Mishloach manot

Send Purim Jews edible gifts, called mixed Loach Manot, also Schlachmones to friends. They are classically composed of two portions, a pastry and a fruit. Even Haman Figurine from Ingwerteig and Hamantaschen ( Sephardic = Hamanohren ) are given away. Originally magnificent containers were used, today one takes specially -made or purchased boxes or bags.

The Yiddish word Schlachmones comes from Hebrew " משלוח מנות " and literally means something like " send portions". In general, the children are the bearers of the Schlachmones. In Israel Schlachmones also be sent to the soldiers of the Israeli army.

Background

The custom is based on the following passage from the Book of Esther:

" Mordechai wrote on everything that had happened. He sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus far and wide, and made them the duty of the fourteenth and to celebrate the fifteenth day of the month Adar in each year as a day of celebration. These are the days on which the Jews again had rest from their enemies; it is the month in which their sorrow turned into joy and their mourning into happiness. You should commit as solid days with food and drink and give presents to each other, and also to the poor they should give gifts "-. Esters, 9:20-22

• Festivals and traditions (Judaism )