Mishloach Manot also called Purim Baskets are gifts of food and drink that is sent to friends and relatives. The mitzvah of giving Mishloach Manot is spelled out in the Book of Esther, which instructs the Jewish People to observe the days of Purim as “days of feasting and gladness, and sending portions of food to one another …” It has developed into a tradition of sending baskets to friends and relatives as a sign of friendship.
AS WITH MANY OTHER CONGREGATIONS, THIS IS ONE OF OUR MAJOR FUNDRAISERS. We are often asked “how can you sell the baskets for $5 and still make money.” We can make money because no matter how many baskets are ordered for an individual, that person will receive one basket with a card. The card will explain the tradition of giving baskets and list the names of everyone that purchased a basket for that individual.
The baskets (gift boxes) will contain:
Child basket: Hamantaschen, juice box, chips, cheese crackers, fruit snack, candy bar, cow tales (candy) and a mask.
Adult basket: Hamantaschen, fruit, almonds, pastry, dark chocolate bar and fig newton.
Cost: $5 per basket
Discount: Send a basket to every synagogue member for $150.
We are sorry, but we cannot mail the baskets; they must be picked up. Baskets will be available for pickup at the Purim Party on February 23. For those not coming to the party, you can pick up your baskets one hour prior to the party.
So we ask that you begin thinking about people that you would like to send a basket. Send a check, payable to Sha’are Shalom, to Madelene Weinberger, 4826 Bryantown Road, Waldorf, MD 20601. On your list of recipients, please indicate if it’s an adult or child’s basket.
The last day to place an order is February 15.