וChelek 6
- Every man and woman rich or poor must give at least two gifts on Purim. One to each oni. The gift can be food or money that is able to be spent on food for Purim. (ShA – MB , )
- It is better to spend more on Matonos Le’evyonim rather than spending more on the seuda and Shalach Monos. (MB )
- The minimum two prutos must come from your own account, the additional can come from maaser gelt. (MB )
- As a memorial for Machtzis Hashekel you should give three halves of the standard currency of your time and place. It should be given before Mincha on the eve of Purim. (Rama – MB )
- The ikar din is for a man to give Machtzis Hashekel from age 13. (MB )
- The minhag is to give Machtzis Hashekel even on behalf of your underaged sons. (MB )
- A poor person who receives money on Purim is allowed to spend it on non-Purim needs if he so wishes. (Rama – MB )
- We must not be particular about the validity of a tzedoka cause on Purim – anyone who stretches out his hand for a nedova, we give to him. (ShA )
- Unless a city has a minhag only to give to Jews, you can even give to the gentile poor if it will promote peace. (ShA – ShaH 11)