Zecher LeMachatzit HaShekel and Gifts for the Poor

Half-Shekel (Machatzit HaShekel) — for both Sephardim and Ashkenazim: • The most preferred (mehadrin) practice is to give about 90 NIS for each member of the household, including small children. • If this is not financially possible, the head of the household may give once on behalf of everyone and include them in the mitzvah. • If this is also difficult, it is sufficient to give three coins of half a shekel (½ NIS each). Gifts to the Poor (Matanot La’Evyonim): • Two gifts to two needy individuals. • Each gift should be enough for the recipient to purchase a proper meal. • Preferably, give money or food that will enable them to fulfill the Purim feast. • In practice, this amounts to at least about 100 NIS. • However, one may be lenient and give less, provided it enables the purchase of food for the meal.