Following the holiday of Purim, I can be pretty sure that many people have a large volume of the following items in their house: candy, chocolate, and a variety of baked treats. I think that the mitzvah (Torah commandment) of sending Mishloach Manot (sending of portions” which often include wine and pastries; alternately, sweets, snacks, or any foodstuff qualifies) is a beautiful one which emphasizes building community and spreading sweet, warm feelings to one’s friends and family.  

But I think a practical challenge with this mitzvah is that some people have a tendency to either: 1) give in excess above what the mitzvah asks (which, on the one hand, is a beautiful thing to want to do, yet on the other hand people feel they have to give a whole basket FULL of different goodies to their entire community) and 2) give a lot of junk food because it’s cheap and more convenient (and of course, an added challenge of course now is getting rid of all this junk within 4 weeks before Pesach!). People have so much extra food in their homes, most of it is so unhealthy, and while it’s commendable when they then donate it to food pantries or to the poor, these are items from which NO ONE should be really benefiting regardless of economic status.

Also, I personally feel touched when I received a package from a friend, regardless of the contents. It’s really the thought that counts. I think that others probably feel the same way. People appreciate when others think of them, regardless of how it’s expressed. If that’s the case, then why go through the whole ordeal of organizing ostentatious packages?    

This concept goes back to one of my earlier posts entitled “Simplicity is Bliss,” where one can give in different ways to express her desire to express fond sentiments which the mitzvah intends us to give, while at the same time doing so in a very basic manner. For example, I knew that I wasn’t going to see most of my friends this year on Purim. So, I decided that I will purchase Mishloach Manot cards which different Jewish charitable organizations were selling as a fundraiser (I chose Table to Table  and Chai Lifelife) and mailed them to my friends before Purim. Now they have something non-perishable from me, which they can potentially keep longer and can be more sentimental than a chocolate bar and a brownie. And at the same time, I supported two Jewish causes whose missions I support.  

To actually fulfill the mitzvah on the day of Purim, I prepared two small bags of food (raisins, nuts, and, I hate to admit it, chocolate as well! I fell prey to the convenience excuse. But I am proud to say that it was on my thoughts several times last week) to give to two old friends from my parent’s community who I haven’t seen as frequently as other friends. This made me feel good about myself because this is the purpose of the mitzvah.

So now I’d like to open the following questions to our readers: what did you do this year for your Mishloach Manot? Did any of your think of a creatively healthy theme? Do you have a good idea of how to give Mishloach Manot in a simple yet sincere manner? I’d love to hear a diversity of responses, so please feel free to share whatever you’d like.