Community Magazine March 2014

&Jamileh batMazal Cohen a.h. 7 MUST ONE GIVE THE GIFT DIRECTLY TO A POOR PERSON? One may fulfill the obligation by giving the money to somebody who will then transfer it to a needy person, even if the needy person had not authorized him to collect the gifts on his behalf. However, as the primary purpose of the mitzvah is to bring joy to the poor, the recipient must be notified on Purim about the money received for him. Depending on the situation, it is often preferable to give matanot la’evyonim through a messenger to preserve the dignity of the recipient. 8 DOES A PERSON FULFILL THE MITZVAH BY DONATING CHARITY TO A POOR PERSON IN A DIFFERENT COUNTRY (E.G. SOMEONE IN AMERICA DONATING TO A NEEDY PERSON IN ISRAEL)? One may fulfill the mitzvah by giving charity to somebody in a different country. However, if the recipient lives in a different time zone, one must ensure that he receives the money at some point between sunrise and sundown on Purim day in the donor’s time zone to fulfill his obligation according to most authorities. 9 WHEN ALLOCATING ONE’S RESOURCES FOR THE MITZVOT OF PURIM, WHICH TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER THE OTHERS? The Rambamwrites (Hilchot Megillah 2:17) that it is preferable to increase the amount one gives for matanot la’evyonim than to increase the amount of mishloah manot he gives or enhance the Purim feast. He explains that there is no greater joy or more noble form of celebration than to gladden the hearts of the poor, the orphans and the widows. By bringing joy to the needy and downtrodden, the Rambam notes, one emulates Hashem, who is described (in Yeshayahu 56:15) with the phrase, “to revive the spirit of the downtrodden and to resuscitate the hearts of the downcast.” Hence, although one should not compromise on the precious mitzvot of mishloah manot and the Purim feast, one should spend especially generously for matnot la’evyonim . 10 WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO GIVE MATANOT LA’EVYONIM? Although one may fulfill this mitzvah anytime from sunrise to sunset on Purimday, the most preferred time is immediately following the daytime Megillah reading, because, as the Gemara comments, the poor anticipate receiving their charity money at that point. European wigs Make-up Hair Relaxing (Keratin-free) Laser Lashes Botox EXTENSIONS No Clips No Glue NEW! @redcarpetwigz Brandie, Rini & Malky Grand Opening! Walk the Red Carpet.. Sunday, March 30th 10am – 10pm Free gifts! ADAR II 5774 MARCH 2014 47