Purim - Mishloach Manos

QUESTION: Is there a minimum amount that needs to be given for the mitzvah of mishloach manos? Can I fulfill the mitzvah by giving my neighbor a peanut and chocolate chip?

ANSWER: The Aruch Hashulchan (OC 695:15) writes that it does not suffice to give someone a kezayis (olive-sized portion) of meat or a revi’is (approximately 3 oz) of wine for mishloach manos. The word “manos” (portions) implies a respectable serving. According to some poskim, the purpose of mishloach manos is to increase friendship among Jews. If one gives a trivial gift and it is understandably not appreciated, then one has not fulfilled the mitzvah. Even if one of the portions is substantial and would be appreciated, if the second portion is paltry, one has not fulfilled the mitzvah.

The Mishnah Berurah (Beiur Halacha 695: s.v. chayav) writes something similar. He writes that if you send mishloach manos to a wealthy person that are fit only for a poor person, it is questionable whether you fulfilled the mitzvah. Similarly, it is questionable whether one would fulfill the obligation by giving an elderly neighbor a mishloach manos that is intended for a child (e.g., lollipops and taffies). Furthermore, Rav Sternbuch (Teshuvos V’Hanhagos 2:354) writes that a wealthy person should send mishloach manos that are befitting to his stature, even if he sends them to a poor person. Since the obligation is to send two portions to at least one person, one should make sure that at the very least one mishloach manos meets all these criteria.

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The Gerald & Karin Feldhamer OU Kosher Halacha Yomis is dedicated to the memory of Rav Yisroel Belsky, zt"l, who served as halachic consultant for OU Kosher for more than 28 years; many of the responses in Halacha Yomis are based on the rulings of Rabbi Belsky. Subscribe to the Halacha Yomis daily email here.