8605 —מקור וחשיבות משלוח מנות ומתנות לאביונים

B"H, 7 Adar, 5723. Brooklyn.

Havavch iy"a nu"n engaged in tzt"z rab pealim etc. Rash"z

Shalom u'Vrachah!

In response to your letter from the 2nd of Adar, where you comment on what was discussed—that seemingly the redemption of Yaakov and "maaseh avos siman lebanim," our own redemption, is dependent on the refinement of Esav, etc.—where is the basis for this idea? It is founded in the words of Rabbeinu HaZaken in his sefer Torah Or on Parshas Vayishlach; see there. The main explanation is in the style of Kabbalah, but it is explained more clearly regarding practical avodah in the sefer by his son, Admor HaEmtza'i, Toras Chaim on that parsha (see especially chapters 8 and 11 there).

Incidentally, based on this explanation several questions are clarified regarding the teachings of our Sages on this parsha: from Yaakov's initial message to Esav that he kept all 613 mitzvos until its end—regarding "the children," which refers to Melech HaMashiach (Devarim Rabbah 1:20), until "I will come to my master at Seir," etc., and "saviors will ascend Mount Zion" (Bereishis Rabbah sec. 78).

In connection with the upcoming days of Purim, I am also making efforts this year regarding Mishloach Manos and Matanos L'Evyonim. Specifically with these mitzvos there is much neglect; yet on the other hand, they are especially important for education and guidance. Certainly in Eretz HaKodesh in general and in the appropriate offices they are active in this as well. However, I found it necessary to emphasize here in my letter since in the instructions (copy) from the Ministry of Education that reached me only Mishloach Manos was mentioned! May it be G‑d's will that we merit already to the promise: "There shall be no needy among you," when Israel does G‑d's will (Sifri to Devarim 15:4).

With honor and blessing.

[Secretariat letter regarding Mishloach Manos and Matanos L'Evyonim]

B"H, 1 Adar, 5723. Brooklyn, NY.

Dear friends everywhere—Shalom u'Vrachah!

At the farbrengen on Shabbos Mevorchim Adar this year, our Rebbe shlita mentioned again what he raised last year about publicizing that besides being obligated to fulfill on Purim the mitzvah of reading Megillah and other Purim mitzvos (reciting Al HaNissim etc.), everyone—men and women—is obligated to fulfill both mitzvos of Mishloach Manos and Matanos L'Evyonim. Boys from age thirteen and girls from age twelve are also obligated; moreover, there is an educational duty to train even younger children who have not yet reached bar or bas mitzvah age.

The Rebbe shlita also emphasized how easy it can be to fulfill these mitzvos: One can fulfill Mishloach Manos by sending even just two types of food (or one food item together with any drink) to one person (man to man or woman to woman). The mitzvah of Matanos L'Evyonim can be fulfilled by giving even just two small coins—one coin each—to two poor people (and obviously whoever increases in charity is praiseworthy).

Accordingly, we urge and request every one of our friends to act quickly themselves or through others regarding fulfilling these mitzvos—and publicize as widely as possible (letters, posters, newspapers, radio etc.) how easy it is to do so—so that this awareness reaches every Jew everywhere. May you merit being among those who bring merit to the many.

We look forward to hearing what has been accomplished in this regard; thank you in advance.

Summary

This letter highlights both the mystical source and practical importance of Mishloach Manos and Matanos L'Evyonim for Purim. The Rebbe urges their full observance by all ages and stresses publicizing their ease and significance as a means for communal upliftment.