We have explained previously that there is a Mitzvah for every Jewish man and woman to send at least two food portions to their respective friends on Purim day.
Mishloach Manot at Night
The Rosh (Megillah 1:6) quotes Rabbeinu Tam who writes that the Mitzvah of Mishloach Manot must be fulfilled specifically on Purim day, not Purim night, for the daytime is the primary time for the publicization of the miracle of Purim. Indeed, the Levush adds that Purim day is the time the Purim feast is held and is therefore the appropriate time for Mishloach Manot.
Thus, one who sends another Mishloach Manot on Purim night has not fulfilled his obligation and must do so once again on Purim day. One need not, however, send it to the same person one sent it to the night before and may send it to anyone one wishes.
There are those that prefer to deliver many Mishloach Manot packages on Purim night because they will not have enough time to get to all their friends the following day. Although there is certainly nothing wrong with doing so, one does not fulfill the Mitzvah in this manner and must make sure to send at least one package consisting of two food gifts to a friend the next day.
Can a Beverage be One of the Portions?
As we have explained, one must send at least two food portions to another to fulfill this Mitzvah. Therefore, if one sent only a piece of meat to one’s friend, even if it is an expensive cut, one has not fulfilled the Mitzvah.
The Gemara (Megillah 7a) seems to infer that one who sends another meat and a bottle of wine fulfills the Mitzvah, for wine is considered a portion as well. The same applies to other beverages as well (with the exclusion of water). The Terumat Ha’Deshen (Ch. 111) and other Acharonim agree. Maran zt”l rules likewise as well.
Bread and Another Cooked Food
Kaf Hachaim (Ch. 695) rules that one fulfills the Mitzvah of Mishloach Manot when one sends bread and another cooked food. Although others disagree and write that sending bread is not a sign of friendship and camaraderie since it is a basic food staple, nevertheless, the Halacha follows the Kaf Hachaim on this matter. This is especially true if one sends a specialty loaf of bread. Thus, those who send Mishloach Manot containing a roll and a dip fulfill their obligation of the Mitzvah in this way.
Our Custom Nowadays
The Poskim point out that although in prior generations, people would customarily send foods that could be incorporated into the Purim feast, nowadays, most people send sweets and junk food, and this is also in fulfillment of the Mitzvah. Rabbeinu Chaim Benbenisti rules likewise in his Shiyareh Kenesset Ha’Gedolah (Ch. 695). Some suggest that it is preferable to send at least one Mishloach Manot with actual meal items that can be incorporated into the Purim feast in order to satisfy all opinions.
