Matanot L’evyonim

One of the four important mitzvot of Purim is Matanot LaEvyonim (Gifts to the Needy), which requires every Jew to give gifts to at least two people in need on Purim day.

Through Chabad, you can fulfill this special mitzvah online while helping needy families, elderly individuals, and people facing financial hardship celebrate Purim with dignity and joy.

Your donation helps provide financial assistance, food, and holiday meals to families in need. Matanot LaEvyonim gifts are distributed on Purim day itself, in accordance with Jewish law (Halacha).

In addition, your generosity supports Chabad’s ongoing charitable and community activities throughout the year.

Donate Matanot LaEvyonim online securely by credit card and share the joy of Purim with those who need it most.

What Is Matanot LaEvyonim?

Matanot LaEvyonim, meaning “Gifts to the Needy,” is one of the four mitzvot of Purim, alongside reading the Megillah, sending Mishloach Manot (food gifts), and enjoying the Purim feast.

The mitzvah originates in the Book of Esther (9:22):

“And sending portions to one another, and gifts to the needy.”

According to Jewish law, every person is required to give at least two gifts to two different needy individuals — one gift to each person.

The gifts may consist of money or food, allowing recipients to celebrate Purim with dignity and happiness.

Beyond the financial assistance, this mitzvah expresses the importance of compassion, Jewish unity, and responsibility toward those in need.

Who Is Obligated to Give Matanot LaEvyonim?

Both men and women are obligated to fulfill the mitzvah of Matanot LaEvyonim on Purim.

Parents are also encouraged to educate their children in this mitzvah once they reach an age at which they can understand its significance.

According to Jewish custom, it is especially meaningful to involve the entire family in charitable giving and teach children the importance of helping others.

Each adult should ensure that the required gifts are given on their behalf to at least two needy individuals.

How Much Should You Give for Matanot LaEvyonim?

Jewish law does not establish a single universally accepted monetary amount for Matanot LaEvyonim.

Halachic authorities discuss different minimum requirements:

• According to the basic Halachic requirement: Some authorities maintain that giving the value of a perutah, a very small monetary amount, to each of two needy individuals is sufficient.

• According to a more stringent approach: Each recipient should receive enough money to purchase a meal.

For those who wish to fulfill the mitzvah in a more meaningful way, it is recommended to give an amount that can provide a substantial meal for each recipient.

The Rambam (Maimonides) emphasizes that it is preferable to be generous in giving to the needy rather than spending excessively on one’s own Purim feast or Mishloach Manot.

The more generously we give, the more joy we can bring to families experiencing financial hardship.

When Is Matanot LaEvyonim Given in 2027?

The mitzvah of Matanot LaEvyonim must be fulfilled during the daytime on Purim itself.

In 2027 (5787), Purim falls on:

• Tuesday, March 23, 2027 (14 Adar II) — Purim in most cities around the world.

• Wednesday, March 24, 2027 (15 Adar II) — Shushan Purim in Jerusalem and other qualifying walled cities.

The preferred time to give Matanot LaEvyonim is during the day, ideally after the morning Megillah reading.

Donations may be made online before Purim, provided that the gifts are distributed to the needy on the appropriate Purim day.

Through Chabad, you can arrange your donation in advance, and we will distribute the designated Matanot LaEvyonim gifts on Purim day itself.

Why Must Matanot LaEvyonim Be Distributed on Purim Day?

The purpose of Matanot LaEvyonim is to ensure that people in need have the means to celebrate Purim with joy and dignity.

The Book of Esther describes Purim as:

“Days of feasting and joy, and sending portions to one another, and gifts to the needy.” (Esther 9:22)

Since the mitzvah is specifically associated with the celebration of Purim, the gifts must reach the recipients on Purim day.

For this reason, Chabad arranges for the designated gifts to be distributed on the holiday itself, helping donors fulfill the mitzvah according to Halacha.

Can Matanot LaEvyonim Be Given Before Purim?

Yes. You may make your donation before Purim, including through an online donation.

However, there is an important distinction between making the donation in advance and distributing the gifts to the needy.

To fulfill the mitzvah properly, the designated gifts should reach the needy on Purim day itself.

Halachic authorities discuss certain situations in which money is given to a needy person before Purim with instructions to keep it until the holiday.

Because there are different opinions regarding these arrangements, the preferred practice is to have the gifts distributed on Purim day.

When donating through Chabad, your contribution can be arranged in advance for distribution at the appropriate time.

Can Matanot LaEvyonim Be Given as Food?

Yes. The mitzvah of Matanot LaEvyonim may be fulfilled by giving either money or food to those in need.

However, other types of gifts, such as clothing, household items, or personal belongings, do not generally fulfill the specific obligation of Matanot LaEvyonim.

Once a needy person receives a monetary gift, the recipient is free to use the money according to their needs.

The donor should not impose conditions requiring the recipient to spend the money exclusively on food.

Who Qualifies as a Needy Person for Matanot LaEvyonim?

A needy person is generally someone who lacks sufficient financial resources to cover reasonable living expenses.

This may include individuals or families who struggle to afford food, clothing, housing, and other essential needs.

People facing unusual financial burdens, such as significant medical expenses or necessary family expenses, may also qualify as needy under Jewish law.

Halachic authorities discuss different standards for determining who qualifies to receive Matanot LaEvyonim.

The goal is to provide meaningful assistance to those who genuinely need financial support.

Why Do We Give to Anyone Who Asks on Purim?

The Talmud teaches an important principle regarding charity on Purim:

“Anyone who extends a hand is given.”

This teaching emphasizes the special generosity expected of the Jewish people during the holiday.

Unlike ordinary charitable distributions, which may involve examining a person’s financial circumstances, the spirit of Purim encourages generosity without unnecessary questioning.

The purpose is to ensure that people seeking assistance are not embarrassed or turned away.

Nevertheless, when arranging donations specifically to fulfill the obligation of Matanot LaEvyonim, care should be taken to ensure that the required gifts reach recipients who qualify as needy according to Halacha.

Can Matanot LaEvyonim Be Fulfilled by Forgiving a Debt?

No. According to Jewish law, simply forgiving a debt owed by a needy person does not fulfill the mitzvah of Matanot LaEvyonim.

Although forgiving a debt may provide significant financial relief, the mitzvah requires an actual gift of money or food.

The purpose is to provide the recipient with resources that can be used to celebrate Purim.

Can Matanot LaEvyonim Be Given After Purim?

The mitzvah of Matanot LaEvyonim is specifically associated with Purim day.

A donation distributed only after Purim does not fulfill the mitzvah in its proper time.

However, giving charity after Purim remains a valuable and important mitzvah.

If someone missed the opportunity to fulfill Matanot LaEvyonim on Purim, they should still give charity to those in need, even though the specific Purim obligation can no longer be fulfilled in the prescribed manner.

The Rambam on the Importance of Matanot LaEvyonim

The Rambam (Maimonides) teaches in Mishneh Torah, Hilchot Megillah 2:17, that a person should prioritize generosity toward the needy over spending excessively on the Purim feast and Mishloach Manot.

He explains that there is no greater or more glorious joy than bringing happiness to the hearts of the poor, orphans, widows, and converts.

This teaching highlights one of the central messages of Purim:

True joy is not limited to our own celebration. It is also expressed through helping others celebrate with dignity and happiness.

By giving Matanot LaEvyonim, we bring joy to those in need and fulfill one of the most meaningful mitzvot of the holiday.

Support Needy Families

Chabad of Sderot, Israel, works throughout the year to support needy families, victims of terror, IDF soldiers, and vulnerable members of the community in Sderot and the communities near the Gaza border.

Our charitable activities include providing food assistance, supporting families experiencing financial hardship, helping elderly and isolated individuals, and assisting those affected by terrorism and security challenges in southern Israel.

During Purim, we make a special effort to ensure that needy families can celebrate the holiday with joy and dignity.

Matanot LaEvyonim donations designated for the Purim mitzvah are distributed to eligible needy recipients on Purim day itself, helping donors fulfill this important mitzvah in accordance with Jewish law.

Additional charitable contributions help Chabad of Sderot continue its vital work throughout the year, including humanitarian assistance, Torah education, and acts of Chesed (loving-kindness).

Your generosity makes you a partner in bringing hope, comfort, and happiness to needy families and communities in southern Israel.

What Is the Difference Between Matanot LaEvyonim and Machatzit HaShekel?

Matanot LaEvyonim and Machatzit HaShekel are two distinct Jewish practices associated with the month of Adar and the holiday of Purim.

Matanot LaEvyonim is one of the four mitzvot of Purim. It requires giving at least two gifts to two needy individuals on Purim day.

Machatzit HaShekel, on the other hand, is a charitable custom observed in remembrance of the Half Shekel contribution that was given during the time of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

The two practices have different origins, purposes, and Halachic requirements.

You can learn more about this custom on our Machatzit HaShekel page.

Frequently Asked Questions About Matanot LaEvyonim

How many needy people must receive Matanot LaEvyonim?

At least two needy individuals must receive gifts, with one gift given to each person.

Are women obligated to give Matanot LaEvyonim?

Yes. Both men and women are obligated to fulfill the mitzvah of Matanot LaEvyonim on Purim.

Can I fulfill Matanot LaEvyonim by donating online?

Yes. You may donate online by credit card. Chabad arranges for the designated gifts to be distributed to needy recipients on Purim day itself.

Can I donate Matanot LaEvyonim before Purim?

Yes. Donations may be made in advance, provided that the gifts are distributed to eligible needy individuals on Purim day.

Can I use Maaser Kesafim (charitable tithe funds) for Matanot LaEvyonim?

The minimum amount required to fulfill the mitzvah should generally be given from personal funds rather than Maaser Kesafim.

However, additional donations beyond the basic obligation may be given from Maaser funds.

Does Chabad distribute Matanot LaEvyonim on Purim day itself?

Yes. Chabad distributes the designated Matanot LaEvyonim gifts to needy recipients on Purim day, helping donors fulfill the mitzvah at the proper time.

Can I give more than the minimum required amount?

Absolutely. Giving additional charity is highly encouraged, especially on Purim.

The Rambam teaches that bringing joy to needy individuals is one of the greatest expressions of the holiday’s spirit.