

Purim is not a private celebration. It is national survival transformed into national unity.

By sending food, we turn memory into action. We transform gratitude into generosity. And we remind ourselves that the strength of Israel has never been numbers or power, but solidarity.

On Purim, we do not merely eat. We connect.

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RAM Q&A is a regular WireNews column addressing questions on Torah, ethics, faith, culture, and the practical challenges of modern life. Each response is grounded in Jewish thought, clarity of reasoning, and respect for first principles, offering considered answers rather than opinion or sentiment. To ask RAM a question email him at rav@rambenzeev.com.