PSA: Matanot La’evyonim > getting drunk on Purim

A casual reminder that giving matanot la’evyonim (giving money to the poor to buy food) is Halacha (mandatory) and getting drunk is not mandatory/ debatable. I served on the board of my local Jewish Family Services for the year of 2020. During the lockdowns we saw a HUGE increase in the client need and a donor base unable to rise to the demand. As inflation has worsened many food banks have had greater demand. Here’s my general recommendations: 1. Give locally- give to a kosher food bank/ soup kitchen/ food pantry close to where you live 2. Give $$$ not items (this is less relevant on Purim and generally a good practice). Food banks can buy in bulk at a price far better than what your ten cans of tuna can provide. 3. Don’t go to a seudah without first giving matanot la’evyonim