Gifts to the Poor - Matanot L'evyonim

Gifts to the Poor Matanot L'evyonim After the Jews were saved from the decree of Haman, they agreed “to observe [the days of Purim] with…donations to the needy” (Esther 9:22). Giving to the poor is a mitzvah all year round. However, the mitzvah to do so on Purim is separate even from the general mitzvah of tzedakah (charity). To fulfill the mitzvah of Matanot L’evyonim one must give charity to two individual poor people. Matanot L’evyonim should be given on Purim so that the poor can benefit on the holiday. If, however, one does not have someone to give to on Purim, one should hold onto that money (separately) to give when the opportunity arrives, or give it on Purim to a tzedaka fund that will distribute the money to the poor. The money may not be given or spent elsewhere.