Mishloach manot

Mishloach manot (Hebrew: משלוח מנות [miʃˈlo.aχ maˈnot], literally, 'sending of portions'; also spelled and pronounced mishloach manos), or sh(a)lach mones (Yiddish: שלח־מנות Yiddish pronunciation: [ʃ(a)ɫaχˈmɔnəs]), and also called a Purim basket, are gifts of food or drink that are sent to family, friends and others on Purim day.

It is meant to ensure that everyone has enough food for the Purim feast held later in the day, and to increase love and friendship among Jews and their neighbors.

A bottle of soft drinks or a bag of potato chips fulfills this criterion; raw meat or a package of uncooked grains does not.

[3] Terumat Hadeshen of Israel Isserlein requires the foods to be fit for use at the festive Purim meal, held later in the day, as this is the purpose of mishloach manot.

In this way, an individual can fulfill his social obligations to many fellow members without having to buy, wrap and deliver the food gift personally.

Donors sign and mail the pre-printed cards, which state, "In lieu of mishloach manot, a donation has been made in your name to such-and-such organisation."

Gaily wrapped baskets of sweets, drinks and other foodstuffs given as mishloach manot on Purim day
Delivering mishloach manot in Ofra , Israel
Sending two different items (such as bags of candy or bottles of wine) that are ready-to-consume fulfills the Mitzvah, but more may be included, including items (such as tea bags) which need preparation and so do not count towards the Mitzvah.