Q. Can one give on Purim a few dollars as matanot laevyonim (gifts to the needy), to a child from a family that lost their jobs during the Covid pandemic? Does one have to inform the parents? Is it proper to do so?
A. Aruch Hasulchan (694: 2) and Kaf Hachaim (ibid. 12) maintain that one complies if the youngsters understand why are they given that money on Purim. However, Kovetz Halochos (16: 16) asserts that even if they don't know why, one still abides with the mitzva.
Horav Shlomo Miller's Shlit'a opinion is that on small amounts it is proper to give to them, even if they don't understand why it is being given and one does not have to tell the parents. However, one must check that they are old enough not to loose the money given to them.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as advised by Horav Shlomo Miller and Horav Aharon Miller Shlit'a
Important Numbers
