What are Purim mishloach manot?

Mishloach manotmishloach manotמִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת"Sending of portions" (Hebrew). Baskets of sweets and other foods exchanged among friends on Purim. are gifts of food that friends (and prospective new friends!) exchange on Purim. We are instructed in the scroll of Esther (9:19) to send gifts to one another.

Often presented in baskets, mishloach manot include at least two different types of food, including hamantaschenhamantaschenאֹזֶן הָמָןTriangle-shaped pastries commonly filled with apricot jam or poppyseed spread (or other fillings) and eaten on Purim; the shape represents Haman's hat or ears , the traditional three-sided pastry eaten on Purim. Many families purchase or bake hamantaschen to include in these baskets and to enjoy at home. Mishloach manot may also include a wide variety of foods and treats. These gifts are frequently referred to by their Yiddish name, shalachmanos.

Matanot la-evyonimmatanot la-evyonim מַתָּנוֹת לָאֶבְיוֹנִים“Presents for the poor” (Hebrew). Tzedakah (charitable giving) in honor of Purim. , a second Purim tradition, are gifts given at this season to those in need so that they, too, can celebrate Purim with a special meal (Esther 9:22). Many families have committed to participating in this important social justice aspect of the holiday. 

Check out this cute video for a few mishloach manot ideas, then find even more creative ideas to try this year: