It is easy to give to our friends. It’s harder to give to others who may need. These two mitzvot associated with Purim are an opportunity to give tzedakah to those who may need it the most. You can perform these two mitzvot from our webpage by giving to the Rabbi’s Charity Fund.

Donate to the Rabbi's Charity Fund

Zecher Le’Machatzit Ha’Shekel

Sephardim should give $7 per person before the megillah reading to tzedakah as a remembrance of the half a shekel given annually in the Bet Hamikdash at this time, to fund public sacrifices.

The Ashkenazi custom is to give three half-dollars coins to charity before the reading of the Megillah.

Matanot La’Evyonim

It is a Mitzvah incumbent on both men and women on Purim to give a monetary gift or food to at least two poor people. This monetary gift should be enough to buy a decent lunch — about $7.