Related reading: Ne'ilah for Print, PDF, and Explanation and First Night of Hanukkah: Printable PDF and Explanation.
Matanot LaEvyonim, gifts to the poor, is one of the most practical and moving mitzvot of Purim: on Purim day, a person gives a gift or money to at least two people in need, so that the joy of the holiday reaches those who are struggling as well. Most people looking for a printable page need a quick, clear answer: what should be done, when should the gifts be given, who should receive them, how can children take part, and what should be checked before creating a PDF or activity sheet.
This page includes an original explanation, a recommended printable PDF structure, a child-friendly version, a preparation table FAQ a Purim quiz, and internal links. No fixed blessing text is included, because Matanot LaEvyonim is generally performed without a special blessing beforehand. If future versions add formal texts, transliteration, third-party images, donation receipts, or organization forms, those assets should be reviewed for source, wording, and licensing before publication.
What Is Matanot LaEvyonim?
Matanot LaEvyonim is a mitzvah mentioned in the Book of Esther as part of the days of Purim: feasting and joy, sending portions to one another, and gifts to the poor. It reminds us that Purim is not only a holiday of costumes, Megillah reading, and a festive meal; it is also a day when we make sure the celebration does not remain only with those who already have enough.
In practice, the mitzvah is fulfilled by giving to at least two poor or needy people. One may give money, food, or another useful gift, though in most cases money or a well-organized donation is the simplest way to ensure that the recipient can use the gift for the needs of the holiday.
What Should Be Done in Practice?
The simplest way to explain the mitzvah is: two recipients, one gift for each, on Purim day.
Printable helper table:
| Question | Short Answer | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Who receives it? | At least two people in need | This may be done through a reliable charity collector or organization that distributes on Purim |
| What is given? | Money or a useful gift | The gift should be meaningful and respectful, not merely symbolic |
| When is it given? | On Purim day itself | In most places on the 14th of Adar; in Jerusalem on the 15th |
| Who can take part? | Each person according to ability | Children can participate with adult guidance |
| Is there a blessing? | Generally no special blessing | A short personal intention may be said before giving |
A printable page should not replace halakhic guidance in complex cases. Its role is to help a family, class, or community organize the basics: choose a reliable way to give, make sure the money or gift reaches recipients on Purim, and connect children to the meaning of the mitzvah.
When Is Matanot LaEvyonim Given?
Matanot LaEvyonim is given on Purim day itself. In most places, that is the 14th of Adar. In Jerusalem and communities that observe Shushan Purim, it is given on the 15th of Adar. In 2026, according to commonly published Purim calendars, most places give on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, while Jerusalem gives on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
If one donates before Purim through a charity organization, it is important to confirm that the money will be distributed on Purim itself or through a halakhically appropriate arrangement. When there is doubt about timing, location, agency, or method of giving, consult a rabbi or local charity collector.
How to Prepare a Printable PDF
A good Matanot LaEvyonim printable should be short, clear, and respectful. It should not turn the mitzvah into a heavy fundraising campaign; it should help people remember the essence: give on time, give to two recipients, and give with the intention of bringing joy.
Recommended PDF structure:
1. Title: "Matanot LaEvyonim for Purim - what to do and when." 2. Short summary: give to at least two people in need on Purim day. 3. Preparation checklist: amount or gift, two recipients, reliable delivery method, date reminder. 4. Simple table: "who receives / when / how to confirm it arrived." 5. Child-friendly line: "On Purim we make sure that people who have less can also rejoice." 6. Space for a family decision: whom do we want to help this year? 7. Short Purim quiz. 8..
On the website, include a PDF download button, a clean mobile reading view, and quick navigation between "what to do," "when to give," "children," " FAQ " and "quiz."
For Children: How to Explain Matanot LaEvyonim
You can explain it like this:
"On Purim we rejoice, wear costumes, hear the Megillah, and send Mishloach Manot. But some people have difficulty buying food or preparing for a happy holiday. That is why on Purim we give Matanot LaEvyonim: we help at least two people who need help, so they too can rejoice."
Discussion question: If joy grows when we share it, what small action could bring joy to someone on Purim?
Family or Classroom Activity
Print a small card for each child:
- Write what Matanot LaEvyonim means in one sentence.
- Mark two possible ways to help: money, a meal, donation through a charity collector, or community support.
- Write a short intention: "I give so that others can rejoice on Purim too."
- After Purim, mark: "The gift was delivered on time."
In class, add a short discussion: what is the difference between a gift to a friend and help for someone who lacks what they need? This connects Mishloach Manot and Matanot LaEvyonim without confusing the two mitzvot.
Purim Quiz: Questions About Matanot LaEvyonim
- At minimum, to how many people in need should one give Matanot LaEvyonim?
- Is the mitzvah fulfilled on Purim day or before Purim?
- What is the difference between Matanot LaEvyonim and Mishloach Manot?
- Can children take part in the mitzvah?
- Why is it important to make sure the gift arrives on time?
- Which is preferable for the basic mitzvah: one large gift to one person, or giving to two people?
- In which biblical book is Matanot LaEvyonim mentioned?
- Why is this mitzvah especially important to the joy of Purim?
Facilitator Answers
One gives to at least two people in need, on Purim day itself. Mishloach Manot is food or drink sent to another person to increase friendship and joy, while Matanot LaEvyonim supports people in need so that they too can rejoice. Children can participate with adult guidance. It is important to confirm timely delivery because this is a mitzvah of Purim day. The source is the Book of Esther.
Making the Page Useful Online
The page should answer the search intent immediately: "How do I fulfill Matanot LaEvyonim, and what can I print?" At the top, include a summary, an action table, and a PDF download button. Then add the child-friendly explanation, family activity FAQ and quiz.
Recommended navigation:
- What is Matanot LaEvyonim
- What to do in practice
- When to give
- Printable PDF
- For children
- Activity and quiz
FAQ
How much should be given for Matanot LaEvyonim?
The practical minimum is to give a gift to at least two people in need. The amount depends on one's ability, local custom, and what is considered a meaningful gift. When in doubt, consult a rabbi or trusted charity collector.
Must the gift be money?
Not necessarily, but money is usually the simplest and most flexible form, because the recipient can use it for the needs of the holiday. Food or another useful gift may also be appropriate when it is clearly suitable and joyful.
When is the mitzvah fulfilled?
On Purim day itself. In most places this is the 14th of Adar, while in Jerusalem and communities observing Shushan Purim it is the 15th of Adar.
Does a donation before Purim count?
A donation before Purim can be good preparation, but one should confirm that the money will reach poor recipients on Purim day itself or through an agent or organization operating according to halakhic guidance. When in doubt, check in advance.
Can children fulfill Matanot LaEvyonim?
Yes. Children can participate with adult guidance, such as preparing coins for charity, choosing a giving destination together, or writing a short intention. The main lesson is that giving is part of Purim joy.
What is the difference between Matanot LaEvyonim and Mishloach Manot?
Mishloach Manot is sending food or drink to another person to increase friendship and joy. Matanot LaEvyonim is giving to people in need, so that those who lack resources can also participate in the joy of the holiday.
Is there a special blessing before Matanot LaEvyonim?
Generally, no special blessing is recited before the mitzvah. A person may say a short personal intention, such as "I give in order to increase joy on Purim," but no binding text should be included without source and wording review.
Can one give through an app or bank transfer?
Modern payment methods can be used when it is clear that the money will be delivered to people in need at the proper time by a reliable party. Confirm the distribution details rather than relying on a general donation unrelated to Purim.
Online Quiz Idea
Game name: "Purim Joy for Everyone." The user receives cards such as charity money, Mishloach Manot, noisemaker, festive meal, two gifts for two people in need, greeting note, and Megillah. Each card must be dragged into one of three categories: Matanot LaEvyonim, other Purim mitzvah, or nice extra. The closing reflection asks: how can we make sure that someone who is struggling also rejoices on Purim?
Recommended Schema
- Article
- BreadcrumbList
- FAQ Page
- HowTo for preparing a printable Matanot LaEvyonim sheet