Rabbi Green – Gifts to the needy on Purim

 Dear Friend,

We are commanded to give gifts to at least two poor people on Purim, this Sunday, March 24th. (Esther 9:22; Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 694:1). It’s also customary to give three half dollars (or whichever currency is local for you) to charity on the Fast of Esther, or before we read the megillah this Saturday evening (Shulchan Aruch ibid, Remo). And of course, helping people in need is always a Biblical commandment. (Deut. 15:7-8)

I am in close contact with three households who are in genuine need at this time. All three are homesteading in different states and are having difficult challenges. Please consider donating. At least two of these families qualify as “evyonim” (destitute) at this time, sadly. One might not be at that point but is still in dire need. We are obligated to help them now before the situation gets worse, G-d forbid.

You may donate through our website for a tax-deductible donation at givebutter.com/chabad and PLEASE make sure to write that it’s for the poor (or matanot l’evyonim, machtzit hashekel, etc.) in the note. My plan is to send the funds on Purim Day, with Hashem’s help.

You can also sent it to us via zelle (learntorah@gmail.com) or paypal (dvora@chabadwestboro.org) but please make sure to write what it’s for in the note (i.e. for the poor, matanot la’evyonim, machatzit hashekel, etc). You may also send it via check to Cong. Agudath Achim PO Box 321 London, KY 40743 and write that it’s for the poor in the note. I’ll send those funds to the families after Purim when the checks are deposited.

You may also send funds directly to one of the families. Please email me for their Zelle information and their contact information.

If you have any questions, please respond to me by email.

May Hashem bless you for your generosity at this time. “Great is charity in that it brings close the redemption, as it is stated (in Isaiah 56:1): ‘So said the Lord, uphold justice and do charity, for My salvation is near to come, and My righteousness to be revealed’” (Bava Basra 10a.

Shabbat Shalom and Purim Sameach!
Rabbi Michoel Green