manot

Manot is a Hebrew term meaning gifts or presents. In modern Hebrew, the common word for a gift is matan (singular) and matanot (plural); the form manot appears in transliterations and in specific traditional phrases, most notably Mishloach Manot, the Purim practice of sending food gifts to friends. The word is often rendered in English as “manot,” with the sense of portions or gifts exchanged during the holiday.

In Purim practice, two related terms center on the concept of giving. Mishloach Manot refers to sending gifts of edible items to others, a custom intended to foster community bonds and generosity. Matanot La’evyonim (gifts to the poor) refers to giving to needy individuals on Purim, reflecting the holiday’s communal and charitable dimensions. Rabbinic sources codify these practices as important Purim observances, though the exact customs and required quantities vary among communities.

Origins and cultural role: The Purim mitzvot originate in the biblical Book of Esther and were expanded in later rabbinic literature. Mishloach Manot emphasizes social exchange and solidarity, while Matanot La’evyonim emphasizes charitable responsibility. In contemporary practice, Mishloach Manot baskets range from simple to elaborate and are exchanged within families and between friends, often with attention to kosher standards and dietary restrictions.

Outside Purim, the word manot can simply denote gifts in everyday Hebrew usage. It remains a common term in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, used in both secular and religious contexts to describe presents or charitable gifts. See also Purim, Mishloach Manot, Matanot La’evyonim.