Mishloach Manot

Hi,

There is a Mitzvah to send two gifts of food to at least one friend on Purim day, as the Megilah says, 'And sending portions, one to another.' The portions should be ready to eat, and appropriate for consumption at the Purim feast, since one of the purposes of this Mitzvah is to help augment people's Purim feasts. This is called "Mishloach Manot" (lit. sending portions).

Wine counts as one of the 'foods' for this Mitzvah.

Women and men have separate obligations to fulfill the Mitzvot of Purim. Therefore, each spouse should make sure to give to the poor and to send gifts of food to friends on Purim day.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 695:4; Mishneh Berurah 695:20)

A mourner does send "Mishloach Manot," gifts of food, to a friend to fulfill this Purim Mitzvah.
However, others should not send Mishloach Manot to a mourner.

"Mourner" refers to one who is within the year after losing a parent, or one who is within 30 days after losing a spouse, sibling or child. May we know only happy occasions, and see no mourning.

(Code of Jewish Law Orach Chaim 696:6)

Have a great day,
Mordechai