A delicious treat? Yes, but there is a story with meaning behind those mishloach manot (pronounced: “meesh low-ach mah-note”) we hand out and receive at Purim. This mitzvah of handing out little “goody” bags comes from the idea of making sure that everyone has enough food to celebrate the holiday and to increase friendship between Jews. There is a line in the Book of Esther (our heroine of the holiday) that speaks to this idea:

“On those days, the Jews rested from their enemies, the monthwas turned  from sorrow     to gladness, from mourning to joy. Thus, they should make them days of feasting and exhilaration, sending portions to one another and gifts to the poor” (Esther 9:22)

Traditionally, there are at least two different food items in the mishloach manot and everything is ready-to-eat (a can of soup would not work here!). Giving tzedakah, donations to those in need, is also part of this Purim mitzvah of making sure everyone has the means to celebrate this joyous holiday. This Purim, think about the holiday as an opportunity to commit some acts of kindness. If you’ve never handed out mishloach manot, here is a game-plan to help get you going:

•  make a list of recipients to whom you plan to deliver your mishloach manot
•  make a list of items you’d like to include (candy, baked hamantaschen and fruit are popular)
•  decide on the container – clear baggies or tissue sealed with ribbon work well
•  write out little cards or make labels that say “Happy Purim” from you/your family
•  create a shopping list and pick up everything for your mishloach manot in one trip
•  have everyone in the family or a friend help you assemble the bags
•  enjoy handing out your mishloach manot – this should be done on Purim

Purim is coming up…it begins the evening of Wednesday, March 7th.