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<p style="margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0">From today's OU Kosher Halacha Yomis</p>
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<p><strong><strong>Q. What is the reason for the <em>mitzvah</em> of giving <em>Mishloach Manos</em> on Purim?</strong></strong></p>
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<p>A. This is the subject of a well-known dispute. Manos Halevi (Megillas Esther 9:16-17) explains that the Purim story took place because Haman maligned the Jews, saying that they engage in personal feuds and do not get along with one another. This is alluded
to in the verse ‘<em>yeshno am echad mefuzar umeforad bein ha’amim’</em>, there is one nation which is dispersed and scattered among the nations, i.e., lacking unity. To demonstrate the falsehood of this libelous charge, Mordechai and Esther instituted that
<em>Mishloach Manos</em> should be given to one’s friends and acquaintances, to foster camaraderie and good will among the Jews. This demonstrates that we do not engage in personal feuds; on the contrary, we engage in acts of friendship, by gifting our food
to others. Terumas HaDeshen (1:111), however, explains that the purpose of giving one’s acquaintances
<em>Mishloach Manos</em> is to ensure that poor people enjoy a festive and lavish
<em>Seudas Purim</em>. Although most people are not poor and therefore do not need food given to them for their
<em>Seudah</em>, Chazal instituted that <em>Misloach Manos</em> be given to wealthy people as well, so as not to embarrass the poor (Teshuvos Chasam Sofer OC 196).</p>
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