Manot mishloach is a Jewish tradition of sending and receiving gift baskets of food and drink on Purim, reaffirming brotherly love and friendship. Mishloach manot requires every Jew to send two items of kosher food to at least one person, and gifts should reflect the standards of both the donor and recipient. The ritual must be observed during the day and is traditionally delivered by a third party.
A manot mishloach is the Jewish ritual of sending and receiving gift baskets of food and drink on the day of Purim. Hebrew for “sending portions,” manot mishloach ensures that everyone in the community has enough food for the holiday of Purim, a festive occasion for which they must have a sumptuous meal. It also reaffirms brotherly love and friendship among Jews and is considered a time to mend broken relationships. Purim baskets can be sent to relatives, neighbors, friends, teachers and other acquaintances.
Also called shalach manos, mishloach manot requires every Jew to send two items of kosher food to at least one person. These offerings can range from small, simple gifts to elaborate baskets, but they must contain only food or drink, not money, clothing, or other materials, and they must be ready to eat and drink so they can be eaten on the same day. Typical drinks include wine and tea. Food might include salads, fruit, cooked meals, and canned foods. Sweets, snacks and sweets are also commonly given.
As with many rituals there are certain conventions that should be observed, although these may vary according to the orthodoxy of the community. The amount shown should reflect the standards of both the donor and the recipient; for example, one should send more expensive gifts if the recipient is a wealthy person and likewise a wealthier person should send more elaborate gifts. Any gift given, however, must convey respect for the person receiving it. It is considered commendable to give gifts to many people, but even more to give to the poor, who might be given food or money. If a person is very poor, he may trade with a person in a similar situation to fulfill the obligation of the manot of the mishloach.
In multiple Orthodox communities, men are expected to participate in the manot of mishloach only with other men and women with other women, although a family may send gifts to a man, woman, or family. People can send gifts together, but the gifts must contain the same amount as if they were each sent individually. Children between the ages of Bat and Bar, about 6-7 years old, should also participate in the manot of mishloach, giving gifts to their friends as preparation for adulthood. Gifts should not be sent to a bereaved person, although their family can both send and receive. The mourner himself can send Purim baskets, but they must be simple and clear.
To properly fulfill the obligations of the ritual, a Purim basket must be sent and received during the day. The sender and receiver must also observe the Purim festival on the same day. It is traditional for manot mishloach to be delivered by a third party and supervised children are often encouraged to play this role. While the reciprocal of manish mishloach is considered admirable, it is not required.
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