To whom can I give my Matonos Loevyonim?

Matonos Loevyonim, one of the primary mitzvos of Purim, is to make the needy happy and share with them the joy of Yom Tov. One’s own simcha isn’t complete unless one shares it with others, and one should rather give additional gifts to the needy than give abundant mishloach manos.¹

While some explain that “evyonim” implies specifically to someone utterly destitute and reduced to begging (evyon),² most expand it to anyone struggling to meet normal living costs – food, clothing, or other essential expenses (oni).³ Moreover, one who lacks a stable job, cannot cover normal monthly expenses, and has no significant assets (apart from his home) may be labeled an evyon.⁴ Even after he has received some financial help, he may accept more (up to a year’s sustenance) if his lack is ongoing.⁵

If someone has his everyday needs covered but now needs funds to marry off a child, some include this in Matonos Loevyonim , while others consider it tzedaka but not part of Matonos Loevyonim.

A child or student who lives and eats at his parents’ home is generally not considered an evyon for this purpose. Since yeshivah students are provided with food and lodging, they wouldn’t seem to qualify . Yet, some communities maintain special Purim funds for them, and the Rebbe would donate on Purim to Kupas Bochurim (through Rabbi Mentlick a”h).

Chazal teach that on Purim, “Kol ha’poshet yad nosnim lo”—“Whoever extends his hand is given.” Many understand this to mean that on Purim, one should give to anyone who asks without demanding proof of need. However, this does not require giving large sums; even modest gifts fulfill the mitzvah.

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