Purim Mitzvot
The Four Mitzvot of Purim
1. Megillah Reading: Listen to the reading of the Megillah (the Scroll of Esther) twice: once on Purim eve, and again on Purim day. For our full Megillah reading schedule, click here
2. Mishloach Manot: Send food portions to friends! On Purim day, send a gift of at least two kinds of ready-to-eat foods (e.g., pastry, fruit, beverage), to at least one friend.
3. Purim Feast: Eat, drink and be merry! Purim should be celebrated with a special festive meal on Purim Day.
4. Matanot L'evyonim: Give to the needy! Give charity to at least two, (but preferably more) needy individuals on Purim day. See below for how to give Matanot L'evyonim.
Matanot L'evyonim
Chabad on the Coast will be distributing Matanos L'evyonim to local families and individuals on Purim on behalf of others in the community. All the money donated towards Matanot L'evyonim will be distributed to the needy on Purim.
The Mitzvah of Matanos L’evyonim is to give money or food to at least two needy people during the daylight hours of Purim. The ideal way to do this Mitzvah is to give to people in your own community on Purim day. Ideally, the amount should be enough to cover one meal for each of the needy individuals. If one cannot afford this amount a small amount for each individual suffices to fulfill the basic obligation of this Mitzvah.
Please donate in advance to ensure enough time for funds to be distributed on Purim day.
*When making a donation towards Matanot L'evyonim, please include a note that says "Matanot L'evyonim".
Chabad on the Coast will be distributing Matanos L'evyonim to local families and individuals on Purim on behalf of others in the community. All the money donated towards Matanot L'evyonim will be distributed to the needy on Purim.
The Mitzvah of Matanos L’evyonim is to give money or food to at least two needy people during the daylight hours of Purim. The ideal way to do this Mitzvah is to give to people in your own community on Purim day. Ideally, the amount should be enough to cover one meal for each of the needy individuals. If one cannot afford this amount a small amount for each individual suffices to fulfill the basic obligation of this Mitzvah.
Please donate in advance to ensure enough time for funds to be distributed on Purim day.
*When making a donation towards Matanot L'evyonim, please include a note that says "Matanot L'evyonim".
Machatzit Hashekel
What is Machatzit HaShekel?
The Mitzvah of Machatzit HaShekel was practiced during the time that the Beit HaMikdash stood in Jerusalem. Half a Shekel was collected from every member of the Jewish community, and the funds were allotted to the treasury of the Beit HaMikdash. Today, this Mitzva is done on the Fast of Esther.
It is customary to donate a sum of money equal to the value of the original half of a shekel. Today, in the year of 2026, the sum is about $22 USD or 68 NIS per person. This sum is traditionally donated to one's community or charity of choice.
*When making a donation towards Machatzit Hashekel, please include a note that says "Machatzit Hashekel".
What is Machatzit HaShekel?
The Mitzvah of Machatzit HaShekel was practiced during the time that the Beit HaMikdash stood in Jerusalem. Half a Shekel was collected from every member of the Jewish community, and the funds were allotted to the treasury of the Beit HaMikdash. Today, this Mitzva is done on the Fast of Esther.
It is customary to donate a sum of money equal to the value of the original half of a shekel. Today, in the year of 2026, the sum is about $22 USD or 68 NIS per person. This sum is traditionally donated to one's community or charity of choice.
*When making a donation towards Machatzit Hashekel, please include a note that says "Machatzit Hashekel".