Purim is upon us and with it, once again, the various mitzvot of the day, particularly mishloah manot (sending of portions).
Several years ago, Tablet magazine published an article by Tova Ross in which she described the ritual as leading to “Mishloah Manot Wars” and gave some over-the-top examples of the lengths people go to express themselves creatively with costumes, themes and gift giving that for some, can turn a beautiful concept into a nightmare of competition and expense.
This mitzva, which is unique in that it requires giving portions of food to our friends, in addition to and distinct from the mitzva to give charity to the poor, sits uncomfortably with many people. There is a challenge to giving horizontally. Give too extravagant a gift and people feel challenged or inadequate. Give too little and people feel disgruntled.
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