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CURRENT TOPIC:
HALACHOS OF CHODESH ADAR & PURIM
(In order to finish Hilchos Purim in time, the next few day's segments will be a little lengthier than usual)
1) At least one Mishloach Manos should, if possible, be sent with a Shliach, a messenger.
The reason for this is based on the question of the Shu"t Binyan Tzion from the Aruch LaNer (Siman 44, quoted in the Mishna Berura Siman 695:4) if the fact that the Posuk calls it "Mishloach" Manos, necessitates it being given through a Shliach.
Most Poskim, however, maintain that it isn't necessary and thus if it was given directly it is acceptable, but to satisfy this opinion, which the Mishna Berura does not negate, at least one package should be sent with a Shliach.
Mishloach Manos may be sent via a minor (under the age of 13) or even via a non-Jew. (See Piskei Teshuva Siman 148 what he quotes from Rav Akiva Eiger Zatzal. See also Chasam Sofer to Gitin 21b that it may be sent with a minor, as even if it does require a Shliach, it does not have all the requirements of Hilchos Shlichus)
There are varying opinions in the Poskim if one satisfies his/her obligation by sending Mishloach Manos to a minor, as a minor may not be considered a "friend" (and the Posuk requires to send "Mishloach Manos Ish L'Re'ayhu- man to his friend". See Ben Ish Chai Parshas Tetzaveh Os 16 and Kaf HaChaim Siman 694:12 who are machmir. The Aruch HaShulchan Siman 695 on the other hand permits it)
However, according to all opinions, a Rav satisfies his obligation by sending to a Talmid and a father by sending to his son and vice versa, as for halachic purposes they are considered "friends".
Minors, who have reached the age of Chinuch, should be taught to give Mishloach Manos (Pri Megadim Siman 695:14)
2) It is a Mitzvah to give "Matanos L'Evyonim- gifts to the poor" on Purim day.
If the money was given to the poor person before Purim for use on Purim [for his meal], according to many Poskim, you have satisfied your obligation, B'Dieved. (See Pri Megadim based on Mogen Avraham Siman 694:1 that the whole reason not to give before Purim day is that the poor person may use it before Purim)
Every Jew- male and female- is required to give two "Matanos- gifts" to two separate "Evyonim- poor people" (i.e. one gift to each poor person). By giving both gifts to only one poor person, you do not satisfy your obligation of this Mitzvah.
Matanos L'Evyonim may not be given from Ma'aser money. However, once two gifts were given to two poor people, any additional gifts that you give to poor people on Purim may be given from Ma'aser money. (Mishna Berura Siman 694:3)
The more Tzedaka you give to poor people on Purim, the more praiseworthy you are!
It is better to give additional Matanos L'Evyonim than to give extra Mishloach Manos or to increase the Seudas Purim, because ..."There is no greater or loftier Simcha than to gladden the hearts of the poor, widows, orphans and converts. One who gladdens the hearts of these downtrodden people is likened to the Shechina (!)" (Words of the Rambam Hilchos Megilah Perek 2 Halacha 17, which we referenced a few times already in our review of Hilchos Purim, but due to their importance they warrant repetition)
You may not combine the Mitzvos of Mishloach Manos and Matanos L'Evyonim, by giving Mishloach Manos to a poor person. They each must be given independently of each other. (See Turei Even to Megilah 7b, quoted in Biur Halacha Siman 695 Dibur HaMaschil O Shel Minei Ochlin and Ksav Sofer Siman 139 that B'Dieved it is possible that you are indeed Yotzei.)
Matanos L'Evyonim does not necessarily need to be with money, as one can satisfy the obligation by giving the poor person food which he can eat on Purim.
However, giving clothing or other non-food gifts to a poor person, is not an acceptable form of Matanos L'Evyonim according to most Poskim (See Ohr SaMeach Hilchos Megilah Perek 2 Halacha 16. See Turei Even Megilah 7b. See Mishna Berura Siman 694:2)
When it comes to giving Matanos L'Evyonim, it is best not to be too scrupulous in determining if the poor person is truly deserving of Tzedaka, as on Purim we stick to the tradition of "Kol HaPoshet Yad Nosnim Lo- whoever stretches out their arm [asking for help] we give them". (Shulchan Aruch Siman 694:3).
The Sefarim say that Hashem, too, abides by this method on Purim and all who stretch out their hands to Him [i.e. whatever we genuinely daven for] will be answered!
Purim is an extremely opportune time to daven for things that we need. It is advisable not to squander this opportunity by focusing too much on "getting drunk" and having fun at the expense of not utilizing the spiritual powers of this holy day properly.
QUESTION & ANSWER CORNER
Reader Submitted Questions of interest on topics related to Halachos we covered, as well as other interesting topic and Answers.
These Q&A are taken from the Q & A pages on the Halacha For Today website.
Although the answers I give to questions are taken directly from the Sifrei HaPoskim, and aren't my own, they are still for study purposes only, NOT for Psak Halacha.
Questions can be emailed to HalachaForToday@Gmail.com
Reader's Question:
Is a Katan (minor) allowed to Toivel a Keli (immerse a utensil in the Mikvah)?
If he did, is it considered a valid Tevila?
Answer:
The consensus of the Poskim seems to be that a Katan may indeed Toivel a Keili, and even make a Bracha on the Tevila (if it is a keli that requires a Bracha). The problem is, that he isn't believed to tell us he did so!
So as long as a Gadol (adult) sees the Tevilah taking place, it is OK if the Katan did it.
Therefore, if a Katan toveled a Kli that requires a Bracha, and nobody saw him do so, another Tevilah (without a Bracha) is required.
If the Koton toveled a Kli that does not require a bracha (porcelain, china etc.) some Poskim maintain that in this case he can be believed (the reasons behind this are too complex a sugya for this email).
However, if possible it is best to tovel even these Kelim again (without a Bracha of course)
Tizkeh L'Mitzvos
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CHIZUK CORNER
This section is dedicated L'Ilui Nishmos the Telzer Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Chaim Yaakov Stein Zatzal and the Mir Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Noson Tzvi Finkel Zatzal. May we all strive to follow in their ways and may they both be Melitzei Yosher for all of Klal Yisroel.
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