Purim Gift Bags

Did you know that it is a special mitzvah to send Mishloach Manot (food packages or baskets) to friends and relatives on Purim, as well as Matanot l'evyonim (gifts to the poor)? According to Rabbi Fred, tradition prescribes giving a minimum of two portions to friends & family and another two portions to those in need.

This year, as a community, we will introduce an easy way to honor both of these Purim traditions by selling Purim gift bags. A portion of all proceeds will benefit Moadon, the after-school club at Ramat Lechi, in Beit Shemesh, Israel, that provides nutrition, tutoring, after-school enrichment and a safe environment for at-risk kids.

Each gift bag will contain a small variety of Purim goodies, including Hamantaschen and some Israeli food items. [While we can't give you a specific list at this time (we're still negotiating with vendors), we promise this much: All items will be Kosher; No items will include nuts; At least some items will be Israeli; The bags will include at least 2 hamantaschen/] Gift bags must be ordered in advance (the strict deadline for receipt of order forms is March 1), and bags may be picked up either at the Purim Carnival on March 20 or at the Purim service on March 24.