Purim is unique in that the manner in which we celebrate revolves around giving to others, in the form of Mishloach Manos and Matanos L’Evyonim. While the other Yomim Tovim are celebrated through a day of rest, Hallel and seudos, Purim is unique in that it is celebrated mostly through giving presents to friends and distributing to the poor. What is the significance of this unique distinction, and why did Anshei Kneses Hagedolah single out this Yom Tov in this way? There are various reasons behind this singular difference, which are discussed in the Rishonim and Poskim, and each one has its Halachic ramifications.

Among the questions discussed:

· How important is the actual shiur of the food given with regard to fulfilling this Mitzvah? For example, is one yotzei with an impressive-looking or expensive Mishloach Manos package that contains only a minimal shiur of food?
· Can one be yotzeh with drinks - e.g., a fancy water bottle, wine etc.?
· What are the reasons behind the chumrah discussed by the Poskim to give through a shaliach?
· Can one give Mishloach Manos at night?
· Can one be mekayem Mishloach Manos and Matanos L’Evyonim together – e.g, the recipient is an “ani”?
· Can the two manos be of the same type of food (two different types of meat or two different types of wine)?
· What if the Mishloach Manos was sent but never arrived - is he yotzeh his Mitzva?
· Can one send before Purim to be enjoyed on Purim?
· Is it preferable to send something significant to an important and respected individual?
· Should the Mishloach Manos be something that can be used at the Seudas Purim?
· If a group of people are eating the seudah together, and each is contributing food to that seuda, can that be considered Mishloach Manos?
· If the recipient doesn’t know who sent it, is the sender still mekayem the Mitzvah?
· Does the food need to be already prepared so that it can be eaten as is – for example, can you send raw meat?