Mishlo'ach Manot - Interesting Applications
In order to properly fulfill the mitzva of mishlo'ach manot it is essential that one who sends a mishlo'ach manot package is aware of who receives it. So too, one who receives a mishlo'ach manot package must be aware of who sent it.[1] A food item which is actually a combination of other items together, such as a falafel sandwich which consists of bread, falafel balls, and salads, is considered to be a single food for the purposes of mishlo'ach manot.[2] Although as a general rule only ready-to-eat foods are acceptable for mishlo'ach manot,[3] one is permitted to send frozen foods as well, especially if it is known that the recipient owns a microwave.[4] Similarly, one may send powdered foods, such as coffee and soup powder, even though the recipient will be required to add hot water in order to eat the item.[5] One does not fulfill the mitzva of mishlo'ach manot by sending medicine, even if it is pleasant tasting.[6]
One who invites another person or even an entire family to one's Purim seuda should not consider the food one serves them during the meal to be a part of one's mishlo'ach manot obligations.[7] There are those who rule that the two food items given for mishlo'ach manot should be presented separately rather than in the same container,[8] though common custom is not to be too particular about this.[9] One who sends meat products to a vegetarian for mishlo'ach manot may not have fulfilled the mitzva.[10] So too, one should not send someone foods which are known to be hazardous to their health.[11] One can send two large portions of the same food for mishlo'ach manot.[12] It is perfectly acceptable to send both dairy and meat products for mishlo'ach manot even though the recipient may not be able to partake of both items on Purim day itself.[13]
The mitzva of mishlo'ach manot is incumbent upon men and women alike,[14] though men should preferably only send mishlo'ach manot to other men and women to other women.[15] Parents should be sure to prepare supplementary mishlo'ach manot packages for their children to distribute.[16] Although it is ideal for everyone to send their own mishlo'ach manot packages, it is also permissible for several people to get together and send a combined mishlo'ach manot package. For example, families may send mishlo'ach manot packages to one another.[17] Those who choose to send such a group mishlo'ach manot package must ensure that the recipient is aware of all who contributed to the package. Furthermore, the package must contain enough food to cover the minimum mishlo'ach manot requirements for each of the participants in the package.[18] One is permitted to send any kosher foods as part of mishlo'ach manot even if they are foods which one personally chooses not to eat due to a chumra.[19]
While the issue is somewhat debated, the consensus is that one cannot fulfill the mitzva of mishlo'ach manot by sending cigarettes, sefarim, or even money with which the recipient can buy food.[20] There is a minority opinion that allows women to send clothes to other women as mishlo'ach manot.[21] It is also questionable whether or not one fulfills the mitzva of mishlo'ach manot by giving food packages to children.[22] Some authorities rule that the mishlo'ach manot packages should be sent to the recipients through a messenger rather than being delivered directly.[23] Even a monkey may serve as one's messenger for this purpose.[24] One should not deliver mishlo'ach manot packages on Purim day until after one has heard the Megilla reading.[25]
One fulfills the mitzva of mishlo'ach manot even if the package is sent long before Purim as long as the recipient receives it on Purim day[26] though some authorities disagree.[27] One does not fulfill the mitzva of mishlo'ach manot if the recipient is drunk when receiving the mishlo'ach manot package. The mitzva of mishlo'ach manot is also not fulfilled if the recipient is not home when the mishlo'ach manot package is delivered and only returns home to take possession of it once Purim has ended.[28] Some say that the mishlo'ach manot package should contain enough food for an entire meal and not merely candies, drinks, and pastries.[29]
[1] Ketav Sofer, OC 141; Rivevot Ephraim 4:176; Rivevot V'yovlot 2:415.
[2] Rivevot V'yovlot 4:1.
[3] Magen Avraham 695:11; Chayei Adam 135:31; Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 142:2; Maaseh Rav 249.
[4] Rivevot Ephraim 6:387; Yabia Omer 9:73. See also Taz, OC 695; Mishna Berura 695:20; Yechaveh Daat 6:45.
[5] Devar Chevron 2:640.
[6] Rivevot Ephraim 7:324.
[7] Rivevot Ephraim 8:388:2.
[8] Rivevot Ephraim 2:189:10.
[9] Teshuvot V'hanhagot 2:346.
[10] Rivevot Ephraim 6:387.
[11] Rivevot Ephraim 2:189:9.
[12] Rivevot Ephraim 4:173:57.
[13] Yashiv Yitzchak 10:14.
[14] Rema, OC 695:4.
[15] Rema, OC 695:4; Aruch Hashulchan, OC 695:18.
[16] Pri Megadim, E.H. 695:3.
[17] Halichot Shlomo 2:19:17.
[18] Rivevot Ephraim 1:459:2; Halichot Shlomo 2:19:15. Some authorities require that the package contain at least two foods on behalf of each of the participants. Others suggest that even two foods alone may be sent if the foods reflect the quality and financial value of the number of participants.
[19] Rivevot Ephraim 1:459:3; Kinyan Torah 7:55; Maharam Schik, OC 341; Ketav Sofer 141; Nachalat Binyamin 136..
[20] Tzitz Eliezer 9:3; Nitei Gavriel 28:1; Rivevot V'yovlot 2:388.
[21] Nitei Gavriel 28:2.
[22] Kaf Hachaim, OC 694:12.
[23] Mishna Berura 695:4; Shulchan Halevi 1:17:8.
[24] Chatam Sofer to Gittin 22b; Piskei Teshuva 148; Chashukei Chemed, Megilla 7a
[25] Mishna Berura 692:1; Kaf Hachaim, OC 694:18.
[26] Be'er Heitev, OC 695:7; Chelkat Yaakov 1:102; Shraga Hameir 4:44:3.
[27] Aruch Hashulchan, OC 695:16, 17.
[28] Aruch Hashulchan, OC 695:16.
[29] Shaarei Teshuva 694:1; Aruch Hashulchan, OC 695:15; Tzitz Eliezer 14:65.